
Scholarships in education
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, careers in education are expected to be on the rise between 2020 and 2030. With an estimated 7% growth for elementary, middle, high school, and special education teachers and 18% growth for preschool teachers, pursuing a degree in an education-related field is a wise choice for a future career.
Between government grants, loan repayment programs, and scholarships for education majors, there’s no shortage of resources to help you pay for your education.
Students who pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees in education can go on to become teachers, school administrators, counselors, curriculum developers, and more. Many find contributing to the education of the world’s future leaders to be a rewarding career path.
When it comes to funding your education degree, there are several options available. Between government grants, loan repayment programs, and scholarships for education majors, there’s no shortage of resources to help you pay for your education.
Federal student aid for education majors
In addition to federal student loans and other government aid, the U.S. Department of Education also offers 2 programs for aspiring teachers – the TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) grant and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
The federal TEACH grant is a great option for students who want to give back to their community after earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in an education-related field. Upon graduating, TEACH grant recipients must complete 4 years of service as a full-time teacher at a low-income school within a high-need field, such as special education, foreign languages, or mathematics. You can find out your eligibility for the grant by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program forgives up to $17,500 in federal student loans. To qualify for the program, you must complete 5 consecutive years of full-time service in a low-income school or educational service agency.
State-based loan forgiveness programs
Many state governments and private organizations offer loan forgiveness programs for education graduates. In general, you must complete one or more years of teaching service in a school that has a high need for qualified teachers. Some examples include:
- Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program
- Minority Teaching Fellows Program
- Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program
- Educators for Maine Program
- Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program.
It’s also worth checking with your state government or local organizations to see if they offer their own loan forgiveness or loan repayment programs. If you’re planning to teach within the state or teach a specific demographic following graduation, this is a great way to save money on school.
Scholarships for undergraduate education majors
If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education, there are thousands of private scholarships for education majors that can help you pay for school. Finding free money to fund your education can allow you to focus on other things, like participating in extracurricular activities or internships that further expand your skills. Below are just a few of the great scholarships for education majors in undergraduate programs.
The National Society for High School Scholars aims to help current undergraduate students pursuing a degree in an education-related field. Applicants should have a passion for innovation and fostering the growth of students. The application involves an essay, application form, resume, and letters of recommendation.
Official scholarship website: The NSHSS Foundation Innovation in Education Scholarship
The American Association of Physics Teachers provides up to $2,000 per year for undergraduate students and high school seniors enrolled or planning to enroll in educational programs with the goal of becoming physics teachers. The application involves an online form and letters of recommendation. Recipients also receive a one-year AAPT student membership free of charge.
Scholarship amount: $2,000
Official scholarship website: The Barbara Lotze Scholarship for future physics teachers
The Nancy Larson Foundation awards annual scholarships to students who are studying to become elementary school teachers. Students must be majoring in elementary education at the undergraduate or graduate level. The online application requires an official transcript and resume.
Official scholarship website: The Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship
Scholarships for graduate education majors
Whether you’re pursuing an advanced degree to expand your skills or land your dream job, it doesn’t have to break the bank. While general scholarships for education majors can be highly competitive due to a high number of applicants, private scholarships exclusively for graduate students often have a much smaller applicant pool – meaning your chances of saving money on school are higher. Check out some great scholarships for education majors at the graduate level below.
The AFCEA awards $2,500 to qualifying graduate students who are in at least their second semester of graduate study with the goal of teaching in a STEM field. The application involves a personal statement, a teaching philosophy statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and more.
Scholarship amount: $2,500
Official scholarship website: The MG Eugene C. Renzi, USA (Ret.) STEM Teachers Scholarship
Each year, the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation aims to award $24,000 to one student from each state. The award is for students planning to pursue a career as a teacher of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Students should complete the online application and submit letters of recommendation to apply.
Scholarship amount: $24,000
Official scholarship website: The James Madison Graduate Fellowship
The Knights of Columbus offers annual scholarships to members in good standing or children of current or deceased members. The application is open to those who are pursuing a master’s degree in preparation for teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities. Students must submit undergraduate academic transcripts, an autobiographical statement expressing interest in the program and related experience, and letters of recommendation to apply.
Official scholarship website: The Bishop Greco Scholarship
Scholarships for doctoral education majors
If you’re planning to pursue doctoral studies in education, your university may have teaching or lecturing programs available to help reduce the cost of your education. However, there are also a number of scholarships available to help you earn your degree without drowning in debt. Check out these awesome scholarships for education majors at the doctoral level.
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) awards 5 doctoral scholarships per year to students with proven contributions to the education of gifted or talented children through research, publications, or educational service. In addition to nomination from a faculty member, the application involves letters of recommendation and supporting documents demonstrating the student’s contributions to the field.
Official scholarship website: The Carolyn Callahan Doctoral Student Scholarship
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) Council awards $25,000 stipends to minority students pursuing doctoral dissertation research. The goal of the organization is to improve the competitiveness of students for appointments in renowned academic institutions and improve the diversity of faculty, scholars, and researchers in education. Students must submit an overview of their dissertation research in order to apply.
Scholarship amount: $25,000
Official scholarship website: The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research
The Southern Regional Education Board awards multi-year $20,000 stipends and full-tuition scholarships to students entering or within the first year of a Ph.D. program at a participating institution. Students should be working towards becoming university professors. The scholarship also covers all expenses associated with attending the annual Institute on Teaching and Mentoring. Students must complete the online application and submit letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and more.
Scholarship amount: $20,000
Official scholarship website: The SREB Doctoral Award
Scholarships for minority students in education
In an effort to promote diversity and expand equal opportunities to all, many organizations offer scholarships for minority students who are pursuing degrees in education-related fields. In addition to the scholarships below, check out local organizations or your school’s financial aid office to learn about other scholarships for minority students studying education.
This scholarship provides one $2,500 and one $5,000 scholarship per year to tribal members who are enrolled in an undergraduate program and planning to work with a tribe or nation in the field of education or social services. The scholarship is renewable. Students should reach out to the organization to apply.
Scholarship amount: $2,500/$5,000
Official scholarship website: The Continental Society of Indian Wars Scholarship
The NAACP offers a wide range of scholarships for Black students in various fields of study. Students majoring in education can apply for the Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship, the Katherine McIntyre Scholarship, the James Weldon Johnson Scholarship, and more. Application requirements vary by scholarship.
Official scholarship website: NAACP scholarships
Florida residents who are African-American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American/Pacific Islander, or American Indian/Alaskan Native and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate teacher education program are eligible for this scholarship for minority students. Applicants must submit an online application, essay, and transcripts.
Official scholarship website: The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES)
Scholarships for education majors with disabilities
Several organizations provide scholarships to promote the inclusion of physically, mentally, and intellectually disabled individuals in the education field. Improving the diversity of teaching staff and school administrators can make a huge impact in the lives of children by providing alternate perspectives. We’ve included just a few of the many great scholarships available to students with disabilities below.
The American Council of the Blind provides annual scholarships to students who are legally blind and studying for a degree in select fields, including disability education, rehabilitation, and law. Students must complete the online application to apply.
Official scholarship website: The Arnold Sadler Scholarship
Students living with cystic fibrosis who demonstrate the ability to serve as a positive role model within the community are invited to apply for this scholarship. Each year, 40 scholars are awarded $3,000 to put towards educational expenses. To apply, students must fill out the online application.
Official scholarship website: The AbbVie Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship
Regardless of your future goals or academic interests, there are countless scholarships and aid opportunities available for education majors. Being proactive about applying for scholarships and getting money for school that doesn’t need to be paid back is a great way to set yourself up for success both during school and after graduation.
FAQ
Where can I find scholarships for education majors?
Luckily, scholarships for education majors are in no short supply. The Degree Choices scholarship database is a great place to begin your search. You can also find out about scholarships you qualify for by doing further research on websites like Petersons, Cappex and Fastweb, by speaking with your guidance counselor or financial aid office, and reaching out to organizations in your community.
How can I get money to pay for my education degree?
Besides searching for scholarships that you qualify for, completing the FAFSA is a great way to get help paying for school. When you complete the FAFSA, you’ll see your eligibility for federal student loans and grants, including the Federal Pell Grant, the TEACH Grant, and the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program.
How much does an education degree cost?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of tuition and fees for a 4-year college degree in the United States is $9,580 per year for in-state tuition at a public university, $27,437 per year for out-of-state tuition at a public university, and $37,200 per year at a private university.
How do I know if I qualify for scholarships for education majors?
Although requirements vary by scholarship, chances are you’re qualified for many different scholarships. Some scholarships may only require that you’re pursuing a degree in the field, while others are more involved and specifically based on the goals and mission of the organization. The best way to see if you qualify for a scholarship is to check out the scholarship organization’s website or reach out directly.
More education scholarships
Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC)
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 3/1
Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program
Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
Renewable
Amount: $5,000+
Deadline: 4/15
Minority Teacher Incentive Grant Program
Connecticut Office of Higher Education
Renewable
Amount: $2,500 – $5,000
Deadline: 10/15
Minority Teaching Fellows Program
Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
Renewable
Amount: $5,000+
Deadline: 4/15
Graduate Nursing Loan Forgiveness Program
Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
Renewable
Amount: $3,500 – $7,000
Deadline: 3/1
American Montessori Society Teacher Education Scholarship Fund
American Montessori Society
Not Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 4/19
Brooksie Boggs Fannin Scholarship
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
COMTO North Texas Scholarship Program
Conference of Minority Transportation Officials North Texas
Not Renewable
Amount: $500 – $2,500
Deadline: 3/31
TACHE Graduate Fellowship Award
Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE)
Not Renewable
Amount: $2,000+
Deadline: 11/15
TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall STEA Scholarship
Tennessee Education Association
Not Renewable
Amount: $750 – $1,500
Deadline: 3/1
Arne Engebretsen Wisconsin Mathematics Council Scholarship
Wisconsin Mathematics Education Foundation
Amount: $2,000+
Deadline: 3/1
Erman W. Taylor Memorial Scholarship
American Legion Department of Missouri
Not Renewable
Amount: $750+
Deadline: 4/20
Barbara Lotze Scholarship for Future Physics Teachers
American Association of Physics Teachers
Not Renewable
Amount: $2,000+
Deadline: 12/1
CTRI/Chris Seeber, KA1GEU, Memorial Scholarship
ARRL Foundation Inc.
Amount: $500+
Deadline: 12/31
Evelyn Quick Scholarship
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
Joseph C. Basile, II Memorial Scholarship Fund
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Not Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
Mary E. (Nalbach) Huseby Scholarship
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation
Renewable
Amount: Varies
Deadline: 2/1
Pearson Scholarship
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
Amount: $5,000+
Deadline: 3/31
TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Al Mance Memorial Ethnic Minority Male Scholarship
Tennessee Education Association
Not Renewable
Amount: $1,000+
Deadline: 3/1
TEA Don Sahli-Kathy Woodall Future Teachers of America Scholarship
Tennessee Education Association
Not Renewable
Amount: $1,000+
Deadline: 3/1