Graduate education programs: What you need to know

What are graduate education  programs?

Education graduate programs are designed to help you deepen your knowledge of teaching, learning, and leadership in educational settings.

The most common degrees include a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a master’s in teaching (MAT). These programs focus on classroom strategies, curriculum design, and how students learn.

You may also come across advanced degrees like an Education Doctorate (EdD) or a PhD in Education, which are typically geared toward leadership, administration, or research roles. If you’re still exploring how graduate education fits into your path, check out resources like What is a master’s degree? and What is an EdD degree?.

Common program types

• Master’s in Teaching (MAT): Prepares you to become a licensed classroom teacher
• Master of Education (M.Ed.): Helps current or aspiring educators build specialized skills
• EdD or PhD: Focused on leadership, policy, or research

Popular specializations

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Special Education
• Higher Education
• Educational Technology
• School Counseling

What are the benefits of a graduate degree in teaching? 

A graduate degree in education can help you qualify for higher-paying roles, move into leadership positions, or specialize in a specific area.

But beyond career growth, there’s something else that matters: the impact you make. Whether you’re working directly with students, shaping curriculum, or leading a school, your work can have a lasting effect on individuals and communities.

What are the admissions requirements for grad teaching degrees?

This is often the part that feels the most overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

Education graduate program requirements vary by school, but many programs take a holistic approach. That means they’re not just looking at your grades—they’re also looking at your experience, your goals, and your readiness for the field.

Typical requirements

• A bachelor’s degree (in education or another field)
• GPA around 2.5–3.0 or higher
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume or relevant experience

Teaching licensure considerations

If your goal is to become a teacher, you’ll likely need a teaching license (also called certification). This state-issued credential shows you’ve met requirements to teach in public schools, usually including completing an approved program, student teaching, and passing exams. Some graduate programs include licensure, while others require you to complete it separately.

GRE and prerequisites

Some programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), but many are now test-optional. Always check individual program requirements.

How much does it cost to get a grad education degree?

Before you apply, it’s important to understand both how long it takes and how much it costs.

Typical program length

• Full-time: 1–2 years
• Part-time or online: 2–4 years

Cost of attendance (COA)

Costs vary depending on the school:

• Public universities: about $15,000–$40,000 total*
• Private universities: about $40,000–$70,000+*

What costs to plan for

• Tuition
• Housing and living expenses
• Books and supplies
• Technology and fees
• Transportation

Looking at the full cost—not just tuition—can help you plan more confidently.

*Estimates based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and College Board Trends in College Pricing.

Top education graduate programs

If you’re starting your search, you’ll likely come across certain schools again and again. Some well-known education programs include:

• Harvard University - Graduate School of Education
• Stanford University
• Columbia University - Teachers College
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• University of Michigan
• Vanderbilt University - Peabody College
• University of Wisconsin–Madison

These programs are known for strong academics and career outcomes. But the “best” program isn’t always the one with the biggest name.

It’s the one that fits your goals, your budget, and your life. Tools like Scout College Search can help you compare programs side by side so you can find the right fit.

How much do teachers with a graduate degree make?

An education graduate degree can lead to a wide range of careers.

Career paths include:

• Teacher (K–12): Works directly with students in classrooms
• Instructional coordinator: Develops curriculum and teaching standards
• School administrator: Leads schools or districts
• School counselor: Supports student development
• Higher education professional: Works in colleges or universities

Expected salary ranges

• Entry-level: $45,000–$60,000
• Mid-career: $60,000–$85,000
• Leadership roles: $85,000–$110,000+

Your salary can vary based on your location, role, and experience.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

How to finance your graduate education program

Paying for grad school can feel overwhelming at first—but it becomes more manageable when you break it into steps. Most students combine funding sources, and taking things one step at a time can make the process feel a lot more doable.

1. Start with free money

Scholarships, grants, and other tuition aid should be your first stop because they don’t need to be repaid. Maximizing free money can reduce how much you need to borrow later and make the total cost of your degree feel more manageable from the start.

2. File the FAFSA^®

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) is an important step  because it helps you access federal financial aid, including federal loan options. Once you know how much federal aid you qualify for, you can better estimate how much additional funding you need. If you want help with the process, check our step-by-step FAFSA® guide.

3. Explore assistantships, fellowships, and service-based programs

Graduate education programs may offer funding opportunities that can help lower your costs. Assistantships often involve teaching, research, or administrative jobs in exchange for tuition discounts, stipends, or both. Fellowships provide merit-based funding that can cover part—or even all—of your tuition.

You can also explore service-based programs which offer funding or loan forgiveness if you commit to working in high-need schools or subject areas after graduation.

4. Apply for scholarships

There’s no limit to how many scholarships you can apply for—and every award you receive can help reduce how much you need to pay out of pocket or borrow.

Start by exploring education scholarships, including special education scholarships if that's where you plan to specialize. along with broader graduate student scholarships. Tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you find opportunities that match your background, academic interests, or career goals.

For an easy start, consider Scholly^® Easy Apply Scholarships, the $5,000 No Essay Grad School Scholarship, and the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. The applications are quick and simple, and you can apply regularly without a lot of extra stress.

5. Borrow smart.

Being thoughtful about your borrowing can make a big difference later. Most students start with federal loans because they may offer options like income-sensitive repayment programs. If you still have a balance, a private graduate student loan can help cover remaining costs.

Your next steps

Pursuing a graduate education program is a big decision—but it’s also an exciting one. It can open the door to meaningful work, more responsibility, and the chance to make a lasting impact through education.

You don’t need to have everything figured out all at once. Start by exploring programs, comparing costs, and thinking about the kind of role you want to pursue. Use Scout College Search to compare programs and Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities that match your goals.

Each step you take builds momentum—and brings you closer to your dream job in education.