Choose a Program & School

Before selecting a graduate or professional program, begin by researching occupations that interest you and determine the education, credentials, licenses, and experience typically required to enter and advance in those fields. An academic or career advisor can help you explore your options and determine whether additional education may help you to achieve your goals. Consider questions such as:

• Is a graduate or professional degree required for this career?
• If it is not required, will earning one provide a meaningful advantage?
• Which degree or credential best aligns with my career goals?
• What are the employment outlook and typical earnings in this field?
• How much will the degree cost, including tuition, fees, books, living expenses, and potential lost income while attending school?
• How much financial aid is available, and how much might I need to borrow?
• How will potential student loan payments compare with my expected income after graduation?

Return on Investment

Analyzing your return on investment (ROI) involves more than comparing tuition with your potential future salary. Consider the total cost of earning the degree, the amount you may need to borrow, the time required to complete the program, potential income you may give up while enrolled, and the career opportunities the degree may provide.

Also consider factors that are harder to measure financially, such as career satisfaction, professional advancement, geographic flexibility, and your personal goals.

Work-Based Learning Experiences

Graduate or professional school can be a substantial investment of both time and money. Before you enroll in a program, gaining experience in your intended field may help you determine whether the career, and the advanced education it may require, is right for you.

Check with your college’s or university’s career center, academic department, professional associations, and prospective graduate programs to identify opportunities related to your interests.

Once you have identified the degree or credential that supports your career and personal goals, compare programs carefully. The right choice is not necessarily the most expensive or prestigious school, or the lowest cost option. It should be the program and school that best meets your academic, professional, financial, and personal needs and goals.

Consider the following factors:

• Program Quality and Career Fit—Review the curriculum, faculty expertise, and opportunities for research, internships, practicums, or clinical experiences. Consider whether the program prepares graduates for the career or credential you are pursuing.
• Accreditation and Licensure—Determine whether the institution has the appropriate accreditation. This can be particularly important for careers that require professional licensure or certification. Verify that the program meets the educational requirements for the state or jurisdiction where you expect to work.
• Admission Requirements—Requirements vary widely by institution and program. You may need an undergraduate degree, prerequisite coursework, standardized tests, letters of recommendation, a resume, an interview, or other application materials.
• Cost and Financial Aid—Compare each program's total cost of attendance with the financial assistance available to you. Research grants, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, employer benefits, and other forms of financial assistance before determining how much you may need to borrow. Compare estimated costs and debt with expected career earnings and potential student loan payments. The institution’s financial aid office will work with you to help determine your eligibility for federal financial aid and other types of assistance.
• Program Format and Flexibility—Consider whether the program is offered in person, online, or in a hybrid format. If you plan to work while enrolled, investigate options, course schedules, program length, and other flexibility the program provides.
• Career Outcomes and Support—Look at the institution’s graduation rates, employment outcomes, and licensure or certification pass rates when applicable. Ask about career services, employer connections, alumni networks, internships, and recruiting opportunities.
• Location—If you plan to attend the institution in person, consider both the campus and the surrounding community. Think about cost of living, employment opportunities, and whether you could see yourself living there for the duration of the program.
• Campus and Program Culture—Consider whether the academic environment and program culture are a good fit for you. Talking with current students, faculty, alumni, and program staff can provide perspectives that may not be available on a school's website.
• Visit Campuses and Attend Graduate Fairs—Online research can help you narrow your options. When feasible, a campus visit or a conversation with current students and admissions professionals can provide additional perspective.

If available, attend graduate fairs, information sessions, open houses, or campus visits. For online programs, look for virtual information sessions or opportunities to meet faculty and current students remotely.

Come prepared with questions about the curriculum, costs and financial aid, career outcomes, faculty, student support services, research or experiential learning opportunities, and the admission process.

If you visit a campus, take the time to explore the surrounding community as well. If possible, speak with current students about their experiences. Ask what they value about the program and what they wish they had known before enrolling.

Consider scheduling an appointment with an admissions or enrollment professional so you can ask detailed questions about the program and the student experience.

If possible, also speak with current students about their experiences, including what they value about the program and what they wish they had known before enrolling.

If you are considering an in-person program, also explore the surrounding community and its cost of living, transportation, housing, and employment options.

Several resources can help you research graduate and professional programs, schools, application and admission requirements, and financial aid. Always verify important information directly with the institution before making an enrollment or financial decision.

GraduateGuide.com—Provides a searchable directory of graduate programs and schools. It provides helpful articles and advice.

NICHE.com—Offers a comprehensive listing and tools for exploring types of programs and schools.

Petersons.com—Provides graduate school and program search tools, test preparation resources, admissions information, and a searchable database of scholarship and other funding opportunities.

ExploreGradSchools.org—Provides information regarding programs of study and graduate school selection as well as resources to assist in applying to multiple institutions.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Provides information about occupations, education requirements, employment outlook, and earnings that can help you evaluate potential career paths.

College Scorecard—Allows you to compare colleges based on costs, student debt, graduation rates, post-college earnings, and more.

EFC.org—Many EFC members offer resources that can help students and families prepare, plan, and pay for graduate and professional education.