Expensive Grad School on the Horizon?
My daughter was a very strong college student, despite the upheaval Covid caused. Even with her world falling apart her last semester after my husband died unexpectedly, she finished strong. She both double majored with a minor in one, plus worked no less than two jobs after her freshman year. She graduated Suma Cum Laude with national honors in three different disciplines. She's had two internships, plus two Americorps/ Climate Corps stints. I'm not bragging, well maybe a bit, but these are facts. She worked hard in college and now out. Being in education, I can't imagine she'd not be a strong candidate for a few top schools that have the program she'd like to pursue starting next fall.
We have no idea what she might qualify for in financial support. She'd be over 24 by then, plus, as a student with only one parent, that might factor in. She'll of course pursue merit based opportunities for scholarships. I have some money set aside for her, and there's still some in a 529 from her grandparents. She's got a couple education stipends from Americorps. She's also banked and banked anything she could so has some personal savings. She'd still work at least part time. Then, we look at the price tag across all these possibilities and realize how quickly after tuition, school supplies and books, living expenses, and travel home will add up for a 2-3 year program, and balloons deflate a bit.
She'd have a very specialized though universally adaptable degree in her field, so employability would be high. Nothing of course is a given. We're just going to wait and see after she spends the next 4-6 months applying, doing the pre-work, and finding out what she might be able to access before ruling out anything. I'm just happy she's feeling strong and resilient enough to start the process. This is huge for her and it's too early to let the air out of said balloons because of the price tag. More to come.
I work in Higher Ed and I would advise her to check out Graduate Assistant positions. At my school, they not only give them a bit of cash throughout the semester, but also offset part of their tuition. It might also be in her major/area of study for even more awesomeness that she has! Check with the program she is interested in or if the school has an over-arching Graduate School, they can often let you know about GAs and timelines. Best of luck!!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea- she'll need to look at everything possible. She's got to fona lot of research.
DeleteShe sounds very accomplished. That is wonderful
ReplyDeleteShe is, but also anxiety filled. It's a been a hard 17 months.
DeleteThat is amazing that she finished strong after your dh passed. I wish her the best in her latest venture. :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a goal that kept her focused. She wanted to stay busy.
DeleteI recommend she applies for gradate assistant positions. They cover most tuition and provide some stipend. She may need to reach out to a professor at the university she's applying to, that always helps make her name stand out. At larger schools the faculty usually has a say in decisions.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that suggestion. She'll need to build allies.
DeleteBrag away! You should be proud of her and she should be proud of herself. Best of luck with the admissions process.
ReplyDeleteShe's feeling like she's lost a year, but I think grad school is better a bit older.
DeleteMy daughter was midway through her Phd when Tony died , and she took several months out as she just could not focus . She’s returned to her programme now , and like her daughter ( I suspect ) loves to be in education - she hopes to get a post at a University once she has defended her thesis . Costs in the UK are lower for tuition , but there are fewer sources of financial aid , so Rosie also works - mostly in freelance publishing- but I support her in any way I can and know that she will never regret staying in education. I hope that for your daughter too
ReplyDeleteSiobhan x
It's going to be a huge stretch of resources if she gets into and goes to one of these schools. I will support as much as I possibly can.
DeleteGood job! definitely apply and see where it goes. There is a blog, the Occasional Nomads and on of their daughters got essentially a pretty big scholarship for her either PhD or Masters. Crossing my fingers for you guys!
ReplyDeleteI will check that blog out. That would sure help.
Deleteshe blogs about their retirement and travels actually - but she may be able to help with any scholarship info, she seems pretty open to talking to folks!
DeleteHuge congrats to your daughter - she sounds very resilient & academically focused. Well done. I invested in grad school (MBA) & while the ROI can be different for a business focused graduate degree, I have nothing but great things to say about my decision. I don't know much about graduate assistant positions, but from what I've heard casually, they sound like they would be a great option for your daughter (Hawaii Planner).
ReplyDeleteSadly, her resiliency took a huge hit. That's why this is so monumental that she's back thinking this is possible.
DeleteI don't understand any of the ins and outs but don't blame you for being proud of your clever daughter. xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm proud how hard she has worked. She is still working hard to overcome her stress.
DeleteIf these facts about her accomplishments are bragging, so be it. She sounds very focused as a student. She should do well. She will leave her house? I wonder if the house will be considered in her assets to determine her need. Probably not since my home did not figure in any aid I would receive in grad school.
ReplyDeleteThis is my younger daughter. She doesn't have a house.
DeleteYou should be very proud, Sam! Hopefully once all info is collected, you will be able to help her make the best decision at that time time. Sounds like you & hubby raised great kids!
ReplyDeleteThey are all trying so hard to keep moving on with their life. She's who I worry the most about as she hadn't even got out of college before losing her dad.
DeleteShe sounds like Wonder Woman! That is so awesome! I pray that everything works out in her favor and she can do it as affordably as possible. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteShe tried to make the most of her college years despite Covid, but grief for her dad has been a huge hurdle.
DeleteHer accomplishments are very impressive! I think she would be a perfect fit for grad school. We haven’t gotten to that point personally, but my friend’s son is currently pursuing a Masters and he is involved with the Graduate Assistant program too and it’s definitely helped him out. Just echoing the other commenters on that. Regardless, sounds like with her work ethic and talents that she will be an asset wherever she lands! JoAnn
ReplyDeleteI know she is a fit for grad school, it's a couple particular programs in a couple very expensive schools that's the shock factor. But, if it's meant to be we'll make it work. The graduate assistants program sure seems an good option to explore.
DeleteCongratulations!!!!! Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteHer success, and her decision to be made. I'm just the cheerleader.
DeleteShe is obviously very hard working and deserves all her success!
ReplyDeleteNow hoping she can push herself to make something of her dream to happen. She gets filled with anxiety and freezes.
DeleteKudos for your youngest daughter's hard work in school! Did you ever say what she majored in and what she'd go to Grad School for? Some degrees have a much better ROI than others in that regard. It's a lot of $$ to shell out for a Master's or Phd after all.
ReplyDeleteI'd say go to a trade school if you want a guarantee of a well paying job personally what with how our economy is tracking and the lack of competent trades people. But that's just me. 8-))
I haven't and am not going to because I don't want input and feedback on her choices and decisions. I believe people need to follow their passions while getting education that is going to support employment. The ROI is a consideration, but not the driver. There's a lot of miserable people working in jobs only to earn a paycheck. 40 hours a week is a lot of time to intentionally be unhappy.
Delete