Graduate Financial Aid
Paying for Graduate School
Finance your future with confidence.
Graduate school is an investment in your future, but you need to have a plan to pay tuition bills if you want to be successful now. Financial aid, scholarships, assistantships and employer benefits can help reduce your costs and make earning an advanced degree more affordable. Whether you're enrolling full-time or balancing graduate school with work and family responsibilities, there are several ways to help finance your education.
How You Can Pay for Grad School
Scholarships, grants, assistantships, loans and tuition discounts can help offset costs of a graduate education. Most graduate students begin with these steps:
1File Your FAFSA
If you're eligible, it's a good idea to file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to explore federal student loans. Also, it's sometimes the first step in determining financial need for other funding sources. The FAFSA is completed through studentaid.gov. After you FAFSA is processed, you may be offered Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and you'll have the opportunity to accept or decline the offer.
Remember to use UW-Green Bay's school code: 003899.
2 Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships can help reduce your educational expenses without requiring repayment. Opportunities, application deadlines and eligibility requirements vary. Begin by completing the UW-Green Bay Scholarship application and see which others match your situation.
UW-Green Bay Foundation
Complete one application to be considered for multiple need-based and merit-based scholarship opportunities.
Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) Grant
The AOP grant is funded by the State of Wisconsin, and is intended to encourage and assist minority or disadvantaged graduate students with educational costs.
Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO)
PEO offers several scholarships for international women to pursue education.
Phi Kappa Phi
With a community of more than 1.5 million members, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society offers benefits and resources to help develop success. Visit their website to see a list of programs, eligibility requirements and how to apply.
WI Indian Grant (WIG)
Wisconsin Indian Grant (WIG) awards are made to students who are Wisconsin residents and are at least 25% Native American. Awards are based on financial need with a limit of ten semesters of eligibility.
Nursing Leadership
The Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Executives, Inc. (WONE) has education funds available for Wisconsin nurses seeking an advanced degree related to nursing leadership.
3 Explore Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistantships allow you to gain professional experience while helping offset educational costs. They offer stipends or wages, tuition support and valuable hands-on experience in your field.
4 Check Employer Tuition Assistance
Some workplaces offer educational assistance programs—or may begin a program if asked. Ask your employer if they offer an employee tuition reimbursement program to help cover some of the cost of graduate studies. Even partial reimbursement can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
5Seek Private Loan Options
Once you've exhausted other options, seek a private loan through a bank or credit union of your choice.
Other Ways to Offset Graduate Costs
Here are some other ways you can save money while earning your graduate degree at UW-Green Bay.
Non-Resident Tuition Discounts
If you're an international or out-of-state graduate student with a good undergraduate academic record, you can qualify for tuition discounts that make non-resident tuition rates more affordable.
Conferences & Workshops
You can offset expenses when presenting at a conference with a Graduate Studies Travel Grant.
Student Employment
Looking for additional income while earning your degree? Once you're admitted, you can supplement your finances with student employment opportunities. Student jobs are available on- or off-campus and are designed to be flexible to fit into your academic schedule.
Veteran Benefits
As a veteran or dependent of a veteran, you are entitled to educational benefits. Find out what is available to you for state, federal and dependent veteran benefits.
AmeriCorps Education Benefits
As a designated School of National Service, UW-Green Bay recognizes educational benefits available to eligible AmeriCorps alumni. Benefits include scholarships, academic credit, awards for educational expenses like books and other personal costs.
Financial Aid FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions about assistance paying for Graduate Studies at UW-Green Bay.
What financial aid is available for grad students?
As a graduate student, you have multiple ways to fund your degree. Many graduate students work while they pursue their degree. Most students use a combination of options depending on their program and goals. Below are a list of available options:
- Graduate Assistantships
- UW-Green Bay Scholarships
- Non-resident tuition discount
- External Scholarships
- Grants
- Federal Financial Aid (loans)
- Employer Tuition Assistance
- On-campus employment
- Veteran's Benefits
How do people afford grad school?
Most graduate students don’t rely on a single funding source. Instead, they layer multiple strategies. Students typically offset UW-Green Bay's affordable tuition with assistantships and scholarships, earn income while enrolled, and use loans strategically—not exclusively.
- Choose an Affordable Program - you're in the right spot. UW-Green Bay's graduate programs are high quality and are more affordable than most.
- Graduate Assistantships - gain experience and get paid
- Scholarships & Grants - this is free money that you don't have to pay back
- Federal Financial Aid - these are loans you must repay. To get an offer, file the FAFSA.
- Employer Tuition Assistance - ask your employer if they offer educational assistance programs
- Part-time Work - Some students balance part-time work with their coursework.
Can you get financial aid for graduate school?
Yes. Most degree-seeking students who are admitted to a UW-Green Bay graduate program are eligible to receive federal financial aid.
Need help?
If you have questions about tuition aid, please get in touch with Kate LaCount, our Graduate Programs Manager.