<p>That is quite a bleak picture you paint. If I may suggest an alternative: there is still time for you to look into getting a job as a tech, or apply to post-bacc fellowships. In both of these cases, you would be bringing in enough money to live on and possibly save up. More importantly, you could bolster your application (if needed) and give you some time to apply to PhD programs when your tech/fellowship job is completed. This would circumvent any potential debt you would accrue by furthering your education, while gaining valuable and competitive experience. Even if you still only wanted a masters, there is a decent chance that such experience would lead to financial aid offers if you were to reapply in a couple years. Is there a reason you are looking at a masters rather than PhD?</p>