Higher education in the United States can be quite expensive. One of the biggest challenges faced by students while searching for graduate schools or institutions of higher learning is the total expenditure involved. Graduate programs offered by reputed universities and institutions of higher learning can be quite expensive. Since graduate programs demand the full attention of a student, it may not be possible to get a part-time job outside to make up for the expenditure.

Fortunately, it is possible to find various school grants to pursue a Masters or PhD program in the United States these days. Such school grants are either funded by the federal government or by some independent entities. Hard working students can also get research grants, fellowships and scholarships offered directly by institutions of higher learning. Below you will find a compilation of different types of school grants that you can avail to fund your higher education:

Scholarships funded by the federal government: A number of departments of the United States government provide financial grants for higher education. In this case, a student has to prove the financial need. This financial need can be demonstrated on the basis of the FAFSA (Free Application For Federal Student Aid). Many scholarships are awarded on the basis of a student’s research proposal during the previous years at a graduate school or academic performance in the past.

United States DOE Fellowships: Students willing to attend a graduate program in arts, social sciences or humanities can take advantage of this fellowship offered by the Department of Education. Students from different academic streams can apply for this fellowship. This fellowship covers a student’s tuition and fees. Also, the student is provided with a regular stipend as well. After about 4 years, the fellowship can be renewed again.

Scholarships for graduate programs from independent entities: A large number of business entities, philanthropic organizations and academic societies offer scholarships for graduate programs. Normally, these are the groups or entities that find great value in higher education and therefore, provide funding to financially weak and academically bright students. Graduate school grants available under this category may vary a great deal. Usually, such scholarships are based on a student’s financial need or community involvement.

However, many scholarships are purely awarded on the basis of a student’s academic performance in the past and his or her determination to attend an institution of higher learning.

Scholarships offered by Hertz Foundation: Students pursuing a PhD program in physical sciences or engineering can apply for scholarships offered by Hertz Foundation. This scholarship funds a student’s tuition, fees and personal expenditures to some extent. The foundation provides additional funding to students who have dependents. This scholarship can be renewed over a period of 2 years.

Grants for minorities: Many educational grants are available for minority ethnic groups as well as women. These grants are offered to ensure a diverse and enriching ambiance at an institution of higher learning. These grants may come from different types of federal, private or philanthropic organizations.

As long as a student is willing to work hard and study further, there is a ray of hope in the form of various school grants.