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Don’t Forget: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Enroll in Grad School

Nov 21, 2025 Young woman in business attire in front of building

Choosing a graduate program is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your career and your future.

It’s normal to pause before hitting “submit” on your application. You might wonder if the program will fit your schedule, if the cost is realistic, or if the degree will truly pay off.

The best way to move forward with confidence is to ask the right questions before you enroll. The answers will show you whether a program matches your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Whether you stopped midway through an application or you’re still comparing options, these 10 questions will give you the confidence to take your next step and know it’s a smart choice.

The 10 Questions Every Grad Student Should Ask

These aren’t surface-level questions. They get to the heart of what matters most as you decide where to invest your time, money, and energy.

1. What Are the Admission Requirements?

Know what’s expected before you apply.

Check prerequisites, GPA expectations, and whether entrance exams are required. Clear requirements give you confidence that you’re eligible and ready.

2. What Program Formats Are Available?

Are classes offered online, hybrid, part-time, or full-time?

Flexible formats make it easier to balance work, family, and study. This is one of the most important questions to ask about grad school if you’re a working adult.

3. How Long Will It Take to Graduate?

Ask about typical timelines and options for acceleration or part-time study.

Knowing the pace helps you set realistic expectations about balancing responsibilities and reaching your goals.

4. What’s the Total Cost — and What Financial Aid Options Are Available?

Look beyond tuition rates to see the full picture: fees, books, and technology needs.

Then ask about FAFSA eligibility, scholarships, and employer tuition support. Affordability is manageable with the right resources.

Learn more about financial aid.

5. What Support Is Available for Working Professionals?

From flexible scheduling to personalized advising, graduate programs should be designed to support your busy life.

Career services and networking opportunities make the journey more manageable.

6. What Are the Faculty Like?

Faculty shape your grad school experience.

Ask about their expertise, industry connections, and accessibility. Do they offer mentorship? Are they active in the field you want to enter? The connections you’ll build in grad school matter.

7. What Career Services and Outcomes Can I Expect?

Ask for examples of alumni success, exam pass rates, and how you will be connected to job opportunities.

A strong program connects you to an alumni network and offers career development resources that extend beyond graduation.

8. What Will My Class Experience Look Like?

Think about how you learn best.

Do you thrive in small classes with personal interaction, or prefer the flexibility of asynchronous online platforms? Ask what the learning environment feels like day to day, and think about how it fits into your lifestyle and needs.

9. How Accessible Is Campus or Online Support?

If you choose online or hybrid learning, tech support, academic support, and library access should be just a click away.

If you’re on campus, know what services you can expect during evenings or weekends. This is also a good time to schedule a campus visit and see firsthand how resources support graduate students.

10. Why This Program — and Not Another?

At the end of the day, your choice should reflect what matters most to you.

Ask yourself: Does this program’s format, cost, support, and career outcomes align with my goals? When you find a program that checks those boxes and gives you confidence in your decision, you know it’s the right fit.