Need-Based Funding

[hikarizx]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows how need-based funding works for grad school. When do schools send out that information? I'm expecting mostly loans but it's possible that they can offer grants as well, correct? Thanks.

[rising_star]

There really isn't much need-based funding at the graduate level, except in the form of Stafford loans.

[timshea]

^There really isn't any need-based funding, at least federal, at the graduate level. There are tons of fellowships (generally longer, more money, more prestige), some scholarships (shorter, less money), and assistantships in many fields, but these are almost all based on merit, not need. Since it's assumed you will be supporting yourself and attending full time or else working a separate job, everyone has equal need. Theoretically, at least.