By Tamara
It may seem as though the majority of scholarship programs are targeting high school seniors and undergraduate students, but there are available graduate student scholarships, too. Students should begin their search at their college financial aid office, as there may be programs within specific college departments or awards for those who pursue a certain degree program. Additional resources include potential employers and local businesses, as many companies now invest in those who agree to commit a certain amount of service in exchange for financial assistance. Students should also check out these 10 scholarships for graduate students, if they want to make a dent in their college tuition bill.
1. GraduatePrograms.com Scholarship
First in the list of scholarships for graduate students is GraduatePrograms.com scholarship. Current graduate students, or those who have graduated within the last five years, may be eligible for one of four $1,000 scholarships provided annually through this college graduate program review service. Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
2. Solano Association of Realtors Scholarship
Graduate students residing within the boundaries of the Solano Association of Realtors may be eligible for this $1,000 scholarship. Students should be pursuing a career in real estate, finance or business. Deadline: Applications are accepted throughout the year.
3. EDvestinU National Monthly Scholarship Giveaway
The New Hampshire Higher Education Loan Corporation provides three $1,000 scholarships each month to undergraduate and graduate students. Students from any state may apply. Deadline: Last day of every month.
4. Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
To enter, students must write an essay of 800 to 1,600 words responding to one of three questions listed on the Ayn Rand Institute website. Prizes range in value from $50 to $10,000 each. Deadline: September 17.
5. AfterCollege Science Student Scholarship
Students who are majoring in science or engineering may apply for one of four $500 scholarships offered through this program. Deadline: September 30.
6. Slipstream Poetry Contest
Graduate students who are interested in writing may submit up to 40 pages of poetry (in any style) for a chance to win $1,000 and 50 printed copies of their book. Deadline: December 1.
7.BestPrice Nutrition and Health Scholarship
Best Price Nutrition offers one $1,000 scholarships for graduate students who have an interest in the impact of nutrition on health. Students must submit an essay (750 words or less) for a chance to win. Deadline: December 31.
8. Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest
The Gallery Collection offers this annual scholarship contest to students who are 14 years and older, including graduate students. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship, as well as a $1,000 grant for his/her college. Deadline: February 18.
9. Top Technology Scholarship
Another scholarships for graduate students is the Top Technology scholarship. Students must submit a blog entry discussing their favorite technology and why it is an important part of their lives. One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded. Deadline: April 30.
10. ScholarshipExperts.com Scholarship Programs
Every month, students have an opportunity to win a scholarship sponsored by ScholarshipExperts.com. Students must submit a short essay (250 words or less) addressing the current topic. Awards vary in value from $1,000 to $5,000 each. Deadline: Last day of each month.
If a scholarship program does not specifically state an award is for undergraduate study, students should check with the provider to see if it may be used for graduate studies, as well. It may also be beneficial to look into college honor societies and Greek fraternities or sororities, as many of these organizations offer graduate-level scholarships to their members. Of course, students can increase their chances of finding scholarships by using one of the many free scholarship search services, such as ScholarshipExperts.com, or by scouring social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook. The money is out there, students just need to know where to look.