Financial Support

An undergraduate degree and completion of a teacher preparation program are required in order to become a credentialed teacher, and both demand sufficient funds to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses. Having financial support can often mean the difference in a student’s ability to become a teacher. Identifying sources of financial support and publicizing their existence are important ways the California Department of Education assists future educators realize their career aspirations.

Cal Grants and Pell Grants
Provides funds that pay for tuition and fees to students meeting financial and academic requirements.

California Dream Act Application
This application allows undocumented students to apply for state financial aid in order to attend California colleges, universities and career education programs.

California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
The state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools. Cal Grants and the Assumption Program of Loans for Education are two programs CSAC offers to prospective teachers.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is used to determine an individual's level of financial aid eligibility and is required of all students interested in receiving state or federal financial aid, including loans. The California College Promise Grant (Formerly, the Board of Governors Fee Waiver) is automatically applied for all community college students completing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.

Golden State Teacher Grant Program
This Program awards up to $20,000 to professional preparation program students approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.

HUD Good Neighbor Next Door
In order to assist in the revitalization of specific communities, the Housing and Urban Development Department created The Good Neighbor Next Door program. Eligible pre-K through 12th grade teachers will receive a 50 percent discount from the list price of a home if they agree to live in the home for at least three years.

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowship
Supports individuals who have received a bachelor's or advanced degree in science, engineering or mathematics and are committed to teaching high school science and/or mathematics in U.S. schools.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program
Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.