How to Fund Your Master’s Degree
Earning a master’s degree requires significant commitment, but the rewards can be substantial. It’s an investment in yourself and your professional future that can lead to exciting opportunities and growth. Consider these three options:
1. Pay-As-You-Go
2. District Funding
3. Private Educational Loans
Pay-As-You-Go
Most AOEU students choose this option. It’s convenient and affordable, and you can go at your own pace. By spreading the program out between 2–5 years, you can budget the monthly amount to pay out of pocket.
What does that mean for your monthly budget?
- Two Years: $617.25/mo ($21/day)
- Three Years: $411.50/mo ($14/day)
- Four Years: $308.63/mo ($10/day)
- Five Years: $246.90/mo ($8/day)
By flexing your degree program over five years, you could pay as little as $8 a day!
Private Educational Loans
A private educational loan can help you graduate faster or pay a smaller monthly payment. Unlike the pay-as-you-go model, you will accrue interest to pay. But for some students, the tradeoff is well worth it. AOEU does not participate in any federal student aid or federal student loan program and does not endorse any particular lender, but many AOEU students have had success securing student loans through Climb Credit.
Be discerning. Not all lenders are the same.
When taking on debt, here are a few things you should keep in mind as you consider your options:
- Revisit trusted lenders you’ve worked with in the past.
- Consult family and friends about lenders they’ve used and recommend.
- Look for private loans with low fixed interest rates.
- Ask the lender about interest deferral while you are in school.
- Ask the lender about loan forgiveness in the event of death or permanent disability.
- Research consumer complaints against the lender from the Better Business Bureau.
District Funding
Your district may provide an incentive to earn your master’s degree or even fund your degree directly to your AOEU account.
Review your contract to see how AOEU’s master’s degree can help you move up your district’s salary scale. The raise you receive might pay for the degree in a few years.
See if your district offers tuition reimbursement. Many schools do! Learn your district’s application process, how many credits they will pay for each year, the maximum reimbursement per credit, and the grade you need to earn.
If you have questions, we’re here to help.
AOEU admissions counselors are educators with knowledge of the field, specific course offerings, and state-by-state requirements. Reach out with questions, and our team will help you reach your professional goals.