How to afford graduate school - Page 2

http://www.dreamresourcecenter.org/gradd.html

Have you contacted GRADD yet?

But yeah, the CA Dream Act should cover most Master degrees and if you're going for a PhD you should receive a funding offer that includes waiving the tuition plus a stipend for being an RA/TA.

Yeah she went to Fresno State part time for 8 years while working full time. She just completed her first semester of grad school while still working full-time (between 2 jobs). She wasn't able to get financial aid because she wasn't eligible for CA Dream Act and by the time she did receive her green card, the FAFSA deadline had passed. She still applied, but was only offered student loans.

That's why I believe that if you do work and live within your means then going to grad school is very doable. If you look at some of the state universities in CA and you pay in-state tuition, you're looking at about $2,500 give or take per semester.

I think it's very doable, if you're willing to work your ass off and make some financial sacrifices.
It took me 6 years to complete two bachelors business degrees working full time to pay for them without any outside help.
Luckily for me, I had great summer jobs bar tending/waiting tables on the weekends. I was able to cover a full years tuition plus extra rent money in about 5 1/2 months during peak season at that job. After that all I had to worry about was other basic living expenses. That being said, while this was a weekend job, I was still pulling 40 hrs a week on just 2 1/2 to 3 days of work... This was from open to close Friday thru Sunday, my weekends were non existent ever since I can remember.

Fast forward to now with DACA, everything seems much more simple, especially for those who already have a degree and can work on their field and earn a decent living. I've been out of school for a year now and I plan on starting my MBA this fall. I've been able to save up about 1/3 of the total program costs, I plan of asking my employer to cover another portion of it. The advantage we have as DACA recipients is that we don't have to finish the program within a certain time frame, plus most grad courses are on the weekends which enables us to hold full time jobs. I plan on acquiring my MBA in 2 to 2 1/2 years if possible while working full time, but I must admit, it sure does feel great knowing that we have options.

Get a loan from a private institution. You would be at an advantage if you currently have a relationship with one and have maintained stellar credit. Get a job lined up before you graduate. SInce you will have a graduate degree, your job will be top notch and you will make good money. Start paying off the loan.

I appreciate all the info guys!! My educational goals don't seem too unattainable now.

Of possible interest is SB 1210, The California DREAM Loan program.

After amendment in the state senate it would apply to all degrees, including graduate degrees. The aid amount is capped at $4,000 a year and $20,000 total. Note, SB1210 hasn't passed yet but who knows?

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/f...01320140SB1210

hmm I'd take that.

Masters in what, and which schools?

Occupational Therapy. I don't know yet but I live in Southern California.

What most people at my school and other top schools do is postpone their undergraduate graduation by a year and finish the masters degree in one year (fewer classes). This enables them to receive undergraduate financial aid while finishing a masters. Another way is to get involved in a research lab and have the PI pay for your masters (more difficult).