How to pay for a teaching degree

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Teaching is about more than lesson plans and classrooms. It’s about helping students grow, building confidence, and shaping futures—for years to come.

But before you lead your own classroom, you’ll need a clear plan to pay for your degree. From understanding your full costs to winning scholarships and taking out loans responsibly, this guide walks you through how to pay for a teaching degree step by step—so you can pursue your career as a teacher with confidence.

Key steps to paying for a teaching degree

Paying for a teaching degree works best when you take a clear, practical approach.

1. Understand total costs and future earnings. Look beyond tuition to include books, certification exams, and student teaching expenses—then compare those costs to expected teaching salaries and long-term career growth.

2. Maximize free money. Prioritize scholarships, grants, and financial aid before turning to student loans.

3. Borrow smart. Compare federal and private student loans and borrow only what you need so you'll be able to manage your payments after graduation.

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1. Understand total costs and future earnings

Before you enroll, take time to see the full financial picture. Knowing your total cost upfront helps you avoid surprises later—and makes it easier to decide what’s realistic for your goals.

How much does a teaching degree cost?

Costs vary depending on whether you’re earning an undergraduate or graduate teaching credential.

Undergraduate education programs

Annual tuition (approximate):

  • Public universities (in-state): $10,000–$18,000
  • Public universities (out-of-state): $20,000–$30,000
  • Private colleges: $25,000–$45,000+

When you include housing, books, fees, transportation, and personal expenses, total annual undergraduate costs often reach:

  • Public (in-state): $20,000–$30,000+
  • Public (out-of-state): $30,000–$45,000+
  • Private colleges: $40,000–$65,000+

Over four years, that can mean a total investment of $80,000–$240,000+, depending on school type and location.

Graduate teaching programs (Master’s in Teaching, M.Ed., etc.)

Annual tuition (approximate):

  • Public universities (in-state): $12,000–$25,000
  • Public universities (out-of-state): $20,000–$35,000
  • Private institutions: $25,000–$45,000+

When you factor in living expenses, certification exams, background checks, and student teaching fees, total annual graduate costs often reach:

  • Public programs: $25,000–$40,000+
  • Private programs: $40,000–$60,000+

Most master’s programs take one to two years to complete, meaning total program costs often range from $30,000–$80,000+.

Teaching salaries vary by district, grade level, and experience—which makes it important to think about how much you plan to invest and borrow before you enroll. Understanding both sides of the equation helps you build a plan that fits your future classroom and your financial reality.

Why teaching degree costs vary

Several factors affect how much you’ll pay:

  • Degree level: Undergrad programs usually take four years, while master’s or alternative certification programs typically take one to two years.
  • In-state vs. out-of-state tuition: Public universities usually offer lower tuition to residents.
  • Program format: Online, part-time, and accelerated options may offer flexibility, but total costs can vary depending on timeline and fees.
  • Geographic location: Housing and transportation costs differ widely by region.

How to find your full cost of attendance (COA)

Tuition is only part of the picture. A school’s cost of attendance (COA) also includes housing, food, transportation, supplies, and personal expenses.

Before committing, compare programs side by side. Use tools like Scout College Search to explore education programs and compare estimated total costs—not just tuition—so you can make a fully informed decision.

If you’re considering advancing beyond your bachelor’s degree, it can also help to explore what a master’s degree is before choosing your path.

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How much do teachers make?

Understanding potential earnings helps put your investment into context. Teacher pay can vary by grade level, subject area, district funding, and location.

Typical annual salary ranges (approximate):

  • Elementary and middle school teachers: $50,000–$75,000
  • High school teachers: $55,000–$80,000
  • Special education teachers: $55,000–$85,000
  • Instructional coordinators or advanced roles (with experience or a master’s degree): $70,000–$100,000+

Starting salaries may be lower in some districts, but experience, additional certifications, and leadership roles can increase earning potential over time. As you build your funding plan, think about how much you plan to borrow—and how that fits with your expected starting salary and long-term goals.

2. Maximize free money

Free money should always come first. Every dollar you receive in scholarships or grants is one less dollar you may need to spend out of pocket or take out in loans.

In 2025, scholarships and grants covered 27% of total college costs, making them the second-largest funding source overall—and 75% of students said scholarships made college possible.

Source: How America Pays for College 2025

Federal aid and the FAFSA®

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required if you want access to federal student loans and may also be used by schools to award certain grants or scholarships.

Even if you don’t expect need-based aid, filing keeps your options open. For step-by-step help, see our FAFSA Guide.

Teaching grants and service-based programs

Some students qualify for grants or service-based funding tied to high-need subjects or underserved communities. These programs may offer tuition assistance, loan repayment, or stipends—in exchange for teaching in a specific subject or district for a set number of years.

If you’re open to teaching where demand is high, service-based programs can really help reduce long-term education costs.

Scholarships for teaching students

Scholarships don’t need to be repaid—and there's no limit to how many you can apply for. Start by exploring education majors and graduate student scholarships and awards for offered by schools, nonprofits, and professional organizations. And tools like Scholly Scholarships can help match you with opportunities based on your background, field of study, and career goals

For a simple, stress-free start, apply for our $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, our $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship and Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships.

Even smaller scholarships can add up over time and reduce how much you need to spend out of pocket or borrow for school.

3. Borrow smart

Even after scholarships and grants, many teaching students use loans to cover remaining costs. The goal is to borrow thoughtfully—so your loans support your career instead of limiting your options.

Federal student loans for teaching students

Your federal loan options depend on whether you’re earning an undergraduate education degree or pursuing a graduate teaching program.

Undergraduate federal loan options

If you’re earning a bachelor’s in education, you may qualify for Direct Subsidized Loans (based on financial need) and Direct Unsubsidized Loans (not need-based).

If Direct Loans don’t cover your full cost of attendance, your parent may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan for Parents (Parent PLUS), which requires a credit check. Learn more about how PLUS loans work—including recent changes to borrowing limits in Sallie Mae's federal PLUS Loan Guide.

Graduate federal loan options

As a grad student, you may qualify for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These don't require a credit check, but interest gets added as soon as the funds get disbursed. What's more, recent federal loan changes have lowered borrowing limits for graduate students.

As of July 1, 2026, graduate students (including education/teaching students), may borrow up to $20,500 per year and up to $100,000 lifetime.

Because some programs exceed these limits—and the federal graduate PLUS loan program has ended—it’s important to plan ahead. To understand how recent updates may affect your funding plan, review how to navigate federal loan changes.

Using private student loans to fill the gap

If scholarships and federal loans don’t cover your full cost of attendance, a private loan may help bridge the difference. Many students explore private loan options from Sallie Mae, including undergraduate and graduate student loans to help cover remaining expenses.

Before you borrow...

  • Review your federal aid offer: Look at the breakdown of grants and federal loans, then figure out what you'll still need to cover.
  • Factor in upcoming changes to federal loans: Understand if you’re affected and if you need to adjust your funding plan. For details, check out Sallie Mae's guide to PLUS loan changes.
  • Think long term:Consider how your expected earnings and job prospects line up with how much you plan to borrow. Use a loan calculator to estimate your payments ahead of time.

Borrowing smart isn’t just about choosing the lowest rate — it’s about creating a plan that fits your goals, your budget, and your future. For more tools and resources to help you borrow confidently, explore Sallie Mae's Student Loan Guide.

More ways to pay for a teaching degree

In addition to scholarships and grants, you may be able to reduce costs through:

  • School-based or institutional aid
  • Employer or district tuition assistance
  • Military education benefits
  • Work-study or part-time employment

Using multiple funding sources can help lower how much you need to borrow.

Build a plan that supports your future in the classroom

Paying for a teaching degree starts with understanding your real costs, maximizing scholarships and grants, and borrowing only what you need.

With a thoughtful plan in place, you can focus less on funding stress and more on preparing to lead your own classroom. A teaching degree isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in work that shapes lives every day.

Frequently asked questions

Paying for a teaching degree

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA for a teaching degree?

Yes. Filing the FAFSA is required to access federal student loans and may also be used by schools to award certain grants or scholarships.

What federal loans are available for teaching students?

Undergraduates may qualify for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Graduate teaching students typically use Direct Unsubsidized Loans, subject to annual and lifetime borrowing limits.

Are there limits on how much I can borrow for a teaching degree?

Yes. Federal loans have annual and lifetime caps, which makes planning ahead especially important—particularly for multi-year programs or higher-cost schools.

What scholarships are available for teaching degrees?

Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or focused on high-demand subject areas.

How do I find scholarships for future teachers?

Start with your school’s financial aid office and education department pages, then expand your search using tools like Scholly Scholarships and resources for graduate student scholarships. 

Are small scholarships worth applying for?

Yes. Even smaller awards can add up over time and meaningfully reduce how much you need to borrow.

Should I use private loans for a teaching degree?

Private student loans can help cover costs that scholarships and federal loans don’t. Compare terms carefully and borrow only what fits your expected earnings and long-term plans.

What if scholarships and federal aid aren’t enough?

If free money and federal loans don’t cover your full cost of attendance, a private student loan may help fill the gap when used responsibly. 

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics; U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid (loan limits and eligibility). 

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