Scholarships for Education Majors

If you’re aspiring to become a teacher, an education degree is an excellent choice. However, it’s no secret that college is expensive.

Luckily, there are a variety of scholarships available to help pay for your bachelor’s in education or a master’s in education for those who already have an undergraduate degree. While scholarships may not cover your total degree costs, these awards can reduce debt and make your education more affordable.

Students can access several financial assistance resources to help them pay for their studies, such as loans, scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study positions. Different conditions apply for each form of aid, so make sure you research each opportunity carefully.

You can usually secure college loans from the federal government or a private financial institution. Though you must eventually repay a loan, the amount you repay depends on the kind of loan you take out. For instance, federal loans tend to charge lower interest rates than private loans. You can also apply for a subsidized loan, decreasing the interest you need to pay back.While you must repay loans, grants and scholarships do not require repayment. Colleges and agencies award grants to students who demonstrate financial need, while private organizations award students who meet certain criteria. Students should exhaust grant and scholarship opportunities before applying for loans.

Graduate students may be awarded fellowships in order to conduct research in their field. Additionally, students who qualify for a work-study program are matched with a part-time job at their school, allowing them to earn money to help pay for their studies.

Seeking financial aid begins with filling out your FAFSA. This allows the federal government to gauge your level of need. Students need to submit their FAFSA results to apply for financial aid at accredited colleges and universities.

Education students who take out student loans can also qualify for teacher loan repayment/forgiveness programs. These programs forgive some or all of your debt over time if you teach in high-risk or high-need areas.

Teachers and other education professionals can also access numerous federally funded grants. The following list describes grants specifically tailored to education majors.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below

Scholarships can help finance your education and generally award academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievements. Students can apply for scholarships based on their background, field of study, and financial need. Requirements and application criteria vary between awards. Be sure to research scholarship requirements and apply for those you qualify for.

Many education scholarships have specific requirements based on factors like a teacher’s demographic, education specialization, or teaching experience. Below, we list education scholarships targeting teachers from a variety of backgrounds.

Scholarships for racial minorities can help level the playing field for those from historically underrepresented communities. Check out a detailed list of financial aid opportunities for students of color.

Future teachers aiming for a special education endorsement can apply for scholarships that target special education students.

Many scholarships help early childhood education majors pay for their schooling. Learn more about top programs that offer bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education.

Licensed teachers with a master’s degree typically earn higher salaries and enjoy more career opportunities than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Students pursuing a master of education can also apply for several scholarships.

Financial aid for online students can help nontraditional learners pay for their degrees and reduce overall debt. Check out more financial aid resources for online students.

Education students with disabilities — and those who rely on social security benefits — face unique challenges when paying for schooling. Take an in-depth look at financial aid resources for education majors with disabilities.

Nontraditional learners, such as single parents balancing family responsibilities with school, often rely on one or more forms of financial aid. Review scholarships tailored to single parents.

Many schools support veterans, active members of the military, and their families by offering financial aid resources, such as tuition discounts and scholarships. Find out more information on financial aid resources available to veterans and active members of the military.

Whether or not an education degree is “worth it” is a personal decision depending on a variety of factors. If your dream is to teach at the elementary or high school level, and you have found a program you can feasibly finance, an education degree will likely be “worth it” for you. However, if you’re unsure about becoming a teacher or will have to undergo a lot of financial stress to earn your degree, an education degree may not be worth it for you.

Once you have an education degree, you can begin looking for teaching positions in either a public or private school, depending on your state’s teacher certification requirements. However, many states require you to earn a teaching license before teaching in public schools.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), high school teachers earn a median salary of $65,220 per year, about $15,000 more than the median annual wage for all occupations. Teachers in some states, or those with more specialized experience, may be able to earn more money. Salaries can also vary between public and private schools.

Your salary can vary significantly depending on what kind of teaching job you take on. The BLS reports that postsecondary teachers make more than elementary or high school teachers, earning nearly $20,000 more per year. However, you will likely need a graduate degree to work in postsecondary education. In comparison, many states allow you to work as a teacher after earning an undergraduate degree and a license. Salaries in non-teaching education fields, including school administration, can vary significantly between states and individual schools. Elementary, middle, and high school administrators often need a master’s degree in school administration and earn a median annual salary of $103,460, according to the BLS.

The demand for teachers varies significantly depending on your location. However, science teachers and STEM educators are in high demand in many parts of the U.S. Special Education teachers are also frequently in demand, requiring specialized training and certification. However, teacher demand will vary by state, grade level, and public vs. private schools.