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Your guide to graduate school

Thinking about grad school? Sallie’s here for you every step of the way. Compare programs, costs, and future opportunities, then find ways to plan and pay for graduate school that make sense for your goals.

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Start with outcomes

Get the full picture of your education costs and career path. The time to question your decision is before you make it.

Decide what matters most to you

Choosing a graduate school is rarely about just one thing. Students often consider financial aid (36%), location (33%), and program curriculum (27%) when narrowing down their options. The right fit depends on your priorities, whether that's affordability, academics, location, career goals, or something else entirely.

Source: Sallie's "Grad School Decision Matrix"

Scout Grad School Search

Explore and compare grad schools by location, cost, academics, campus life, and more, so you can narrow down your list and find the right fit.

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grad-video-thumb-1 Real college advice: Grad school pros, cons, and everything in between
of grad students who entered their program with clear goals are satisfied with their decision to pursue a grad degree.

Compared to just 60% of those who enrolled without goals.

Source: "Sallie's Grad School Confidence Report"

Check where your program can take you

Before you commit, look into the career paths, salaries, and the real-world payoff of your grad degree.
Still deciding? Explore your degree options
MBA School Law school Medical school Dental school Veterinary school Computer science Data science Engineering Education
Explore all graduate degree programs

Build your plan to apply

Planning a little before you start filling out applications can go a long way. Learn what to expect, stay on top of deadlines, and get ready for each step of the application process.
Learn what you need to know about
Admissions timeline Applications essays Recommendation letters Entrance exams
Plan your grad school applications

Get the best deal

Find free money first, then borrow responsibly. Look for ways to keep your costs down every year.

Go after scholarships, grants, and graduate aid

Free money is real, so apply early and apply often. Even small awards can add up and lower what you need to borrow.

Graduate students lower their costs through scholarships, grants, fellowships, assistantships, and employer tuition help.

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Get a head start on scholarships

Even if you haven’t picked a graduate program yet, you can (and should) apply for graduate scholarships. Starting ASAP can give you more options and less competition.

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Scholly® Scholarships

Find and go after grad school scholarships that fit your background, field of study, and goals.

Find scholarships
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Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships

Apply to multiple scholarships with just one short form.

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$5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship

Enter to win our monthly no essay scholarship in 2 minutes or less.

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Don’t skip the FAFSA®

Even though financial aid looks different for grad students, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is still clutch. You’ll need it to apply for federal student loans and certain types of aid from your school.

Explore our FAFSA® guide

Borrow smart

If scholarships and financial aid aren’t enough, graduate student loans can help cover remaining education expenses.

Graduate student loans

Cut costs where you can so you borrow only what you need. Choose a student loan that fits your future, not just your right now. A smaller loan today means more freedom tomorrow.

Smart borrowing resources
Student loan guide PLUS loan changes How to pay for graduate school
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Get the best deal

Know the different loan types

Borrowing is more common than you think. The key is borrowing smart. Federal and private loans come with different rates, rules, and repayment options. Knowing how they compare helps you choose what actually works for your budget and future. 

of students who prepare financially ahead of time say they’re highly satisfied with their education experience.

Compared to about 70% of those who don’t.

Source: "Sallie's Grad School Confidence Report"

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FAQs about graduate school

What is graduate school?

Graduate school includes advanced education after a bachelor's degree, such as master's, doctoral, and professional degree programs.

Is graduate school worth it?

The value of graduate school depends on your goals, field of study, expected earnings, and the total cost of your education.

How do you pay for graduate school?

Many students use a combination of scholarships, grants, assistantships, employer benefits, federal aid, and graduate student loans.

Can graduate students get financial aid?

Yes. Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, grants, federal loans, and other funding opportunities.

What loans are available for graduate students?

Graduate students may have access to federal student loans and private graduate student loans.

Can you get scholarships for graduate school?

Yes. Many schools, employers, professional associations, and organizations offer scholarships for graduate students.

How long is graduate school?

Program length varies, but many graduate degrees take between one and seven years to complete.

What's the difference between graduate school and postgraduate school?

The terms are often used interchangeably to describe education pursued after earning a bachelor's degree.

How do you apply to graduate school?

Application requirements vary by school but often include transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and test scores.

What graduate degree should I choose?

The right degree depends on your interests, career goals, professional requirements, and desired outcomes.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.