Here’s some extra (low confidence) info regarding financial aid:
Some programs will have a link on their website where you can talk to a program coordinator or admissions officer. Talking to this person before you apply and forming a good impression may help you secure a much nicer financial aid package when you get accepted. This varies by school and it’s luck-of-the-draw whether you hit it off with someone. Generally, you should be genuine and approach the meeting with curiosity over topics like when certain faculty teach. But that person may have info on how to best negotiate financial aid or they may even be able to champion the financial aid package for you internally.
Diversity-based aid is extremely rare and I don’t know anyone who’s personally gotten it. But I think if you have a especially rough hardship story or rare background for your field (the kind that warrants a local newspaper article or university profile) AND you’re a good student, you’re likely to get some money for that.
Finally, if you’re price-sensitive and willing to take some risk, newer Master’s programs and/or lower-tier programs tend to offer generous packages because they’re trying to establish their brands. I wouldn’t recommend this, but if you just want the credential, this does get you through at a lower price. Or if you know and trust one of the program coordinators / faculty personally, maybe you could take a risk at a newer program.
Here’s some extra (low confidence) info regarding financial aid:
Some programs will have a link on their website where you can talk to a program coordinator or admissions officer. Talking to this person before you apply and forming a good impression may help you secure a much nicer financial aid package when you get accepted. This varies by school and it’s luck-of-the-draw whether you hit it off with someone. Generally, you should be genuine and approach the meeting with curiosity over topics like when certain faculty teach. But that person may have info on how to best negotiate financial aid or they may even be able to champion the financial aid package for you internally.
Diversity-based aid is extremely rare and I don’t know anyone who’s personally gotten it. But I think if you have a especially rough hardship story or rare background for your field (the kind that warrants a local newspaper article or university profile) AND you’re a good student, you’re likely to get some money for that.
Finally, if you’re price-sensitive and willing to take some risk, newer Master’s programs and/or lower-tier programs tend to offer generous packages because they’re trying to establish their brands. I wouldn’t recommend this, but if you just want the credential, this does get you through at a lower price. Or if you know and trust one of the program coordinators / faculty personally, maybe you could take a risk at a newer program.