GradSense Relaunch Offers Empowered Financial Decision-Making for Potential and Current Graduate Students
CGS Contact: Kelley Karnes
602-791-8278 / kkarnes@cgs.nche.edu
PDF version of press release
Washington, DC —The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS), with financial support from TIAA, has relaunched GradSense, a website designed to promote financial literacy and help students get a full understanding of the opportunities available to them when pursuing a graduate degree.
First launched in 2015, GradSense provides people interested in pursuing a graduate degree, whether they are a recent undergraduate or making a mid-career change, with improved financial knowledge on funding opportunities, information on student loans, and resources to create a budget so they can reach their career goals. CGS and TIAA teamed up again to redesign the website and update the resources for a new generation of potential and current graduate students.
GradSense provides information about the cost and value of pursuing a graduate degree by breaking down the difference between different degree types and how graduate school can impact a student’s career. Visitors can evaluate their options by using the debt-to-earnings calculator to understand the return on investment of various graduate degrees and career pathways. The website also offers tools and resources for planning and managing finances for first-time or mid-career students. GradSense also features a glossary of terms, links to financial resources, and an interactive quiz to test their knowledge.
“When and where to pursue a graduate degree is a big decision. At CGS, we believe that a student should feel empowered and confident about navigating the financial decisions one must consider before, during and after graduate school,” said Suzanne Ortega, President of CGS. “We are grateful for our partnership with TIAA on relaunching this site and improving it as a resource for potential and current students.”
“The value of a college education pays dividends in long term financial success and retirement preparedness. Those who obtain a college degree have higher earning potential, enhanced employment opportunities, and improved retirement readiness and savings opportunities,” said Zara Mirza, Chief Brand Officer at TIAA. “Alongside GradSense, TIAA is proud to support increased access to education and set up students for financial success so that they may increase their earning potential and begin saving for a financially secure retirement.”
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About CGS
The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) is an organization of approximately 460 institutions of higher education in the United States and Canada engaged in graduate education, research, and the preparation of candidates for advanced degrees. The organization’s mission is to improve and advance graduate education, which it accomplishes through advocacy in the federal policy arena, research, and the development and dissemination of best practices.
About TIAA
TIAA is a leading provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people and thousands of institutions. It is the #1 not-for-profit retirement market provider[1], paid more than $5.7 billion in lifetime income to retired clients in 2023 and has $1.4 trillion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2024)[2].
- As of July 21, 2022. Based on data in PLANSPONSOR’s 403(b) 2022 DC Recordkeeping Survey, combined 457 and 403(b) data.
- As of December 31, 2024 assets under management across Nuveen Investments