Determine all of the expenses associated with your master's program. This will include tuition, books, living expenses and any research funds you may need. Most institutions have tuition costs listed on their website. Many schools will also have estimates of what your living expenses may be while in school. Factor in whether or not you will be pursuing part-time or full-time education and whether you will attempt to work while obtaining your degree.
Begin searching for possible funding about 12 to 18 months before your enrollment in the program. Many scholarship, grant and assistantship deadlines are set at least one year before the school year begins. Often these types of funding require academic excellence, a definitive plan for education and career possibilities after you receive your degree, in addition to academic and professional references.
File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To apply you must be a U.S. citizen. This form can be filled out online or on a hard copy. The application gives the government information about your financial standing and determines financial need. Graduate students are eligible for PLUS loans, which are federal loans designed to cover full or partial costs for postgraduate programs. After filing your FAFSA, you will receive information on what loans you are eligible for. If applying for a private loan, you will need to fill out a FAFSA.
Attend conferences, seminars and graduate school events. At these events you can network to find opportunities to secure funding, as well as learn about funding opportunities available to you. These types of events can be a great resource to meet other students and discuss the struggles of finding the right type of funding.
Work and save money throughout the year leading up to your education enrollment date. With a detailed financial plan, you should be able to save a considerable amount of money which can curb the costs of education and living expenses. You may also want to consider working while pursuing your degree. Many institutions offer assistantships, in which you work for the institution with which you are obtaining your degree, in order to pay for your education.