Paying for Graduate School

Learn how to pay for graduate and professional school, how to qualify for as much financial aid as possible and find guidance on affordability and loan forgiveness.

Graduate school guides and tip sheets

How to pay for grad school: the basics

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Applying to graduate school? Here's how to pay for it.

If you’re considering graduate school in 2024, make sure you have a funding plan in place ahead of time. Costs for graduate school can vary greatly depending on the type and length of the program, but there are opportunities to help cut down out-of-pocket costs. Cecilia Clark, our student loans expert, walks through all of the options available, and how to get started.

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College Ave Private Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on College Ave

College Ave

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
College Ave Private Student Loan logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

3.19% - 17.99%

Min. credit score 

Mid-600s

Check Rate

on College Ave

Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on Sallie Mae

Sallie Mae

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Sallie Mae Undergraduate Student Loan logo

4.5

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

3.19% - 16.99%

Min. credit score 

Mid-600's

Check Rate

on Sallie Mae

Ascent Private Student Loan logo
Check Rate

on Ascent

Ascent

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Ascent Private Student Loan logo

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Fixed APR 

3.09% - 14.41%

Min. credit score 

Low-Mid 600s

Check Rate

on Ascent

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