Spring applications for graduate school are due soon and as you’re applying, you may start panicking about how you’re going to pay for it all. No worries though, if you are considering an advanced degree, these options will help you pursue a graduate degree with affordability in mind. Here are some tips on how to save for your education.

Tuition Assistance

Many companies offer tuition assistance to employees who are pursuing a higher degree. It doesn’t hurt to investigate or ask what your company offers in terms of corporate assistance, because in the long run, it’ll benefit the company. You may be surprised to find that your company already has formal policies in place regarding tuition benefits. Make an appointment with your HR representative to find out if your employer offers tuition reimbursement and the details regarding these benefits.

Scholarships

Several scholarships are available to graduate students based for various academic, need-based, merit-based or other achievements to help pay for their education expenses and generally do not require repayment. For example, the American Institute of CPAs sponsors a number of scholarships for students pursuing degrees and careers in Finance and Accounting. The GetEducated.com Distance Learning scholarship is offered twice a year with deadlines on March 15 and October 15. There are various options offered through UGA that online students can qualify for, including an out-of-state tuition waiver. A lot of these opportunities are available through individual departments, so information can be found by visiting the departmental websites. Visit FastWEB for additional links to opportunities open to graduate students.

There are also free scholarship sites such as The College Board, GAfutures.org and GoodCall. FinAid provides free information regarding scholarships. Visit UGA’s Office of Financial Aid to explore your options.

Military Assistance

The Military Tuition Assistance program is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members. The program can help lessen financial concerns considerably, since it now pays up to 100 percent of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and can be taken from accredited institutions.

While the Tuition Assistance program is offered by the services, the Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs. Some of the VA programs, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, can work well with the TA program, as it can supplement fees not covered by TA. In addition, the Post-9/11 GI Bill funds are available to you for up to 15 years after you leave the military. The TA program is a benefit that is available only while you’re in the service. Each military branch has its own TA application form and procedures, so it is important to check their websites for the correct application procedures.

Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

Graduate School Finance Webinars

The Graduate School offers a free financial education program to all UGA graduate students. All of the webinars are online, an hour long and discuss topics such as credit, loans, budgeting and more. Be on the lookout to register for these immensely helpful webinars.