If you are planning to pursue a graduate degree in the “Bay State,” then Massachusetts offers plenty of scholarships to help students pay their tuition fees and afford education. With beautiful coastal views and the lively city of Boston, Massachusetts is an exceptional place to earn your degree.
Unlike undergraduate students, graduate students have fewer financial aid options and rely on scholarships to complete their education. Loans are available, but they can lead to serious financial debt, which is why scholarships can make a huge difference. In this blog, we will discuss various scholarships for graduate students in Massachusetts, how to apply, and how you can focus on your future career.
Types Of Scholarships You Can Get In Massachusetts
Graduate school can be expensive, but do not let the costs hold you back from a promising future. Before we walk through graduate scholarships, it is necessary to understand the different types of scholarships that you can get in Massachusetts, which include:
| Merit-Based Scholarships | Students with excellent academic achievements can get these scholarships. If they continue to meet the criteria, then the scholarship remains till the degree is completed. |
| Need-Based Scholarships | Students who need financial aid to continue their education are given need-based scholarships. |
| Minority Scholarships | Minority and diversity scholarships are given to students from underrepresented communities to promote inclusion. |
| Field-Specific Scholarships | These scholarships are provided to students who pursue careers in specific fields, such as healthcare, engineering, science, etc. |
| Nationally Competitive Scholarships | These scholarships are available for students who are looking for additional opportunities, such as studying abroad, conducting research, and attending graduate school. |
The Best Scholarships For Graduate Students In Massachusetts
Here are some of the best scholarships for graduate students in Massachusetts that you can choose from to focus on your studies and future career:
Massachusetts Public Service Grant
The Massachusetts Public Service Grant is given to students who are pursuing careers in specific fields such as healthcare, teaching and social work. To qualify for this grant, you need to be enrolled in a public or private Massachusetts university, be a resident of Massachusetts, and submit the FAFSA to check your financial need. However, the award amount depends on the available funding and financial need of a graduate student.
Foster Child Grant Program
The Foster Child Grant Program provides scholarships to students who are Massachusetts residents and have lived in foster care for at least 12 months. The award amount for this scholarship is $6000 per year. To apply for this scholarship, you need to have full documentation of your foster history and also submit the FAFSA to check financial need.
MASSGrant
MassGrant is a scholarship that is awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education for both undergraduate and graduate programs. This scholarship is only given to students who are in dire need of financial aid and who live in Massachusetts. However, the award amount depends on the financial need and available funds.
Paul Tsongas Scholarship
This scholarship was named after the former U.S. senator Paul Tsongas and is only available for Massachusetts residents who are pursuing graduate studies. It covers full tuition and mandatory fees for students with high academic achievements. To apply for this scholarship, you must submit the FAFSA to show your financial need and contact your school’s financial aid office to check for eligibility.
John & Abigail Adams Scholarship
The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship that is given to students with excellent academic records. It not only supports undergraduates but also accepts graduate programs in Massachusetts. You have to be a Massachusetts resident to get this scholarship and have high scores on the MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System). In addition, students must make sure that they are eligible for this scholarship by checking their graduate program.
Tips To Remember When You Apply For Scholarships
- Always conduct extensive research for graduate scholarships. Make sure they match your residential status, field of study and financial situation.
- Scholarship deadlines can be very strict. Hence, you should mark your calendars and apply on time.
- Many scholarships demand personal statements for essays. You can use this to highlight your academic achievements, experiences, and career goals. If you cannot write a compelling essay, then you can use essay writing services to craft a well-written and structured personal statement that matches the requirements of your scholarship.
- Try to get an excellent recommendation letter from your professor to make a good impression as an applicant. Moreover, you must make sure that you submit all documents that are required for your scholarship application.
Final Thoughts
There are many scholarships for graduate programs in Massachusetts. You can remove your financial burden and focus on your academic goals by applying for the right scholarship. Additionally, you can use proofreading and editing services to refine your work while submitting scholarship essays. This will help you take a confident step in your academic journey.