Graduate School Bargains: Do They Exist?
Posted by admin
Amber Smith asked:
Graduate school really has no bargains, at least not the type you’d normally think about. No one is going to give you a coupon for school or send you a discount in the mail, but there are definitely ways to save money while you’re in graduate school.
Scholarships and Grants
First of all, always look for scholarships and grants that may be available either through your school or through a professional organization related to your future career. Many of these are overlooked by other students, so you may have a pretty good chance at getting this money.
Special Loans
Sometimes you can find special loans that are available for people entering your profession. These may have lower interest rates, different types of payments plans, or other perks. Search around for these, but only sign up if the company is reputable and the terms are guaranteed not to change.
Used Books
Here’s a more practical way to save some money in graduate school. Only buy used books, and never buy books before a class begins. Many returning students think that a class will actually require all the books, but most of the time this isn’t true. Where possible, wait the first few days of class to see if you will actually be using the book. If you are, then try to find it used on Half.com or another discount site. The great part about used books is that you’ll probably find lots of great notes in the margins, just waiting to help you.
Student Discounts
The final way to get a bargain in graduate school is to take advantage of the student discounts. The best discounts are those on computers and software. You will discover that these discounts can actually save you hundreds, even thousands, on important supplies. Local businesses including restaurants and hairdressers may also offer discounts to students at your university, so always ask.
Not the Norm
Saving money and finding discounts in graduate school isn’t like going grocery shopping with coupons, but you can find some really amazing deals. Just be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the next time that you can save money as a student.
Annie
Graduate school really has no bargains, at least not the type you’d normally think about. No one is going to give you a coupon for school or send you a discount in the mail, but there are definitely ways to save money while you’re in graduate school.
Scholarships and Grants
First of all, always look for scholarships and grants that may be available either through your school or through a professional organization related to your future career. Many of these are overlooked by other students, so you may have a pretty good chance at getting this money.
Special Loans
Sometimes you can find special loans that are available for people entering your profession. These may have lower interest rates, different types of payments plans, or other perks. Search around for these, but only sign up if the company is reputable and the terms are guaranteed not to change.
Used Books
Here’s a more practical way to save some money in graduate school. Only buy used books, and never buy books before a class begins. Many returning students think that a class will actually require all the books, but most of the time this isn’t true. Where possible, wait the first few days of class to see if you will actually be using the book. If you are, then try to find it used on Half.com or another discount site. The great part about used books is that you’ll probably find lots of great notes in the margins, just waiting to help you.
Student Discounts
The final way to get a bargain in graduate school is to take advantage of the student discounts. The best discounts are those on computers and software. You will discover that these discounts can actually save you hundreds, even thousands, on important supplies. Local businesses including restaurants and hairdressers may also offer discounts to students at your university, so always ask.
Not the Norm
Saving money and finding discounts in graduate school isn’t like going grocery shopping with coupons, but you can find some really amazing deals. Just be sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the next time that you can save money as a student.
Annie
