Teacher Training Costs & Financial Aid

To become a teacher in San Antonio, you need a bachelor’s degree and training through a teacher preparation program.

If you don’t have a degree, a bachelor's + teaching certificate program is probably your most cost-effective option. You'll earn your degree and certificate at the same time. Tuition can vary depending on your program and state residency status.

Tuition: Full scholarship–$32K per year

The total cost for a bachelor's degree and teacher certification in San Antonio can range from about $30,000 (for in-state students at a public university) to over $100,000 (for private universities) for the entire program, including tuition, fees, room and board, and additional costs.

Typical Expenses

• Tuition & other costs for a four-year degree
• Application, fingerprint and background checks (We can reimburse you for those! Find out how.)

Ways to Pay

• Many people pay for their program with a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans.
• Some programs may offer paid internships.
• You could qualify for loan forgiveness if you commit to teaching in a shortage area subject or high-need school. Loan forgiveness means you don’t have to pay back the loan, and can add up to thousands of dollars!

Other Things to Know

• Some programs let you add a master’s degree during a fifth year—which can save you money on your master’s AND give you a higher starting salary! 

In a master’s degree program, you’ll earn your teaching certificate and a master’s degree at the same time.

Tuition Cost Range: Full scholarship–$70K+

Master's degree programs vary from about $15,000 (for in-state students at a public university) to over $70,000 (for private universities). That includes tuition, fees, room and board, and additional costs.

Typical Expenses

• Tuition & other costs for a master’s degree and teaching certificate
• Application and test registration fees (We can reimburse you for those! Find out how! Find out how.)

Ways to Pay

• Many people pay for their program with a combination of scholarships, grants and student loans.
• Some programs may offer paid internships.
• You could qualify for loan forgiveness if you commit to teaching in a shortage area subject or high-need school. Loan forgiveness means you don’t have to pay back the loan, and can add up to thousands of dollars! 

Other Things to Know

• A master’s degree is more expensive than alternative certification. However, a master’s will also lead to a higher starting salary!
• Most traditional teaching programs include an unpaid student teaching component, so you’ll need to plan for that as well. 

If you already have a degree, alternative certification lets you start teaching right away. You’ll earn a salary or stipend while you work toward your teaching certificate. 

Tuition Cost: Approximately $5K

Typical Expenses

• Tuition and other costs for your teaching training.
• Other fees, including application fees, exam fees and a background check fee. (We can reimburse you for some of these fees! Find out how.)

Ways to Pay

• Your salary can reduce your total costs! In some cases, your program costs will be deducted directly from your paycheck.
• You could qualify for loan forgiveness if you commit to teaching in a shortage area subject or high-need school. Loan forgiveness means you don’t have to pay back the loan, and can add up to thousands of dollars! 

Other Things to Know

• Some alternative certification programs offer low- or no-cost annual tuition.
• Alternative certification takes less time and is usually less expensive than a traditional master’s degree program. However, a master’s degree will often lead to a higher starting salary. You can also go back and earn a master’s degree later, after you start teaching.