<p>Just a quick remark that the cost of graduate school depends on the program. Students in a P.h.D. program in science or engineering can expect to receive full tuition support plus a stipend that covers moderate, student-level living expenses (about $25,000, in our area). Students do not need to be at the top of the class of admitted graduate students to receive these funds–practically everyone in the program gets tuition + stipend. </p>
<p>In medicine or law, obviously, the situation is quite different. I’m not sure about grad programs in the humanities, although some fellowship/teaching assistantship support is available.</p>