Picture this: You’ve finally decided what you want to teach and the program you want to enroll in. The thing is, you’re unsure how you’ll be able to pay tuition for your educator preparation program. You now start to question if enrolling in your teaching program is right for you. 

Becoming a teacher is worth it. You get to be a role model for young students in your community while receiving a competitive salary, health and retirement benefits and professional development.

There are multiple ways to receive financial assistance — from grants (aka free money) to loan forgiveness. When it comes to paying for your teaching program, remember that you have options.
 

Jump to:

• Grants and scholarships
• What to know about FAFSA
• Earn while you learn
• Check out benefits where you work
• Consider public service
• Learn about federal student loans
• Explore loan forgiveness programs
• Accept or decline your financial aid
• Get your application fee covered
• Frequently asked questions

Once you’ve determined the teaching program you want to enroll in, make sure to look for grants and scholarships. If your teaching program is through a college or university, you may be eligible for funds from the government through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA). 

The best part about grants and scholarships is that you don’t have to pay them back, and you’re able to receive more than one type of free financial aid.

What are grants?

Grants are free money provided by colleges, the government, or local governments for your education. Your eligibility for a grant depends on various factors such as your income and family size.  Some grant providers, such as small businesses and nonprofits, may have specific eligibility requirements.

The TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant—no relation to TEACH San Antonio—is a specific type of award offered by the Federal Student Aid office (the same one that runs FAFSA). The TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 a year to students entering the teaching profession.

To qualify for a TEACH Grant, you’ll need to: 

• Choose a program that participates in the TEACH Grant Program.
• Teach in a high-need field.
• Teach at an elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families.
• Teach for at least four complete academic years within eight years after receiving the grant. 
   

Make sure to follow the guidelines for your TEACH Grant. Failure to do so may result in your TEACH Grant turning into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Unlike grants, loans have to be repaid over time with interest.

What are scholarships?

Scholarships, like grants, are funds that you don’t have to pay back. Scholarships typically have different eligibility requirements than grants, so they are generally awarded to students who have met specific qualifications in areas such as athletics or academics. You may also find scholarships based on the major you choose, your career choice, your hometown, or other factors like race, culture or gender identity.

Scholarships can come from schools, government aid or private organizations. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants out there, ranging from small awards to full-ride scholarships.

The TEACH San Antonio Scholarship can help you pay for your teaching program. Apply for a $1000 scholarship when you apply to a teaching program!

Where can I find grants and scholarships? 

If you fill out the FAFSA and apply to a college, you are automatically considered for many scholarships—but not always. Check with your teaching program or financial aid office, and search websites like Fastweb, Niche and Scholarships.com to find more scholarships in your area.

You can also check out the TEACH San Antonio Financial Aid Explorer to search for opportunities in the San Antonio area or browse our national list of financial aid and scholarships specifically for future teachers.

Eligibility

Typically, you’ll need to attend a certification program through a college or university (rather than an alternative certification program) to be eligible for FAFSA financial aid.

To find out if your program is eligible, you can use the FAFSA school search tool. You can ignore the Federal School Code question; you don’t need to know yours to use the tool.

Deadlines

The 2024-25 FAFSA will become available in December of 2024 for the upcoming school year. 

The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2025. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2025.

Each state has its own FAFSA priority deadline. To be considered for FAFSA in Texas, it’s best to submit your application by April 15. The deadlines may vary for private and two-year institutions. Contact your teaching program’s financial aid office for more information. 

Learn more about everything you need to know about FAFSA with our FAFSA 101 guide.

Sharing your personal information

When you apply for financial aid through FAFSA or through your program, you’ll need to provide some background information. You’ll likely be asked for your name, Social Security Number, email and other general background information.

Release of information

Some forms also include a Release of Information, which lets specified individuals and organizations access your form details. You’ll need to sign the ROI before your information can be shared. It’s a good idea to consent to this section, because it lets you be considered for additional financial aid programs.

Work-Study Programs

Most colleges and universities offer work-study options, which let you earn money by working part-time (usually on campus). 

You can often match your work-study position to your program. For example, you may be able to work as a teaching assistant or academic tutor. That means you can get hands-on instruction experience while you pay for your education. 

Teacher Residencies

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can choose to do an alternative certification program like a teacher residency.

Residency programs let you earn a stipend while you student teach. You’ll work alongside a mentor teacher while you earn your certification. Learn more about teacher residencies and other alternative certification programs on our Alternative Certification page.

If you already work in a public school or charter, you might want to continue working full- or part-time while attending your teaching program. Many San Antonio area schools offer programs with discounted tuition for employees who are looking to get certified. It’s worth finding out if your school offers extra support for employees who are pursuing a teaching certification. 

Scheduling support

Your school may have scheduling support, such as revised work hours. For example, if your normal work hours are from 8:00am - 4:00pm, your school may let you leave a few hours early in order to attend class.

Tuition vouchers

Schools may also provide tuition vouchers for staffers who are choosing to continue their education.

These vouchers can cover anywhere from 3 to 6 credit hours. Not only does the assistance benefit you, it’s also a great way for schools to retain skilled and driven employees. Consider asking about these programs in your next interview.

Programs like AmeriCorps, Teach for America, and City Year San Antonio offer opportunities to serve in a community and explore career paths. Many programs provide hands-on experience for people who want to become teachers. 

At the end of your service, you may be eligible for an education award to pay back education loans, begin a master’s program, or apply for loan forgiveness. 

AmeriCorps alumni, for example, receive an education award after completing their term of service, which ranges from about $350 to over $6,000, depending on how long you worked for AmeriCorps. You can apply that money to any educational expenses, including tuition and student loans.

While taking out loans may not be your favorite option, federal student loans have some perks.

• No required credit. Unlike private student loans, federal student loans received through FAFSA don’t require a credit check or a lengthy credit history. This is beneficial for most students, as credit can often be the one thing that keeps you from being approved for certain financial benefits.
• No payments during your program. Typically, you won’t need to start paying off your loans until after your program ends. That means you can focus on your classes without worrying as much about cash flow.
• Federal subsidized loans will not accrue interest while you are still in school. 
• Fixed interest rates prevent loan amounts and interest from drastically increasing overnight.
• Payment deferral lets you temporarily place payments on hold after you graduate. While interest may still accrue, this option is ideal if you haven’t yet started your new job. And you may qualify to have your loans forgiven! (See below.)

Learn more about federal student loan options.

Subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans

What’s the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans? 

• Subsidized loans will not accrue interest until after you graduate (usually six months after).
• Unsubsidized loans start to accrue interest as soon as you receive the money.
   

Can I get loans through my program? 

Schools and teaching programs may also offer you loans, which you have to pay back with interest. Some programs offer subsidized loans, while others do not (remember, subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you’re completing your program, while unsubsidized loans do.)

You can always reduce the amount of loans you accept, or completely decline them if you don’t need them.

If you do use federal loans to pay for your program, you may be able to have all or part of your loans forgiven without paying them back. The federal government offers teachers, especially those who serve in high-need subjects or schools, several ways to apply for loan forgiveness (these programs generally do not apply to private loans through your school).

Check out these programs on the Federal Student Aid website:

• Teacher loan forgiveness cancels up to $17,500 in federal loans for highly qualified math and science teachers who work for five years in low-income schools. If you teach a different subject, you may still be eligible for up to $5,000.
• Perkins loan cancellation wipes out up to 100 percent of your federal Perkins loans for teachers at low-income schools, or who teach math, science or other high-need subjects.
• Public service loan forgiveness cancels the remaining balance of your federal loans after 10 years of on-time payments if you have worked full-time in public service fields, including teaching.

Remember, you've got options to pay for your teaching program. It all comes down to what works best for you financially. 

Don’t forget: You’re not finished once you hit that submit button!

If you attend a college or university, you’ll get a financial aid letter (or email) with the details of your award offer. You will have to accept these offers to receive them.

Once you formally accept your financial aid package, you’ll be one step closer to your teaching certificate!

As you explore financial aid, you’ll probably apply to some teaching programs. Most programs require a fee—usually around $50—when you submit your application.

Some programs offer fee waivers based on income. Check with an admissions officer to see if you qualify. 
 

TEACH San Antonio offers application fee reimbursements of up to $100 toward eligible application and testing fees! Learn how to get your money back!

Are there special scholarships and opportunities for my unique background or teaching interests?

Yes! Check out the TEACH San Antonio Financial Aid Explorer to find financial aid opportunities in Texas and beyond.

How and when do I need to apply to financial aid opportunities?

Most scholarships, grants and other opportunities have specific deadlines listed on the funding organization’s website. 

Usually these pages also provide instructions to guide you through the application process.

What will my financial aid cover?

What exactly your financial aid covers will depend on your specific award. 

Some funding will cover any education-related cost, including tuition, student housing, textbooks and school fees. Other awards only cover tuition. Check to find out what you can pay for with your funds!

How will I receive my financial aid?

If you’re awarded a scholarship or grant, how you receive that money will depend on the terms of the award. Some programs will send funds to you directly. Others will distribute it to your college or university on your behalf. 

Other financial aid, such as loan forgiveness, might go directly to your loan provider to deduct from the remaining balance of your loans. 

You can usually find additional details about fund distribution on your funding organization’s website.

Do you have information on resources outside of the U.S.?

TEACH San Antonio currently only provides support and information for teaching opportunities within the United States.

Picture this: You’ve finally decided what you want to teach and the program you want to enroll in. The thing is, you’re unsure how you’ll be able to pay tuition for your educator preparation program. You now start to question if enrolling in your teaching program is right for you. 

Becoming a teacher is worth it. You get to be a role model for young students in your community while receiving a competitive salary, health and retirement benefits and professional development.

There are multiple ways to receive financial assistance — from grants (aka free money) to loan forgiveness. When it comes to paying for your teaching program, remember that you have options.
 

Jump to:

• Grants and scholarships
• What to know about FAFSA
• Earn while you learn
• Check out benefits where you work
• Consider public service
• Learn about federal student loans
• Explore loan forgiveness programs
• Accept or decline your financial aid
• Get your application fee covered
• Frequently asked questions

Once you’ve determined the teaching program you want to enroll in, make sure to look for grants and scholarships. If your teaching program is through a college or university, you may be eligible for funds from the government through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA). 

The best part about grants and scholarships is that you don’t have to pay them back, and you’re able to receive more than one type of free financial aid.

What are grants?

Grants are free money provided by colleges, the government, or local governments for your education. Your eligibility for a grant depends on various factors such as your income and family size.  Some grant providers, such as small businesses and nonprofits, may have specific eligibility requirements.

The TEACH Grant

The TEACH Grant—no relation to TEACH San Antonio—is a specific type of award offered by the Federal Student Aid office (the same one that runs FAFSA). The TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 a year to students entering the teaching profession.

To qualify for a TEACH Grant, you’ll need to: 

• Choose a program that participates in the TEACH Grant Program.
• Teach in a high-need field.
• Teach at an elementary school, secondary school or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families.
• Teach for at least four complete academic years within eight years after receiving the grant. 
   

Make sure to follow the guidelines for your TEACH Grant. Failure to do so may result in your TEACH Grant turning into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Unlike grants, loans have to be repaid over time with interest.

What are scholarships?

Scholarships, like grants, are funds that you don’t have to pay back. Scholarships typically have different eligibility requirements than grants, so they are generally awarded to students who have met specific qualifications in areas such as athletics or academics. You may also find scholarships based on the major you choose, your career choice, your hometown, or other factors like race, culture or gender identity.

Scholarships can come from schools, government aid or private organizations. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants out there, ranging from small awards to full-ride scholarships.

The TEACH San Antonio Scholarship can help you pay for your teaching program. Apply for a $1000 scholarship when you apply to a teaching program!

Where can I find grants and scholarships? 

If you fill out the FAFSA and apply to a college, you are automatically considered for many scholarships—but not always. Check with your teaching program or financial aid office, and search websites like Fastweb, Niche and Scholarships.com to find more scholarships in your area.

You can also check out the TEACH San Antonio Financial Aid Explorer to search for opportunities in the San Antonio area or browse our national list of financial aid and scholarships specifically for future teachers.

Eligibility

Typically, you’ll need to attend a certification program through a college or university (rather than an alternative certification program) to be eligible for FAFSA financial aid.

To find out if your program is eligible, you can use the FAFSA school search tool. You can ignore the Federal School Code question; you don’t need to know yours to use the tool.

Deadlines

The 2024-25 FAFSA will become available in December of 2024 for the upcoming school year. 

The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2025. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2025.

Each state has its own FAFSA priority deadline. To be considered for FAFSA in Texas, it’s best to submit your application by April 15. The deadlines may vary for private and two-year institutions. Contact your teaching program’s financial aid office for more information. 

Learn more about everything you need to know about FAFSA with our FAFSA 101 guide.

Sharing your personal information

When you apply for financial aid through FAFSA or through your program, you’ll need to provide some background information. You’ll likely be asked for your name, Social Security Number, email and other general background information.

Release of information

Some forms also include a Release of Information, which lets specified individuals and organizations access your form details. You’ll need to sign the ROI before your information can be shared. It’s a good idea to consent to this section, because it lets you be considered for additional financial aid programs.

Work-Study Programs

Most colleges and universities offer work-study options, which let you earn money by working part-time (usually on campus). 

You can often match your work-study position to your program. For example, you may be able to work as a teaching assistant or academic tutor. That means you can get hands-on instruction experience while you pay for your education. 

Teacher Residencies

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can choose to do an alternative certification program like a teacher residency.

Residency programs let you earn a stipend while you student teach. You’ll work alongside a mentor teacher while you earn your certification. Learn more about teacher residencies and other alternative certification programs on our Alternative Certification page.

If you already work in a public school or charter, you might want to continue working full- or part-time while attending your teaching program. Many San Antonio area schools offer programs with discounted tuition for employees who are looking to get certified. It’s worth finding out if your school offers extra support for employees who are pursuing a teaching certification. 

Scheduling support

Your school may have scheduling support, such as revised work hours. For example, if your normal work hours are from 8:00am - 4:00pm, your school may let you leave a few hours early in order to attend class.

Tuition vouchers

Schools may also provide tuition vouchers for staffers who are choosing to continue their education.

These vouchers can cover anywhere from 3 to 6 credit hours. Not only does the assistance benefit you, it’s also a great way for schools to retain skilled and driven employees. Consider asking about these programs in your next interview.

Programs like AmeriCorps, Teach for America, and City Year San Antonio offer opportunities to serve in a community and explore career paths. Many programs provide hands-on experience for people who want to become teachers. 

At the end of your service, you may be eligible for an education award to pay back education loans, begin a master’s program, or apply for loan forgiveness. 

AmeriCorps alumni, for example, receive an education award after completing their term of service, which ranges from about $350 to over $6,000, depending on how long you worked for AmeriCorps. You can apply that money to any educational expenses, including tuition and student loans.

While taking out loans may not be your favorite option, federal student loans have some perks.

• No required credit. Unlike private student loans, federal student loans received through FAFSA don’t require a credit check or a lengthy credit history. This is beneficial for most students, as credit can often be the one thing that keeps you from being approved for certain financial benefits.
• No payments during your program. Typically, you won’t need to start paying off your loans until after your program ends. That means you can focus on your classes without worrying as much about cash flow.
• Federal subsidized loans will not accrue interest while you are still in school. 
• Fixed interest rates prevent loan amounts and interest from drastically increasing overnight.
• Payment deferral lets you temporarily place payments on hold after you graduate. While interest may still accrue, this option is ideal if you haven’t yet started your new job. And you may qualify to have your loans forgiven! (See below.)

Learn more about federal student loan options.

Subsidized vs. unsubsidized loans

What’s the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans? 

• Subsidized loans will not accrue interest until after you graduate (usually six months after).
• Unsubsidized loans start to accrue interest as soon as you receive the money.
   

Can I get loans through my program? 

Schools and teaching programs may also offer you loans, which you have to pay back with interest. Some programs offer subsidized loans, while others do not (remember, subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you’re completing your program, while unsubsidized loans do.)

You can always reduce the amount of loans you accept, or completely decline them if you don’t need them.

If you do use federal loans to pay for your program, you may be able to have all or part of your loans forgiven without paying them back. The federal government offers teachers, especially those who serve in high-need subjects or schools, several ways to apply for loan forgiveness (these programs generally do not apply to private loans through your school).

Check out these programs on the Federal Student Aid website:

• Teacher loan forgiveness cancels up to $17,500 in federal loans for highly qualified math and science teachers who work for five years in low-income schools. If you teach a different subject, you may still be eligible for up to $5,000.
• Perkins loan cancellation wipes out up to 100 percent of your federal Perkins loans for teachers at low-income schools, or who teach math, science or other high-need subjects.
• Public service loan forgiveness cancels the remaining balance of your federal loans after 10 years of on-time payments if you have worked full-time in public service fields, including teaching.

Remember, you've got options to pay for your teaching program. It all comes down to what works best for you financially. 

Don’t forget: You’re not finished once you hit that submit button!

If you attend a college or university, you’ll get a financial aid letter (or email) with the details of your award offer. You will have to accept these offers to receive them.

Once you formally accept your financial aid package, you’ll be one step closer to your teaching certificate!

As you explore financial aid, you’ll probably apply to some teaching programs. Most programs require a fee—usually around $50—when you submit your application.

Some programs offer fee waivers based on income. Check with an admissions officer to see if you qualify. 
 

TEACH San Antonio offers application fee reimbursements of up to $100 toward eligible application and testing fees! Learn how to get your money back!

Are there special scholarships and opportunities for my unique background or teaching interests?

Yes! Check out the TEACH San Antonio Financial Aid Explorer to find financial aid opportunities in Texas and beyond.

How and when do I need to apply to financial aid opportunities?

Most scholarships, grants and other opportunities have specific deadlines listed on the funding organization’s website. 

Usually these pages also provide instructions to guide you through the application process.

What will my financial aid cover?

What exactly your financial aid covers will depend on your specific award. 

Some funding will cover any education-related cost, including tuition, student housing, textbooks and school fees. Other awards only cover tuition. Check to find out what you can pay for with your funds!

How will I receive my financial aid?

If you’re awarded a scholarship or grant, how you receive that money will depend on the terms of the award. Some programs will send funds to you directly. Others will distribute it to your college or university on your behalf. 

Other financial aid, such as loan forgiveness, might go directly to your loan provider to deduct from the remaining balance of your loans. 

You can usually find additional details about fund distribution on your funding organization’s website.

Do you have information on resources outside of the U.S.?

TEACH San Antonio currently only provides support and information for teaching opportunities within the United States.