Now, if you're a Millennial like me who doesn't come from money, this is something you've probably thought about if you've considered going to grad school. When I first made the decision to start applying to schools, I thought "How the heck am I going to pay for this!?", and I went straight to the internet. I already have about $50,000 in student loan debt from my undergraduate degree, so taking out more loans wasn't an option for me. Here's how I'm planning on making it through.
- Go to an affordable school.
This one may seem obvious, but a degree is only really worth what you do with it. Some may say that networking opportunities are superior at Ivy League schools, but for the regular person, spending the extra forty thousand or so dollars a year just isn’t realistic, and will not be worth the investment. I chose Bridgewater State because its’ known for being an affordable university. Their graduate school fees for my program currently add up to about ten thousand dollars a year.
- Get your side gig on.
UberEats, DoorDash, GrubHub, waitressing, whatever you can do to make extra income. This one depends on what your life looks like. I’m a married female with two cats, so my free time is generally my own. You may have to sacrifice some family time, and it may be the last thing you want to do after working a 40-hour week, but it will be worth it in the long run. I started driving for DoorDash and UberEats which allows me to make a few hundred extra dollars per week depending on how many hours I can get in.
- Pick a longer program.
Choosing a longer program to complete your degree means the cost is divided as well. Many schools offer payment plans when requested. I picked a three year program because it was long enough to make the payments manageable, and short enough that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- Get a job at the University you’re attending
Now this one may take a bit of forethought and planning, but typically employees receive discounted or even free tuition. I chose to keep my current full-time job as it's close to my own home, flexible, and my school is on the cheaper side. Some schools also offer graduate assistantships, writer fellowships, or even part-time graduate assistantships that provide discounted or free tuition.
Now, some people may have no choice but to take out loans due to personal circumstances, and that’s OKAY! Make the choice that’s best for you and your family. Shoot me an email at contact@mckenziejohnston.com and let me know how you plan on funding graduate school.
Check out my Youtube Channel for more content: McKenzie Johnston - YouTube
How I got started in social work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhcGXKNMaCY&t=9s
5 Things you should never say to clients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I24ygQBQ17c
Unboxing the Microsoft laptop go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6wLjNSfXdc
5 Tips for building rapport with clients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpFKBGKvo8M&t=35s
