Graduate Options

[Elotemuygrande]

Hey guys, I just filled out a FAFSA and the estimated contribution that it gave me was a whopping 18k! Cost of attendance at the graduate school I'm planning to attend this Spring is <5k(not including gas and time off work) meaning(I think) that I probably won't receive any federal aid? Are their any other loan or grant programs that I should look into besides Stafford loans for graduate studies in Mathematics? I figure my backup plan is an education loan from Penfed.

[hoapres]

If you are doing graduate studies in Mathematics then you should be looking at a TA, RA or Fellowship. A PhD in Mathematics (and preferably from a top 10 school) is going to be needed to justify both the time and expense.

[aluminumfalcon]

You may still receive some federal grant aid, just not enough to cover a majority of the costs.

 

As previously mentioned, TAing is a good source. I've actually found it the easiest, if you score a good Professor. Also, with a math undergrad degree, you can usually find local school districts that will pay to attend grad school in exchange for a short-term (a few years) contract to the district. Some even offer p/t teaching w/ emergency credentials for sciences, not saying the school will be in the best area, though.

You have a lot of options. First, contact your financial aid office to estimate package info, then ask about other opportunities available for Spring. Do this ASAP because most Spring deadlines are around the first of December. I, in fact, have two to finish this week. Good luck!

[Nemo128]

Highly doubtful you'd get any federal grants at that school with that EFC.

 

The school could easily extend an academics-based grant to you if your incoming transcript and GRE scores are within whatever guidelines they have for their institutional aid.

 

Fellowships are always difficult to get, you should go to the school's math department and start making your intentions and hopes known. Best way to score one is to let everyone possible know that you want one.

 

Being a TA for the undergrad courses is a great route to getting aid for your graduate degree.

 

Avoid loans. Why pay for a grad degree when, if you are patient, you can find ways to get it paid for?