Tips for Paying for Graduate School
Posted: September 09, 2025 | Author: Nick Marinoff | Read Time: 3 minutes
Pursuing a master’s degree at Southern Utah University can open doors to new career opportunities and personal growth. While SUU’s graduate degrees can cost less than many other schools across the country, the price can still be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to help pay for your education.
Scholarships and Tuition Waivers
Several SUU graduate programs have scholarships available for students. When applying for graduate school, reach out to your program's department head or advisor in order to learn about degree or research-specific scholarships.
SUU’s Financial Aid office can assist with scholarships, tuition-wavers, and any other financial needs.
Additionally, SUU offers the Let’s GO Master’s Degree Scholarship to help students begin their master’s education. There are also various scholarship websites available to browse and apply for scholarships. Some scholarship databases are:
Tuition Reimbursement
Some employers will offer tuition reimbursement as a part of their employee benefits package, where they will reimburse employees for tuition fees or other education costs after the employee has initially paid for them. This can cover a significant portion of tuition costs, often up to a certain amount per semester. Many larger, more established companies offer tuition assistance to their employees as well. Check with your HR department to see if your employer has a tuition reimbursement program, and when applying for jobs, be on the lookout for such programs.
Southern Utah University offers similar benefits to its employees and faculty. Tuition waivers are available to all full-time employees and to the spouses of employees, where tuition and institutional student fees are waived for nine or fewer credit hours per semester.
Graduate Assistantships
The assistantships that are offered through the graduate departments can help fund master’s degrees for students. For example, SUU’s Master of Arts in Professional Communication offers opportunities for Online Utah Resident Students to apply for teaching and non-teaching assistantships that will help them fund their master’s degree while in the program. Reach out to your graduate program’s department to find out more about available assistantships.
Loans
Federal loans are a reliable option if you need additional funding for your master’s degree. Direct unsubsidized loans can help students pay their tuition and fees for graduate school. Also, Grad Plus Loans can help graduate students pay for education expenses that are not covered by other financial aid. However, it’s essential to understand the terms of a loan. Be aware of the interest rates, repayment plans, and any associated fees before committing to a loan. Be sure to complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for loans and financial aid.
Part-Time Jobs
Part-time jobs are a great way to bring in more income to help pay for graduate school, groceries, rent, and more. Look for flexible part-time positions that will fit your schedule, such as an on-campus job.
It’s also possible to start a side hustle that adds to your monthly income. Whether it’s starting a small business or mowing lawns, it's important to factor in the different seasons of the year to stay prepared, such as landscaping during the spring and shoveling snow during the winter. There are many other opportunities for you to start a side hustle that could help pay for graduate school.
Another way to supplement your income is by freelancing. If you have marketable skills, such as writing, graphic design, or tutoring, consider freelancing your work in order to earn extra money.
Paying for graduate school can take some time and creativity, but with different options, you can develop a financial plan that works for you. For more help, contact SUU’s graduate programs and financial aid office
