JB Pritzker, Governor, State of Illinois

Advanced Degree

Furthering your education with a master’s, doctoral or professional degree can benefit your life and career. Although an advanced degree can be hard work, attaining one will often make you a more qualified candidate for high-level positions and can take your career to new heights. For others, an advanced degree is desired to further personal knowledge and experience.

When deciding to attend graduate or professional school, you shouldn't necessarily have to worry about cost. Yes, earning an advanced degree can be expensive. But with the right planning and financial resources, you can successfully fund your higher degree.

You (and your spouse, if you're married) have the primary responsibility of paying for your higher education. Sometimes, however, a family's resources are not enough to pay all the expenses related to obtaining an advanced degree. Different types of financial aid - including grants, scholarships, loans, work-study and other graduate-specific programs - are available to help.

For additional information about paying for graduate school, review the Financial Aid for Graduate Studies area of the Mapping Your Future website, and the Financial Aid for Graduate and Professional Degree Students and Grad School Preparation Checklist resources at the Federal Student Aid website.