Insights on Paying as Little as Possible for a Degree in the Health Professions

At first glance, the expenses associated with earning a graduate degree in the healthcare field can seem daunting. But don’t let a program’s official sticker price deter you from pursuing your dream. By carefully researching and applying for scholarships that target students like you, you could receive enough funding to cover a significant chunk of your expenses.

Considering that workers with graduate degrees earn more money over the course of their lifetimes than those with lower levels of education, any expense you do incur while paying for grad school may prove to be a wise long-term investment.

Finding the Right Scholarships

Due to the sheer number of scholarships available, finding the right one can seem overwhelming at first. In fact, the opposite is true. The wealth of funding opportunities means there are healthcare scholarships out there for almost every type of student, including financial awards based on applicants’ field of study, ethnicity and unique life circumstances. Some grad schools also provide generous tuition discounts for alumni of their undergraduate programs and for family members of their employees. Would you consider returning to your alma mater as a grad student if you were welcomed back with a tuition break?

Start your scholarship search by filling out the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, which most schools require aid applicants to complete. Deadlines apply and vary depending on your state and school, so don’t delay. Make this your first priority.

Next, visit Salle Mae’s web site for specific information about available scholarships in medical school, dental school and other health professions graduate schools.

Once you’ve exhausted your scholarship opportunities, consider looking for grants designed to assist students in your shoes. Like scholarships, grants require no repayment. Unlike scholarships — which are often based on academic performance — grants are often based on financial need.

For more information about pursuing — and paying for — a graduate education that will lead to a healthcare career, be sure to review the additional resources here.