It doesn’t much matter what your specialty is, but a graduate degree will always give you an edge when it comes to building a career or getting a higher annual salary. However, it is no secret that education is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination! That’s why, if you have just completed your undergrads and you are looking to get your masters degree, we have compiled the following list of ways to cut down on the costs and make even an expensive MS degree affordable for you.
Get your master’s degree online
There are just so many advantages to studying online that more and more students are starting to choose the internet for completing their education every year. To get an idea of what we are talking about here, check the following points.
- There is no added cost of commuting, boarding or food expenses
- Online masters programs are flexible enough that you can even hold down a job while studying
- You can pursue more than just one line of education due to the flexible nature of online courses
- The tuition fees are usually much lower than traditional courses
- All classes, lectures, etc., are always available for going through multiple times
- Employers do not discriminate between an online graduate and a regular graduate
- You can even choose to finish your degree much faster if you have the capability to do so
The only thing to ensure if you do choose to study online is that the program is offered by a reputed university like Kaplan University, that offers a course which fits you, for example Kaplan’s programs typically can be completed within 2 years.
Employer funding
This is valid in two situations and they are as follows.
- If you are a student who just completed his/her undergraduate degree and passed out with good grades, then you should apply for jobs that require a master’s degree because many employers hire fresh undergrads with potential and fund their master’s degree. However, you may have to work for them under contract for a few years at least, if they do fund your graduation.
- If you are an exceptional employee with significant work experience, then a lot of companies might be willing to fund you through your graduation as well, provided you work for them under contract (in most cases).
Search for applicable financial aid or scholarships
Talk with various universities and educational organisations to find out more about the available scholarships in your field of education. After you have a list to work with, look for ones that apply to your situation and your grades. The same goes for financial aid as well. A lot of private and government organisations offer various types of financial help to students depending on multiple factors; you just need to find the one that’s right for you.
Getting a master degree may not seem like a big deal when you are younger, and especially if you consider the immediate costs of completing graduation to the benefits of getting a job as an undergrad. Nevertheless, there will be a point in your career down the line, where you will realise that without a degree, getting ahead is nearly impossible. To avoid that situation from ever occurring, it is recommended that you complete your degree as soon as possible, even if it requires a few years of sacrifice.
