How do I pay for graduate school differently than undergrad?

Grad school funding leans more on the student and less on parents, since graduate students are automatically independent on the FAFSA. The federal toolkit shifts too: there are no Pell Grants, but Direct Unsubsidized loans carry higher annual limits, and Grad PLUS loans can cover the rest up to the cost of attendance (with credit check and origination fee). Many programs offer assistantships, fellowships, or tuition waivers – especially PhD and research tracks – so funded admission should weigh heavily in where to apply. Professional programs like law, medicine, and MBA often rely on heavier borrowing, making expected post-degree salary central to the decision. Employer tuition assistance (up to $5,250 tax-free per year) is an underused source if you're working. Before borrowing six figures, map repayment against realistic starting pay so the debt stays manageable.