I am in the process of applying to schools for my MSW. My only problem is that I do not know how I am going to afford it. Obivously, I will take out student loans to pay for the actual schooling. But how has everyone paid for their living expenses (rent, car, food, etc) while doing field work and going to school? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Of the schools I have looked at, most offer scholarships to incoming grad students. I hope to get some scholarship money, and take out extra loan money to pay for expenses. For example, right now I commute, and I borrow $1,000 a semester just to pay for gas and food. Also, in case you aren't aware, you fill out a FAFSA just like in undergrad, and may qualify for other financial aid like grants. Hope this helps!

I am doing the MSW on a part-time basis and working at the same time. This helps with the bills a great deal, but does not do much for my social life or my sanity.

I was in an advance standing program. I had a small nest egg saved, and planned to max out my student loan for one year (because I'd be making SO MUCH MORE with my masters.) When I learned the advanced program overlaped two academic years by 1 month, I went ahead and borrowed two years at the max available. Then I applied for a National Institute of Health Fellowship for my field placement and was accepted ($500/mo) On top of that I had a small part time job that was mostly just for fun. Man! I had more cash during graduate school than I'd ever had before. (And more than I'd have for the two years after school as well!!! Paybacks are hell. And the job opportunities weren't that great either!)
TALK TO YOUR SCHOOLS FINANCIAL OFFICE ABOUT GRANTS, TRUSTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS. Millions of dollars goes unawarded each year cause no one asked. The school will help you find them because after alll they end up with the lions share. Gary

Jenny:

One option is to pursue school part time, while retaining your employment. Completing your MSW takes longer (it was 5 years for me), but you accumulate much less debt. I'd like to think that it said/says good things about my work ethic, too.

It is possible to negotiate field instruction schedules in a creative way, satisfying the hours requirement while still working. I maintained full time employment in human services for the duration of my MSSW studies.

Explore any/all options available to you. Schools of social work face this issue all the time and should be able to work with you.

Best wishes.

May the dialogue continue.

Jaybee

Jenny, I agree that the best way to finance your education is to attend school part-time. Additionally, you should seek employment at a social service agency that will offer tuition reimbursement while you are an employee. Then when you graduate from school, you'll not only have your education paid for and you'll be an experienced social worker. Good luck!

Thanks for all of the advice! I think most likely I am going to do the program part time (if I get in) and work full time until field work comes along. It is such a catch 22 because I make great money at the job I am at now so I would like to stay here as long as possible to save as much as I can. I think they would be willing to keep me on part time once I would have to start field work. The downside is that is not in the social work field and if I did get a job right now in the social work field, it would obviously be a lot less money!!! I am just trying to take the process step by step. I am concentrating on applying right now to about 4 schools and once I get accepted (fingers crossed), then I will worry about the finances. It is scary to know how much debt I will incur but I know I will be happy in the profession. Thanks very much for all of the replies!!!