Scholarships for environmental master's?

[UndeclaredStudies]

Hello, so I was accepted into Duke Nicholas school, U-Michigan SNRE, and UCSB Bren for their master's programs, and wow are these programs expensive. Out of state for U-Michigan, my first choice, is 40 grand?? I was offered a 3k award, but that really isn't enough. Yes, I am very appreciative of getting this award, but in all honesty I will need more than that. Is there a way of possibly asking for more? I am guessing no, but maybe if I demonstrate that I am serious about attending? Also, does anyone know of any scholarships for programs like these? I will be studying sustainability as a means of improving low-income communities in urban areas, so maybe I can qualify for some specialty scholarships? Also I am Latino if that helps. All I have found is the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. So many scholarships I have found seem to have deadlines that passed before I even knew I was admitted! With everything I here about it not being worth it to go in debt over a master's degree I feel it might be dangerous to shell out full tuition, but if I can get it down to half or so, then I should be good. Just need a little advice here on how i can secure some funding for school!

[betun]

If you cannot afford it and would like to receive more funding, state that in a professional email or call one of the persons in the admission committee. There are several threads on negotiation where people have successfully increased funding by just asking for more.

[UndeclaredStudies]

Hmm ok well then I think I will try then! I am just wondering if I should actually ask the question or try to just imply the big question. Have you decided on a program yet? Were you considering SNRE?

[betun]

3 hours ago, UndeclaredStudies said:

Hmm ok well then I think I will try then! I am just wondering if I should actually ask the question or try to just imply the big question. Have you decided on a program yet? Were you considering SNRE?

That's your call but from personal experience there isn't anything wrong with asking directly but politely. Had considered SNRE but did not apply as I did not have official transcripts available from my university on time. Otherwise I would have applied. I only applied to Duke Nicholas among the three you mentioned and got selected. However, I am also considering public affairs programs with environmental concentration at a couple of ivies and the MDP program at Berkeley; as they have given fellowship offerings within similar range, decision is tough. Would be finalizing soon.

[UndeclaredStudies]

Wow Berkeley, impressive! I was really disappointed when I found out I got rejected. I have wanted to go there since I was 10... But congrats to you, the MDP program sounds really good! Also some ivies? Wow! Also I am looking at the SNRE website and the final deadline for MS/MLA is April 30th so it looks like you can still apply. I am going to craft a very professional email for SNRE about financial assistance, thanks!

[GradSchoolTruther]

On March 26, 2016 at 6:14 PM, betun said:

If you cannot afford it and would like to receive more funding, state that in a professional email or call one of the persons in the admission committee. There are several threads on negotiation where people have successfully increased funding by just asking for more.

Asking for funding is a request and not a negotiation. 

[betun]

On 28/03/2016 at 3:05 AM, GradSchoolTruther said:

Asking for funding is a request and not a negotiation. 

You are right. From personal experience too, I can say that it is not a negotiation. However, for searching on Grad Cafe, one would have to use the keyword negotiation as the word has been used in threads in  past years.

[betun]

On 28/03/2016 at 2:59 AM, UndeclaredStudies said:

Wow Berkeley, impressive! I was really disappointed when I found out I got rejected. I have wanted to go there since I was 10... But congrats to you, the MDP program sounds really good! Also some ivies? Wow! Also I am looking at the SNRE website and the final deadline for MS/MLA is April 30th so it looks like you can still apply. I am going to craft a very professional email for SNRE about financial assistance, thanks!

Thanks Applying before April end, well...late applications generally do not receive full financial aid consideration. About your request, while stating you need, do emphasize your fit for the program. They too must feel that you will be an asset to them. Best of luck!