I was recently admitted to a great university in the US (I live in Puerto Rico, therefore I’m an american citizen) for a 1 year MS program in STEM Entrepreneurship. When I applied, I took a leap of faith, as I do not have any money and my parents really can’t afford to put me through college. Because of this, I am looking for financial aid to pay for school/live modestly for the next year. I’ve looked for scholarships for STEM students, as well as Entrepreneurship/Business students, but everything I find is past deadline. Can anybody point to any scholarships/Fellowships?
I have already spoken to the university, but there isn’t much they can do until I complete FAFSA (which I can’t do since I’m still waiting for a W2…).
About me: BS in Microbiology (3.69 GPA), MA in Government (3.64 GPA), Afro-Latino (tried looking for scholarships for hispanics, also due), student leader, only one in my immediate family to finish college…
Thanks!
The FAFSA for the 2018-2019 school year uses tax year info from 2016.
Are you saying you don’t have your tax return from 2016 so you can complete this form?
as thumper1 said you shouldn’t have to wait for a w-2 because FAFSA requires information from 2016 not 2017.
Does this university offer any need-based grants or merit-based fellowships for grad students in this program? That is where you need to start. If you missed cut-off dates for this year, find you if you can be considered for those monies if you defer your enrollment until next year. As a grad student, in most cases you can borrow graduate loans up to the full cost of attendance. How much debt would that leave you with? Would this degree prepare you for a career that would easily allow you to pay down that debt?
Alternately, if your goal is to get out of the current semi-chaos in PR, would it make sense to just move to where this program is located, find a job, and position yourself to study part-time so as to make it more affordable?
You should have your or your parents’ 2016 tax returns. That’s what FAFSA uses.
OP is a grad (independent) student so parent’s W-2 would be n/a .
Most MA programs are funded through loans. If you don’t want to take loans, I agree that you should try to secure a TA/GA position in order to get some tuition remission or an RA position to help you with housing.
Since you already have a BA and an MA, it seems you are kind of fluttering around trying to pursue another MA. It seems that you don’t have a real plan and are going to school for yet another degree to delay coming up with one.
I agree with @happymomof1 , perhaps you should defer, move to the US get a job. Many major corporations will help pay for a job related masters.
I didn’t see that this was a second masters.
Agreed…get a job here. Either save or work for a company that offers some tuition benefits.
Why another masters??
No matter why OP thinks another masters is needed, we can wonder why a good job isn’t top of the list, now. Not more school. If there’s trouble getting a good job in PR, then the ambitious would move here. Another degree isn’t magic. Later, maybe, with some solid work experience. And some savings.
Yes, it’s late on outside scholarships. Get the FAFSA done and see what comes from the college. Or delay more school.