Cost is one of the biggest questions master’s students have — and for good reason. If you're balancing work, family and other financial priorities, paying for a master's degree can feel overwhelming.
The good news is that most students don't pay for graduate school through a single source. Scholarships, federal loans, employer tuition assistance and payment plans can all help reduce out-of-pocket costs. If you're considering an online master's degree at Brown University, here's what to know about your options.
Key takeaways
- Most students combine more than one funding source.
- Students enrolled in online master’s degree programs may qualify for scholarships and financial aid.
- Working professionals can strategically minimize out-of-pocket costs by leveraging corporate tuition reimbursement programs.
- Admitted applicants at Brown University are automatically considered for program-specific scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition.
Ways to pay for your master’s degree
There isn't a single "right" way to pay for a master’s degree. Many students combine scholarships, federal loans, employer benefits and payment plans based on their circumstances.
Here's an overview of the most common options.
| Funding type | Key features | Eligibility |
| Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan | Financial access across all income brackets, regardless of demonstrated financial need | Financial access across all income brackets, regardless of demonstrated financial need |
| Scholarships | Merit, professional identity, industry alignment or community leadership | Requirements vary by institution and foundation |
| Veteran support | GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program | Qualifying veterans and military personnel |
| Employer tuition benefits | Provided by employers to support professional development | Check eligibility with your employer |
| Tuition payment plans | Split a large tuition bill into smaller installments over the semester or academic year | All graduate students can enroll |
Brown University’s online master’s programs offer generous merit scholarships, veteran benefits and more to make a Brown education accessible. Please visit Graduate Student Funding and Support for more information.
Scholarship options for online master’s degrees
Many institutions, including Brown University, offer merit scholarships that can cover part of your tuition for a master’s degree. In addition to institutional scholarships, you may use external scholarship awards to further lower your costs for graduate school.
Institutional merit scholarships
University merit scholarships are awarded to exceptional professionals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and academic excellence.
All admitted applicants at Brown University are automatically considered for merit scholarships up to 50% of tuition, no additional scholarship application is required.
External scholarship opportunities
In addition to university scholarships, you may be eligible for awards from professional associations, nonprofit organizations or employers. External scholarships are distinct, nonrepayable grants funded by private foundations, professional associations and corporate philanthropic programs.
Expanding your funding options beyond the university can take some planning. As you explore external scholarships and other sources of support, consider the following:
- Look to professional associations: National and industry-specific organizations may offer scholarships or funding for professionals pursuing an advanced degree.
- Use trusted sources: Focus on reputable education directories, professional organizations and scholarship databases when researching opportunities.
- Start early: Give yourself time to gather recommendation letters, update your resume and prepare any required application materials.
- Check eligibility requirements: Confirm that the funding can be used for an online graduate program before applying.
Discover more scholarship opportunities.
Federal financial aid for graduate students
Many online master’s programs hold the same regional accreditation as traditional on-campus programs, making qualified online students eligible for federal education loan pools. Graduate students can access the Direct Unsubsidized Loan by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Direct Unsubsidized Loan allows eligible students to borrow up to a fixed annual limit — typically $20,500 — independent of personal financial need.
How to get your employer to pay for your master’s degree
Many employers offer tuition assistance as part of their professional development benefits. If you're currently working, it's worth asking your HR department whether your organization offers reimbursement.
Before you meet with your manager:
- Review your company's tuition assistance policy.
- Be prepared to explain how the program supports your current role or future responsibilities.
- Ask about reimbursement limits, grade requirements and any continued-employment commitments.
Brown master’s funding opportunities and payment options
Brown strives to make graduate study more affordable. In addition to generous university merit scholarships available to all online master’s programs, the School of Professional Studies also offers a corporate match scholarship covering up to 20% of tuition costs for the online master's in management, master's in organizational leadership and master’s in business analytics programs.
Schedule a call with an adviser to see what funding you are eligible for.
Military-affiliated student support
For active-duty service members, veterans and military dependents, Brown University coordinates comprehensive state and federal benefit pools. Qualified students, including online graduate students at Brown SPS, can use Post-9/11 GI Bill® funding, Yellow Ribbon Program allocations and other specialized assistance options to cover professional degree costs.
Learn more about resources for military-affiliated students.
Flexible payment installments
Graduate students at Brown University can enroll in Installment Payment Plans (IPP) that spread semester fees into manageable monthly installments throughout the term.
Take the next step toward your advanced degree
Cost is an important part of choosing a master’s program, but it doesn't have to be the reason you put your goals on hold.
Whether you're planning to use scholarships, employer tuition assistance, federal aid or a combination of resources, Brown advisers can help you understand your options before you enroll.