Graduate School Grant
The CLS Graduate School Grant helps Grinnell students offset costs associated with applying to graduate and professional schools. Whether you’re preparing for admissions exams, paying application fees, or traveling to a testing site, this grant can help make the application process more accessible.
WHAT does the Graduate School Grant fund?
Graduate School Grants may be used for:
- Test preparation materials and courses for graduate or professional school admission exams (e.g., GRE, GMAT, MCAT, LSAT)
- Registration fees for graduate or professional school admission exams and other required assessments
- Graduate or professional school application fees
- Costs associated with centralized application systems (e.g., AMCAS, LSDAS)
- Transportation to and from testing sites
This grant may not be used for:
- Coursework taken through another institution for academic credit.
- General networking visits or exploratory travel.
- Expenses that have already been incurred. Grants cannot be awarded retroactively.
WHO is eligible for the Graduate School Grant?
Eligible class years:
- Senior
- Third-year
All CLS grant recipients must be in good conduct standing and have completed their CLS Greenlight appointment.
HOW MUCH funding is available?
Funding awards are based on a student’s level of financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid:
- High/very high need: up to $7oo total during a student’s time at Grinnell
- Moderate need: up to $525 total
- Low need: up to $350 total
- No need: up to $175 total
Eligible students can receive funding for more than one request during their time at Grinnell, provided each application supports a different eligible expense. Approved awards are distributed as a lump-sum deposit to the student’s bank account on file with the College. Note that Graduate School Grants are considered taxable income and additional tax-related adjustments may apply for non-resident taxpayers.
WHEN should I apply?
Graduate School Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, subject to funding availability. In your application, be prepared to provide:
- Information about how grant funds will support your application process.
- A list of graduate or professional programs you’re applying to.
- A detailed description of anticipated expenses.
Plan ahead! Applications must be submitted before expenses are incurred and incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications involving air travel should be submitted at least three weeks before departure. Requests submitted fewer than 15 business days before an event may not allow sufficient time for review and processing. If you will miss class because of a funded activity, you are responsible for communicating with your faculty members in advance.
Graduating seniors must have all purchases, conferences, and trainings completed prior to commencement. For processing purposes, November 20, 2026 is the last day applications will be considered from seniors graduating in December and the experience must be completed by 5 p.m. on November 30, 2026. April 16, 2027, is the last day applications will be considered from seniors graduating in May 2027 and the funded experience must be completed by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2027.
Students seeking funding for interviews or graduate school preparation activities outside the United States should contact CLS before submitting an application. When reviewing international travel requests, the CLS may consider visa and travel requirements as well as timing and logistical feasibility. International applications submitted fewer than six weeks before departure may not be approved. Students traveling internationally are encouraged to review Institute for Global Engagement travel resources before making final plans.
Need transportation assistance? Students traveling through approved CLS funding may be eligible for transportation support.
WHAT is required after receiving funding?
Grant recipients must maintain a detailed, itemized expense record, submit original receipts for all funded expenses, and complete a brief reflection describing how the grant supported their professional goals. Failure to complete all required documentation by the stated deadline may result in a charge to the student’s account for the full award amount and a 12-month hold on future CLS funding eligibility.
