Financing Graduate School
Explore graduate school scholarships, grants and financial aid.
“We promise that the scholarship you receive for the first year of your studies is guaranteed for subsequent years provided you maintain good academic standing and reapply as needed.”
Financial Aid for grad school Overview
Your Graduate Degree is Within Your Reach
At Erikson, our Financial Aid team connects you with graduate degree scholarships, funding opportunities, and financial aid to support your degree in early childhood education, social work, early intervention, or child development. Our mission is to develop leaders serving children and families, with a vision of accessible, high-quality education for diverse communities.
Scholarships
You will have multiple pathways for aid with three types of scholarships and the ability to qualify for all.
Grants
Grants are awarded to admitted students in the Early Childhood Education, Social Work, and Early Intervention master’s programs.
Student Loans
Eligible graduate students enrolled in Erikson’s master’s degree and certificate programs may borrow through federal student loan programs.
Erikson’s Affordable Graduate Education
Erikson Institute offers generous financial aid packages, making a graduate degree in early childhood education, child development, and social work more affordable.
Leadership Scholarships
This merit-based scholarship, awarded at the time of admission, provides up to 20% off total program tuition for eligible students.
Affordability Scholarship
Students demonstrating financial need may be eligible for an annual Affordability Scholarship, covering up to 25% of total program tuition.
Social Justice Scholarships
Awarded to graduate students who have demonstrated academic success and a commitment to social justice.
External Scholarships
Learn more about external scholarships for a master’s in education.
Find The Help You Need with Erikson’s Financial Aid Office
All prospective students are welcome to connect with our financial aid staff
Learn about the financial aid application process, qualification requirements, and the types of aid available.
If awarded a scholarship, we will provide a written guarantee of your scholarship amount for each year you’re enrolled in the program. Plus, our graduate scholarships come with no work or service requirements.
Educator Impact Grant
For the Educator Impact Grant, eligible students must commit to a 4-year teaching commitment in underinvested communities within the State of Illinois and participate in a professional learning community for two years post-graduation.
Crown Chicago Educator Impact Grant
The Crown Chicago – Educator Impact Grant requires recipients to commit to working specifically within the City of Chicago after completing their program.
Midwest Early Intervention Service Grant
Grants are conditioned on recipients, post-graduation, committing to 2 years of work at an organization supporting infant and young children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families in the Midwest.
Midwest Community Builders Grant
Grants are conditioned on recipients, post-graduation, obtaining (or retaining) employment for 2 years at a not-for-profit organization which primarily serves under-resourced communities in the Midwest.
More Resources
More information on applying for financial aid and scholarships
The only form you need to complete for an Affordability Scholarship is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete the FAFSA online for free. The Erikson code for the FAFSA is G 35103. You must have an FSA ID to complete your Renewal FAFSA on the Web. If you do not have an FSA ID, you may create one online
- Gather federal income tax documents (W-2s, tax forms, etc.) and current checking and/or savings account and investment information.
- If you do not have an FSA ID, create one at Federal Student Aid.
- Submit 2024-2025 FAFSA online at studentaid.gov.
- Receive financial aid award letter after admission notification and FAFSA information received.
- Return signed award letter to Erikson’s Financial Aid Office.
International students may qualify for the merit-based Leadership Scholarship as an admitted student to a certificate program for up to 5% of the program’s cost.
A selected number of banks offer loans for international students to finance their education. In order to be eligible, international students must have a co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident. For additional information about international student loans, please contact Director of Financial Aid, Monique Foster.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are invited to speak with our staff to learn about how to apply for aid, what you need to qualify, and what types of financial aid are available. Contact us here.
Hear From an Alum
Advance Your Career with a Graduate Degree — Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
Achieve your career goals with a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development master’s program, or MS in Social Work, and make a lasting impact on children and families.