30 minutes
Your Guide to Financial Aid, Scholarships and More in MD
Learn what types of financial assistance are available to you as a prospective teacher in Maryland!
Learn what types of financial assistance are available to you as a prospective teacher in Maryland!
Learn what types of financial assistance are available to you as a prospective teacher in Maryland!
You know what you want to teach and what program you want to attend. You’re excited to start your educator prep, but then you see the tuition bill. How will you pay for this? Is a teaching program worth the cost?
The short answer is yes. Becoming a teacher doesn’t just mean getting your degree and teaching license. You’re also starting a career that makes a difference in your community, offers a competitive starting salary, includes health and retirement benefits and comes with professional growth built into the job.
When deciding how to pay for your teaching program, remember that you have options. Below, we’ll guide you through some of the best ways to pay for your program.
Questions about your applications? Reach out to your program’s admission staff or sign up for a free advising session with a TEACH Maryland coach. We’re here for you.
The first step is to look for grants and scholarships from your program. If your teaching program is through a college or university, you may be eligible for funds from the government through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The great thing about these resources is that you don’t have to pay them back. And you may qualify for more than one type of free financial aid!
Grants are free money for school. They come from the government or local organizations and colleges. These resources are often awarded based on things like income and family size. Some grant providers, such as small businesses and nonprofits, may have specific eligibility requirements.
Scholarships are generally awarded to students who meet specific qualifications in areas such as athletics or academics. You may also find scholarships based on your major, your career choice, your hometown, or other factors like your background or identity. You may need to write an essay and share official transcripts.
Scholarships can come from schools, government aid or private organizations. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants out there, ranging from small awards to full-ride scholarships.
If you fill out the FAFSA and apply to a college, you are automatically considered for many scholarships—but not always. Check with your teaching program or financial aid office, and search websites like Fastweb, Niche and Scholarships.com to find more scholarships in your area.
The TEACH Maryland Scholarship offers $1,000 for future teachers. Check out the TEACH Maryland Scholarship page to learn more!
The TEACH Grant—which is unrelated to TEACH Maryland—is a specific type of award offered by the Federal Student Aid office (the same one that runs FAFSA). The TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 a year to students entering the teaching profession.
Sticking to these guidelines is important. Otherwise, your TEACH Grant turns into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which means you have to pay it back with interest. See the TEACH Grant website for more details.
The Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship is awarded to students who pledge to work in high-needs public schools or shortage areas, like special education. You can apply as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. The awarded amount can cover up to 100 percent of your annual tuition, and can be renewed up to three times! For more information, check out the Maryland Higher Education Commission website.
School systems across Maryland were awarded their own grant: The Maryland Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program. Each school system can offer a service commitment-style grant that covers costs such as tuition, books, fees and mentor support while you're in their partnered teaching program. If you’re employed as a paraeducator or other non-licensed school staff in a Maryland school, this opportunity is for you!
This grant intends to diversify the teacher pool by supporting candidates directly from the community. You may be eligible to apply if you commit to three years of full-time teaching in a high-need school in the district you trained in. Check with your local school system for more details.
You can also check our Financial Aid Explorer to search for opportunities in Maryland, or browse our national list of financial aid and scholarships specifically for future teachers.
Typically, you’ll need to attend a license program through a college or university (rather than an alternative license program) to be eligible for FAFSA financial aid.
To find out if your program is eligible, you can use the FAFSA school search tool. You can ignore the Federal School Code question; you don’t need to know yours to use the tool.
The 2025-26 FAFSA is now available. So, if you wanted to enroll in the Spring of 2026, you can submit your application between now and June 2026.
The 2026-27 FAFSA is open for applications now until June 2027. If you want to enroll in Fall of 2026, you can submit your application now.
The FAFSA priority deadline for Maryland is March 1. Remember that some forms of aid are first-come-first-serve, so apply as soon as you can!
Check out TEACH Maryland's FAFSA 101 guide for more details on applying for the FAFSA!
When you apply for financial aid through FAFSA or through your program, you’ll need to provide some background information. You’ll likely be asked for your name, Social Security Number, email and other general background information.
Some forms also include a Release of Information (ROI), which lets specified individuals and organizations access your form details. You’ll need to sign the ROI before your information can be shared.
It’s a good idea to consent to this section, because it lets you be considered for additional financial aid programs.
Most colleges and universities offer work-study options, which let you earn money by working part-time (usually on campus).
You can often match your work-study position to your program. For example, you may be able to work as a teaching assistant or academic tutor. That means you can get hands-on instruction experience while you pay for your education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can choose to do an alternative license program like a teacher residency.
Residency programs let you earn a stipend while you student teach. You’ll work alongside a mentor teacher while you earn your license. Visit our Maryland Teacher Residencies page to learn more.
If you already work in a school, you might want to continue working full- or part-time while attending your teaching program. Many Maryland school systems offer programs with discounted tuition for employees who are looking to get licensed. It’s worth finding out if your school offers extra support for employees who are pursuing a teaching license.
Your school may have scheduling support, such as revised work hours. For example, if your normal work hours are from 8:00am–4:00pm, your school may let you leave a few hours early in order to attend class.
Schools may also provide tuition vouchers for staff who choose to continue their education.
These vouchers can cover anywhere from 3 to 6 credit hours. Not only does the assistance benefit you, but it’s also a great way for schools to retain skilled and driven employees. Consider asking about these programs in your next interview.
Programs like Teach for America Baltimore offer opportunities to serve in a community and explore career paths in education. Teach for America has the unique benefit of getting you into a classroom while working towards your full teaching license.
Teach for America's initial training lasts between the spring and summer months before the upcoming school year. This training will prepare you to teach in a classroom and to pass your content exams. Then, over the next two years, you will work in your classroom and receive additional online training and support.
Teach for America is an “earn while you learn” program, so you will get a salary and your own classroom shortly after initial training. Your salary will be the same as other new teachers in your school, and you will receive full-time benefits as well!
Schools and teaching programs may also offer you loans, which you have to pay back with interest. Some programs offer subsidized loans, while others do not (remember, subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you’re completing your program, while unsubsidized loans do.)
You can always reduce the amount of loans you accept, or completely decline them if you don’t need them.
Keep in mind that most programs are through colleges and non-profit organizations, so they keep fees low. If you’re considering a for-profit teaching program, make sure to ask about interest and fees.
If you do use federal loans to pay for your program, you may be able to have all or part of your loans forgiven without paying them back. The federal government offers teachers, especially those who serve in high-need subjects or schools, several ways to apply for loan forgiveness. (These programs generally do not apply to private loans through your school.)
Check out these programs on the Federal Student Aid website:
The Maryland Higher Education Commission offers loan repayment assistance, too:
Don’t forget: You’re not finished once you hit that submit button!
If you attend a college or university, you’ll get a financial aid letter (or email) with the details of your award offer. You will have to accept these offers to receive them.
Once you formally accept your financial aid package, you’ll be one step closer to your teaching license!
As you explore financial aid, you’ll probably apply to some teaching programs. Many programs require a fee, usually around $50, when you submit your application.
Some programs offer fee waivers based on income. Check with an admissions officer to see if you qualify.
You can apply for TEACH Fee Reimbursements to get up to $100 toward eligible application and testing fees!
Applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.
You know what you want to teach and what program you want to attend. You’re excited to start your educator prep, but then you see the tuition bill. How will you pay for this? Is a teaching program worth the cost?
The short answer is yes. Becoming a teacher doesn’t just mean getting your degree and teaching license. You’re also starting a career that makes a difference in your community, offers a competitive starting salary, includes health and retirement benefits and comes with professional growth built into the job.
When deciding how to pay for your teaching program, remember that you have options. Below, we’ll guide you through some of the best ways to pay for your program.
Questions about your applications? Reach out to your program’s admission staff or sign up for a free advising session with a TEACH Maryland coach. We’re here for you.
The first step is to look for grants and scholarships from your program. If your teaching program is through a college or university, you may be eligible for funds from the government through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The great thing about these resources is that you don’t have to pay them back. And you may qualify for more than one type of free financial aid!
Grants are free money for school. They come from the government or local organizations and colleges. These resources are often awarded based on things like income and family size. Some grant providers, such as small businesses and nonprofits, may have specific eligibility requirements.
Scholarships are generally awarded to students who meet specific qualifications in areas such as athletics or academics. You may also find scholarships based on your major, your career choice, your hometown, or other factors like your background or identity. You may need to write an essay and share official transcripts.
Scholarships can come from schools, government aid or private organizations. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants out there, ranging from small awards to full-ride scholarships.
If you fill out the FAFSA and apply to a college, you are automatically considered for many scholarships—but not always. Check with your teaching program or financial aid office, and search websites like Fastweb, Niche and Scholarships.com to find more scholarships in your area.
The TEACH Maryland Scholarship offers $1,000 for future teachers. Check out the TEACH Maryland Scholarship page to learn more!
The TEACH Grant—which is unrelated to TEACH Maryland—is a specific type of award offered by the Federal Student Aid office (the same one that runs FAFSA). The TEACH Grant offers up to $4,000 a year to students entering the teaching profession.
Sticking to these guidelines is important. Otherwise, your TEACH Grant turns into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which means you have to pay it back with interest. See the TEACH Grant website for more details.
The Teaching Fellows for Maryland Scholarship is awarded to students who pledge to work in high-needs public schools or shortage areas, like special education. You can apply as a high school, undergraduate or graduate student. The awarded amount can cover up to 100 percent of your annual tuition, and can be renewed up to three times! For more information, check out the Maryland Higher Education Commission website.
School systems across Maryland were awarded their own grant: The Maryland Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program. Each school system can offer a service commitment-style grant that covers costs such as tuition, books, fees and mentor support while you're in their partnered teaching program. If you’re employed as a paraeducator or other non-licensed school staff in a Maryland school, this opportunity is for you!
This grant intends to diversify the teacher pool by supporting candidates directly from the community. You may be eligible to apply if you commit to three years of full-time teaching in a high-need school in the district you trained in. Check with your local school system for more details.
You can also check our Financial Aid Explorer to search for opportunities in Maryland, or browse our national list of financial aid and scholarships specifically for future teachers.
Typically, you’ll need to attend a license program through a college or university (rather than an alternative license program) to be eligible for FAFSA financial aid.
To find out if your program is eligible, you can use the FAFSA school search tool. You can ignore the Federal School Code question; you don’t need to know yours to use the tool.
The 2025-26 FAFSA is now available. So, if you wanted to enroll in the Spring of 2026, you can submit your application between now and June 2026.
The 2026-27 FAFSA is open for applications now until June 2027. If you want to enroll in Fall of 2026, you can submit your application now.
The FAFSA priority deadline for Maryland is March 1. Remember that some forms of aid are first-come-first-serve, so apply as soon as you can!
Check out TEACH Maryland's FAFSA 101 guide for more details on applying for the FAFSA!
When you apply for financial aid through FAFSA or through your program, you’ll need to provide some background information. You’ll likely be asked for your name, Social Security Number, email and other general background information.
Some forms also include a Release of Information (ROI), which lets specified individuals and organizations access your form details. You’ll need to sign the ROI before your information can be shared.
It’s a good idea to consent to this section, because it lets you be considered for additional financial aid programs.
Most colleges and universities offer work-study options, which let you earn money by working part-time (usually on campus).
You can often match your work-study position to your program. For example, you may be able to work as a teaching assistant or academic tutor. That means you can get hands-on instruction experience while you pay for your education.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can choose to do an alternative license program like a teacher residency.
Residency programs let you earn a stipend while you student teach. You’ll work alongside a mentor teacher while you earn your license. Visit our Maryland Teacher Residencies page to learn more.
If you already work in a school, you might want to continue working full- or part-time while attending your teaching program. Many Maryland school systems offer programs with discounted tuition for employees who are looking to get licensed. It’s worth finding out if your school offers extra support for employees who are pursuing a teaching license.
Your school may have scheduling support, such as revised work hours. For example, if your normal work hours are from 8:00am–4:00pm, your school may let you leave a few hours early in order to attend class.
Schools may also provide tuition vouchers for staff who choose to continue their education.
These vouchers can cover anywhere from 3 to 6 credit hours. Not only does the assistance benefit you, but it’s also a great way for schools to retain skilled and driven employees. Consider asking about these programs in your next interview.
Programs like Teach for America Baltimore offer opportunities to serve in a community and explore career paths in education. Teach for America has the unique benefit of getting you into a classroom while working towards your full teaching license.
Teach for America's initial training lasts between the spring and summer months before the upcoming school year. This training will prepare you to teach in a classroom and to pass your content exams. Then, over the next two years, you will work in your classroom and receive additional online training and support.
Teach for America is an “earn while you learn” program, so you will get a salary and your own classroom shortly after initial training. Your salary will be the same as other new teachers in your school, and you will receive full-time benefits as well!
Schools and teaching programs may also offer you loans, which you have to pay back with interest. Some programs offer subsidized loans, while others do not (remember, subsidized loans do not accrue interest while you’re completing your program, while unsubsidized loans do.)
You can always reduce the amount of loans you accept, or completely decline them if you don’t need them.
Keep in mind that most programs are through colleges and non-profit organizations, so they keep fees low. If you’re considering a for-profit teaching program, make sure to ask about interest and fees.
If you do use federal loans to pay for your program, you may be able to have all or part of your loans forgiven without paying them back. The federal government offers teachers, especially those who serve in high-need subjects or schools, several ways to apply for loan forgiveness. (These programs generally do not apply to private loans through your school.)
Check out these programs on the Federal Student Aid website:
The Maryland Higher Education Commission offers loan repayment assistance, too:
Don’t forget: You’re not finished once you hit that submit button!
If you attend a college or university, you’ll get a financial aid letter (or email) with the details of your award offer. You will have to accept these offers to receive them.
Once you formally accept your financial aid package, you’ll be one step closer to your teaching license!
As you explore financial aid, you’ll probably apply to some teaching programs. Many programs require a fee, usually around $50, when you submit your application.
Some programs offer fee waivers based on income. Check with an admissions officer to see if you qualify.
You can apply for TEACH Fee Reimbursements to get up to $100 toward eligible application and testing fees!
Applications have a lot of steps, and we’re here to support you with all of them.
Check out more FREE tools to simplify the process.