I need some advice in regards to scholarships. I don’t know so much about them. Well, I have learned a lot from this forum though, but I still have some questions.
I graduate next year from Regis University in Denver. (Spring, 16) with a BA in Social Sciences. I want to go to Graduate School. I am either applying to Masters of Applied Statistics at CSU or Masters in Finance and Economics from CU Denver. I do have some tuition reimbursement from work that I can use to cover some of the expenses. Tuition reimbursement is $5750 per year, which could be used in one or 2 semesters, they don’t care. Based on the tuition cost, tuition reimbursement will cover only 2 graduate classes per year, so it will almost be gone in the first semester. Based on my calculation, I will need about $5000 to $6000 more per year in order be able to pay for the remaining 3 classes each year. Therefore, I am doing research in regards to scholarships to cover that remaining balance, to see if it is possible. I have some questions:
1.- Is it true that one can get awarded multiple scholarships at the same time? Scholarships from the school and outside of the school?
2.- Is it realistic to get enough scholarships to cover the remaining 5k-6k I need per year through multiple scholarships? If not, what amount is more realistic? so I can plan for my out-of-pocket expense.
3.- I read on the CSU Financial Aid website that many scholarships do not get used. Per CSU: “The CSU Graduate School website provides information on available non-CSU internships, scholarships, and fellowship opportunities. Each year, many scholarships go unused because students are unaware of their availability. We recommend you research the abundance of scholarships and your fit with their requirements.” Is this true? ( http://www.online.colostate.edu/faqs/financial-aid.dot#scholarships )
4.- Is it difficult to renew the scholarship for the second year, assuming of course that I keep good grades and that the scholarship offers a renewal option?
“Each year, many scholarships go unused because students are unaware of their availability. We recommend you research the abundance of scholarships and your fit with their requirements.”
“Is this true?”
huh??
OP- think.
Why would CSU put that on their website if it is NOT true??
Contact the graduate admissions office directly and ask them the questions you have, since they are specific to that college.
In general, most masters programs are paid for entirely by the student.
They are a profit center for Universities.
Scholarships for masters degrees are rare
Financial aid for masters programs is usually based on the strength of your application and the schools desire to have you as a member of the graduate cohort. Aid comes in the form of scholarships, grants, assistantships, fellowships, sometimes work study, and loans.
If you will be applying as a full time grad student, it is possible you might be awarded one of the above. Almost every department has some money for graduate school stipends…but they are competitive and not awarded to everyone.
Contact the schools and find out who you can talk to about aid opportunities in your program.
I hesitate to answer these questions as framed because I’m not sure you are asking the right ones but let’s try:
Yes you can usually get multiple scholarships, if you get any or are lucky to get several. Likely there will be some requirement that awards don't exceed costs, or your school award may be reduced.
No, it is not realistic to think you will get enough not to have to come up with some or all funds yourself. No one can say what you might get as awards for MS really are not growing on trees, and no one can say if you will get any at all. Some may be for 500$.
Is it true some may go unused, I have not really heard this but it could be. I would hope they would know and not mislead you. Realize that some of those you may not meet qualifications for depending on your ethnicity, area of study etc. some are for women only, afr. Amer., native amer, Latino, studying something to do with the potato industry.
http://graduateschool.colostate.edu/financial-resources/scholarships.aspx
This is specific to each individual award.
Some of those awards listed are dead ends. Click the McNair link and read that there is no McNair offered at CSU, huh? Some may not apply for online degrees. Some may not meet your demographic. Don’t forget to read up on scholarships from professional associations associated with your major.