Trying to decide where to apply to graduate school? Check out our resources below.
Hear from Tyler Burgese, Sociology PhD, and Jackson McLaren, Media & Communications PhD, about how they decided where to apply.
Researching Programs
After thinking about why you want to go to graduate school, it’s time to begin researching programs that match. Below, you will see some helpful resources for researching graduate school programs:
- US News World Report - Grad School Rankings
- Gradschools.com
- Petersons.com
- Graduate School – Princeton Review
Weighing Offers
Once you receive acceptance letters from the various schools you applied to, you can begin to weigh offers. Here are several things to consider:
- What are the cost differentials between programs? Graduate school is also a financial commitment. Students considering graduate school should think about how they might fund their education. Here are some strategies to explore:
- Research the cost of each program.
- Inquire about scholarships, loans, assistantships, and financial aid options from each school.
- Consider applying for PhD programs. These programs are typically fully funded.
- If you are working, see if your current employer is willing to offer tuition assistance. Colleges and universities tend to offer this support to their employees.
- How do the program locations factor into your decision? Consider the relocation costs and time needs associated with moving, finding new housing, and acclimating to a new place - depending on regional proximity.
- What are the outcomes of each program? Based on your career goals, compare the career prospects of alumni from the various programs where you have been accepted: Where are they working? What are they earning?
Check out these Temple resources that offer guidance on paying for graduate school:
Hear from Nicole Henninger and Mikayla Brown, from the Media and Communications PhD Program, on the importance of thinking about the value of your graduate degree.