<p>I am just starting my search for graduate schools and the financial aid packages that might be available for me. I have a high GPA - 3.9+, non-traditional student (41), first generation graduate and disabled. I want to go to graduate school but don't know how I can afford it without grants/scholarships, etc. </p>
<p>Where would be a good place to start to find graduate school financial aid?</p>
<p>FA for grad school comes from the school itself, or your own employer (if they agree to pay).</p>
<p>FA (free money) for grad school is nearly always merit-based for GRE scores and GPA (or whatever test scores are provided).</p>
<p>FA (free money) for masters programs are much harder to get. Most people have to take out Grad Plus loans, which can be hard to pay back.</p>
<p>what degree are you seeking? PhD programs are often funded.</p>
<p>What are you planning to study? It makes a difference in how grad study is typically financed.</p>
<p>If you are disabled you should check into Vocational Rehab benefits in your state of residence. Some states will provide grants for education leading to employment.</p>
<p>For a research-based degree (even a Master’s in some cases) in a STEM field, apply for NSF Fellowship <a href=“http://www.nsfgrfp.org/”>http://www.nsfgrfp.org/</a> in addition to finding programs where grad students are supported via Teaching and or Research Assistantships. Often the assistantships cover tuition plus a stipend for living expenses. Those are more typically available for PhD students than Master’s Students as Mom2 stated.</p>
<p>Another possibility is to get a job with employment benefits, and do the graduate study part-time on the employer’s dime.</p>