Do you want to upgrade your workplace skills and knowledge through further education, but without spending time and money, you just don’t have? Are you interested in bolstering your résumé so you’re an obvious candidate for promotions and raises? Do you need solutions that work with your busy life without adding complications?
There’s a clear solution to all of the above, and it’s an online graduate certificate.
“Certificates have become so popular that they are now the second most common higher education credential in the United States, signaling that students and employers are recognizing the value of short-term credentials at an increasing rate,” said Darlene Miller, executive director of the National Council for Workforce Education, in this employment analysis.
You likely have questions about earning an online graduate certificate, and this guide has answers. Keep reading to discover the best certificate programs, costs, timelines, popular areas of specialization, and so much more.
Best Online Graduate Certificate Programs for 2024
For those seeking a targeted and efficient way to acquire specialized knowledge and skills, graduate certificate programs are a versatile option. Our 2024 rankings cover a spectrum of disciplines, providing prospective students with insights into the best online graduate certificate programs available. Whether you’re looking to enhance your professional toolkit or explore a new field, our list serves as a valuable resource to help you make informed educational decisions.
Concordia University Chicago offers graduate certificates in an online or hybrid format. For sports and PT professionals, they offer a strength and conditioning certification. Students wanting to take the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist Exam might like the sports performance training certificate. The sports nutrition certificate prepares students for the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) exam. Those interested in injury prevention should explore their human movement science certificate, and software engineers and other professionals involved in cybersecurity may enjoy the cybersecurity governance certificate.
Program Highlights:
Strength and Conditioning Certificate
- Credits: 12
- Length: One year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Brenau University hosts four healthcare graduate certificates and various online business certificates for those who already have an undergraduate degree. The four healthcare degrees all include in-person components. The graduate certificate in adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner is offered in a hybrid format. For all certificates, students should have relevant undergraduate and/or graduate education. The nurse practitioner certificate is only available to licensed nurse practitioners and is not a licensure program.
Program Highlights:
Graduate Business Certificates
- Credits: 12
- Length: One year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Certificates are a great way to test a graduate field before committing to a full-time graduate degree. Davenport University offers four post-undergraduate certificates in legal studies, programming, health and human services, and long-term care. They also have four post-graduate certificates for nurses with their MSN. These include certificates in family nurse practice, nurse education, and psychiatric mental health nurse practice. For all certificate types, check if the program is online, hybrid, or in-person, as Davenport University features a mix of modalities.
Program Highlights:
Legal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
- Credits: 27
- Length: One year
- Mode: In person or online
- Accreditation: IACBE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Spotlights: Online Graduate Certificate Programs
Let’s continue with more detailed, real-world examples of excellent online graduate certificates. The five schools below represent various online graduate certificate programs in different fields. Keep reading for an in-depth preview of different graduate certificate programs and gain a better idea of what they entail.
Arizona State University is home to a robust online graduate certificate program that offers more than 50 certificate options. So, whether you’re interested in real estate or rural health, mining, or microbiology, Arizona State University has a certificate that fits your goals and interests. The school also offers tons of flexibility when it comes to length and timeline. Part-time students are welcome, and some certificates can be earned in as few as three courses. A further benefit: Every Arizona online program lets you pay per credit hour, and all students pay the same tuition, no matter where they live.
Because Arizona State University offers a wide array of online degrees at every level, the school has online student support dialed in. Online graduate certificate students will benefit from alum mentorship, online tutoring, dedicated advising, and career counseling. This comprehensive student support system can help you succeed in your studies and set you up to apply for your certification in the workplace.
Purdue University offers online graduate certificates in a vast range of disciplines, including healthcare and engineering. Some of its more specialized options include a graduate certificate in aviation financial management, as well as one in executive construction management. They also have hybrid and online options in fields like law and psychology. Purdue is home to the Krannert School of Management, which offers world-class certificates in all aspects of business management. Certificates from Krannert also can be applied to the school’s excellent MBA program if you choose to continue your studies.
Because Purdue operates four campus locations in Indiana, local students can attend some classes in person and avail themselves of on-campus resources, including the graduate student center and library. Purdue also maintains excellent online student support with quick communication, access to high-quality faculty, and dedicated advisors.
Although the University of Missouri offers the broad range of certificate programs you’d expect from one of our top picks, the school excels particularly at programs in the public sphere. Nonprofit management, global public affairs, and public health are just a few standout options, but you can also choose from certificates under broader headings like journalism, veterinary sciences, information technology, and agriculture.
The quality of the University of Missouri’s program has real-world data to back it up. Over 96% of surveyed students who completed a graduate certificate from the school are either employed or continuing their education. Part of the school’s secret to success is that they offer graduate student-specific support to all of their online students. This includes development plans, networking opportunities, writing workshops, and an in-depth orientation process. The University of Missouri is also focused on diversity and a commitment to inclusion, and in online classes, you’ll be part of a cohort with students from around the world.
Southern New Hampshire University’s online graduate certificate program is particularly appealing to students interested in technology, business, or a combination of the two. The school is home to prestigious certificate programs, including the Six Sigma Black Belt certificate for project management. Students in finance, healthcare, education, and human resources also will find appealing options.
Networking may be Southern New Hampshire University’s greatest strength. The school partners with businesses, social justice organizations, the military, and other schools to design programs that meet the needs of real-world students and employers. Because of this, the school is a great choice for service members, students with niche interests, and students benefiting from employer tuition reimbursement programs.
The school’s outreach isn’t limited to large entities. Southern New Hampshire University collaborates with high schools and nonprofits nationwide to promote access to higher education in marginalized groups. The school offers a robust financial aid and scholarship program as part of this effort.
If you’re interested in the idea of listing “MIT” under the education section of your résumé, you may want to consider one of the school’s highly focused online and hybrid graduate certificate programs. MIT’s unique “MicroMasters” offerings bridge the gap between science, technology, industry, and community. For example, their certificate in statistics and data science includes courses on the methods of data science but also focuses heavily on strategies to draw nuanced, ethical, and informed conclusions from big-data projects. Unsurprisingly, MIT has an excellent online learning platform that allows seamless interactions between students, course content, professors, and peers.
Despite being an elite institution, MIT also strives for inclusivity. For example, all of its MicroMasters’ tuition is based on a sliding scale and tied to household income. Additionally, these certificate programs are designed to operate as an on-ramp to a master’s program for students who want to continue their education.
Best Online Graduate Certificate Programs by Subject
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just graduated with your bachelor’s degree, now is the best time to enhance your career prospects with an online graduate certificate. With our carefully curated selection of the best programs in various subjects, you will find the right fit for you. Start exploring now.
How to Choose the Best Online Graduate Certificate Programs
The best graduate certificate programs online offer the same academic quality and student support as on-campus options. But there are some aspects you should weigh as you research which program is right for you.
First and most importantly, you should consider accreditation. At a minimum, your school should be accredited by the appropriate regional or national body, and any program worth considering will list its accreditations on its website. You also can then check them against the official database of approved programs maintained by the Department of Education. Additionally, you should research if any program-specific accreditations are common in your field. For example, ABET is an organization that accredits computer science programs. Further, if you are in a licensed profession such as nursing or education, you should confirm that your program is approved by your local licensing group.
Once you’ve confirmed your school’s credentials, it’s time to consider what support services and program features will provide you with the best possible experience. Some typical program or school highlights include small class sizes, mentorship opportunities, tutoring support, and dedicated academic advising.
Most Popular Graduate Certificate Programs Available Online
Understandably, the most popular graduate certificate programs translate directly to career advancement. And earning a graduate certificate in your field is well worth the effort. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with advanced certifications earn an average of 35.2% more than their counterparts and are less likely to experience unemployment. To make the most of your certificate, it’s important to pursue an in-demand specialty related to your career goals. To get you started, we’ve laid out the most popular subjects in which you can earn certificates and what you can expect to gain from them.
Accounting
Online graduate certificate programs in accounting offer opportunities for number-crunchers at every level and career stage. A general accounting certificate like the one at Pennsylvania State University can help you prepare for your CPA license or set you up to manage bookkeeping at a small business. For those with big dreams in finance, earning a certificate in financial management is a great way to kickstart your career.
Business
If you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder, a graduate certificate like Colorado State University’s Business Management Certificate is a no-brainer. But even if a power suit isn’t your style, business-related certificates still are worth considering. Many schools offer entrepreneurship, leadership, and project management programs that can be applied to a wide range of careers. Additionally, if you’re considering pursuing an MBA, many programs will allow you to use your certificate courses toward your master’s requirements.
Criminal Justice
When you pursue a graduate certificate online in the criminal justice field, such as advanced criminology, you set yourself up to make a real difference in the criminal justice system. Criminal justice professionals who earn additional graduate certificates will often become eligible for leadership positions in local, state, or federal law enforcement. For those looking to enter the criminal justice field without a related degree, a graduate certificate can help you get your foot in the door.
Education
A graduate certificate in education can help you excel in the classroom, specialize your instruction, or make the leap into administration. Many education-related graduate certificates are available online, including teaching in STEM, ESL, anti-racism, and school administration. Some, like the Gifted, Creative and Talented Studies Certificate program at Purdue Online, provide professional preparation to support specific audiences. These certificates can typically be applied to the continuing education requirements to maintain your teaching license.
Healthcare
Healthcare-related graduate certificates are some of the most popular across the board. Certifications often pertain to executive leadership or healthcare administration, which are great options for professionals who want to stay in healthcare but move away from clinical settings. Those looking to refocus on a related field might consider a public health or healthcare analytics certificate or even a Healthcare Facilities Planning and Design Certificate from eCornell.
Human Resources
As a human resources professional, earning a graduate certificate sets you apart as an expert in your field. Typically, online graduate certificates in human resources will cover legal and ethical practices, compensation structures, and strategies to foster teamwork and employee satisfaction in the workplace. Human resource certifications like the Professional Certificate in Human Resources & Talent Management at Michigan State University can help you earn a promotion at your current job or move into a larger company and take on new responsibilities.
Nursing
Earning a graduate certificate in nursing can help you get ahead in your career, provide better care, and move into new work environments. There are a number of certificates that are only available to registered nurses, including nurse-midwifery, global health, health equity, and care management. These certifications can fulfill your state licensing board’s continuing education requirements, open up opportunities for promotions, and potentially even qualify you for a pay raise in your current position.
Psychology
Graduate certificates in psychology allow you to focus your work on the aspects of the field that appeal to you most. In many cases, earning a graduate certificate can be the key factor in landing your dream job. These can include the psychology of sports, education, families, or institutions. Some schools even offer certifications in niche fields, like the Forensic Psychology Online Certificate from the University of North Dakota.
Theology
Students may pursue a graduate certificate in theology for a host of reasons. Most commonly, students in theology certificate programs are interested in working with or taking on a leadership role within a faith group. However, studying religion can also help professionals in other fields, like education or psychology, to better understand and work with people from different faith traditions. While most theology certificates are geared toward studying Christianity, online graduate certificate programs focused on other religions are also available.
Online Graduate Certificate vs. Online Master’s Degree
Continuing your education beyond the undergraduate level can be an excellent move for your career. Online graduate certificates and programs offer levels of flexibility, affordability, and variety that often can’t be matched by earning a graduate degree at your local campus. But you still may be considering both paths, wondering which is right for you.
Generally, graduate certificates cover a specialized area of a career-focused field. For example, someone working in criminal justice might pursue a certificate in Juvenile Justice Leadership to orient their work toward youth engagement. Master’s programs tend to offer greater depth of learning about broader, industry-wide focus. Speaking to the same example, someone in criminal justice pursuing a master’s degree might take a class in juvenile justice as part of a wider curriculum. It is also important to know that many master’s programs will accept credits from certificate courses. Earning a certificate first is a great way to test the waters if you’re considering a commitment to pursuing an advanced degree.
Let’s take a closer look at three types of students who may benefit from an online certificate program:
- Recent college graduates: Students with freshly minted bachelor’s degrees must decide whether to dive into the workforce or continue onto an advanced degree program. Pursuing a master’s degree or PhD can set them up for more prestigious positions down the road, but the extra time they spend in school prevents them from earning real-world experience for another few years. Meanwhile, students who enter the workforce right away can opt to work towards a graduate certificate on the side, considering the time commitment is much lower. These certificates, combined with their on-the-job experience, can put them in line for advancement opportunities.
- Career switchers: Suppose you’ve worked in the same career for a few years and are looking for a change. You certainly could go back to school full-time to earn an advanced degree. But if you’re looking to switch fields entirely, you might lack the qualifications necessary for a relevant master’s program. Plus, like our recent graduates, you’ll have to make short-term sacrifices to earnings and job experience. However, since the skills you’ve earned on the job are probably relevant to the other positions you are interested in — even across other fields — a certificate can give you a shortcut into your new industry.
- Mid-level professionals: If you’re happy in your current field but want to position yourself for a raise or promotion, a graduate certificate is an efficient option. You can drill into the specific skills you need to earn a promotion or demonstrate your ability to stay on top of emerging trends in your field through certifications.
Still, trying to figure it out? Below, we’ll explore the primary advantages of certificates and master’s degrees.
Online Graduate Certificates: Faster and Specialized
For many people, graduate certificates offer the most bang for their buck in terms of return on investment. Here are three primary advantages of an online certificate program:
Focused: Even if you genuinely love to learn, sometimes you just want specific, career-enhancing information as quickly as possible. Graduate certificates are designed to do just that. For example, an educator moving to a new school in a diverse area might benefit from a certification in ESL teaching, but they don’t necessarily need a refresh on other skills.
Efficient: Because graduate certificates don’t require as many courses as a master’s degree, you can finish them more quickly. In fact, some programs can be completed in as little as three classes. Or if your efficiency concerns relate to commuting and fitting in your studies with other responsibilities, online graduate certificates save you time by allowing you to complete your coursework from the comfort of your home. Plus, you have control over when you study and how many courses you take at a time.
Affordable: Because you’re taking fewer courses for a certificate than a master’s degree, you’ll pay far less. Plus, the courses you take as part of a graduate certificate are the same ones offered to graduate students at the school. In many cases, online certificate programs can be even more affordable since you can comparison shop for the best price regardless of geography, and you won’t have to pay fees associated with in-person learning.
Online Master's Degree: Comprehensive and Networking
While graduate certificates deliver specific knowledge with surgical precision, master’s degrees offer the space for broad, deep learning. Some fields, like social work and business, may require a more comprehensive perspective to fully educate future professionals, making an MSW or MBA more appealing. Other fields require a doctoral degree, meaning a master’s degree is essential.
Here’s a closer look at the specific advantages of pursuing a master’s degree:
In-Depth: Because you’ll simply spend more time with your chosen subject in a master’s program than in a graduate certificate program, you’ll have more opportunities to engage deeply with your topic and develop a holistic understanding of your field. You may even discover a previously overlooked field of study that truly piques your interest while pursuing your degree, inspiring you to dive deeper and refine your career interests.
Interpersonal: Master’s students have more opportunities to engage with the academic networks in their field through their instructors, conferences, visiting professors, and in-depth research experiences. Additionally, since many programs employ a cohort model, you’ll develop strong bonds with your classmates. Because of this, you’ll graduate with a diverse network of contacts that can offer feedback on your work or connect you to new opportunities.
If you’re considering a master’s degree and want to learn more, check out our list of the best online master’s programs for all the information you need.
Online Graduate Certificate Program Admissions
Depending on your subject and the school you are applying to, admission requirements for the best graduate certificate programs online can vary significantly. Generally, certificate program requirements are lower than master’s programs, and standardized test scores such as the GRE are not usually required. Although standards will differ between schools, most programs require some combination of the following elements in their applications:
- Academic transcripts: Typically, applicants will submit official copies of their undergraduate transcripts.
- Minimum GPA: Some programs will note a minimum GPA requirement. Others will require a minimum grade in specific courses. Note that this may be negotiable if you have been in the workforce for a significant time.
- Prerequisite courses: Some programs will require you to complete specific undergraduate courses to join the program, especially in the sciences.
- Letters of recommendation: Some programs require between one and three letters of recommendation. These can be from past professors or professional contacts.
- Personal statement: This short essay may have a prompt. Usually, a personal statement describes your background and motivation to pursue the program.
- Resume or CV: This document outlines your past educational and work experiences. Be sure to highlight the qualifications that are most relevant to your program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Graduate Certificates
Can I Earn a Graduate Certificate 100% Online, or Do I Need to Visit Campus?
It’s up to you! Tons of excellent, entirely online programs can be completed from anywhere. However, if you are a hands-on learner or need a little more structure, many schools do offer hybrid programs, which are a blend of online and in-person instruction. Take the time to consider your schedule, learning style, and physical location to establish whether a 100% online or hybrid program fits your needs.
What is the Difference Between a Graduate Certificate and a Professional Certification?
Sometimes, these two terms are used interchangeably, but they do have slightly different meanings. Graduate certificates are typically targeted toward people with a bachelor’s degree who are looking to bolster their résumé or are considering a master’s degree. These certificates can often be used toward requirements for an MA or MS program later on. On the other hand, professional certifications are used to demonstrate a specific skill like business leadership or trauma-informed education. These certifications can help professionals demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning or to gain the skills necessary to advance their careers.
Are Graduate Certificates Worth it?
Yes. As technology becomes more and more advanced, the state of the workforce is changing rapidly. Graduate certificates offer a way to stay relevant by keeping you up to date on emerging knowledge and practices. Plus, as the number of undergraduates continues to rise, a graduate certificate can help you stand out from the pack. And it’s worth mentioning again that earning a graduate certificate can result in a significant pay increase.
How Long Will It Take to Finish My Certificate Program?
It depends. Because graduate certificate programs are designed to be flexible, there are plenty of options for part-time or accelerated schedules. Generally, full-time students can complete their certificate in one or two semesters, depending on the program. Some schools may offer shorter, more intensive courses to help you get ahead. If you’re worried about taking on too much, you can also slow things down. Most students in online graduate certificate programs are also working and managing other responsibilities. Because of this, most programs allow you to take as little as one credit a semester or skip a semester to ensure that you are set up for success.
How Much Does a Graduate Certificate Program Online Cost?
You’ll find a vast range of certificate program costs out there, which can vary based on the program’s length, location, and additional enrollment fees. On top of that, some schools just charge more per credit than others. It’s important to remember that a higher price tag does not necessarily mean a better academic experience. Instead, finding a program that aligns with your goals and fits your budget is the best bet in the long run. To help you get an idea of the cost of graduate certificates, we’ve compared a few excellent programs below.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
12 | $291 resident, $393 non-resident | $3,691 – $4,914 | |
12 | $310 | $3,075 | |
16 | $775 | $12,400 |
Are Graduate Certificate Programs Eligible for Financial Aid?
Sure, graduate certificates pay off in the long run — but you still must pay for them first. While there are fewer options for scholarships when it comes to graduate certificate programs, there are certainly some opportunities for financial aid. Some programs are eligible for federal financial aid, so you’ll first want to inquire about this with your school’s financial aid department. Additionally, ask about other financial aid or scholarship opportunities open to students seeking graduate certificates.
In specialized or regulated industries, licensing boards for teaching, nursing, and other professions may have funding available to cover your tuition. Another common source of tuition funding is employer tuition assistance programs. Before you enroll in a program, be sure that you understand the total cost and have a plan to pay for it. If you’re unsure of your funding options, our guide to financial aid is a great place to start.