<p>Hi everyone, I'm starting to look into MA programs in Historical Preservation, and before I was more focused on doing a Ph.D where funding seems to be more accessible, so I didn't really think about it, so now I have a few general questions. </p>
<p>1) When programs say they do need-based financial aid, how is that typically evaluated? Is it like FAFSA style, or is there a different grad school system? And why do they require my parents' financial info when I'm financially independent?</p>
<p>2) My advisor told me about PhD programs that if you didn't get funding, you should probably reconsider going. What about MA programs? I know MA students don't usually get the same level of funding, but should I expect some? </p>
<p>3) Does anyone have a ballpark of how much debt is typical coming out of school? I've paid off my undergrad loans, but in just raw tuition, grad school could cost me up to about $50,000 year (plus you know...food and rent and books and stuff). I could probably expect to make about $50,000/year when I'm done (it's not the most lucrative field). I don't have a good public school option right now UW-Madison doesn't have the program. </p>
<p>Any guidance on the whole paying for a master's degree thing is appreciated. I'm still really early in the process so I don't necessarily have particular schools in mind - I'm still trying to wrap my head around the feasibility of going back to school at all when I have a decent job.</p>