Can I Get a Pell Grant for a Masters in Teaching?

Campus-based financial aid helps lessen education costs.

Federal Pell Grants provide education assistance to students pursuing undergraduate, professional or post-baccalaureate certification. As of August 2011, eligible students receive up to $5,500 per year, based on financial need, school costs and full- or part-time student status. Pell Grants are not loans. Students do not have to repay the money. While Pell Grants do not pay for graduate education, grants and campus-based assistance provide education funds for graduate students.

Post-Baccalaureate Certification

Post-baccalaureate students qualify for a Pell, provided the program and students meet certain qualifications. The program must include state-required courses for teacher certification, the school cannot offer an undergraduate degree in education, and the student must pursue initial certification or licensing within a state. Students must attend school half-time, and the program cannot lead to a master's degree. Although students must have a bachelor's degree to enter a post-baccalaureate program, post-baccalaureate certification is not a master's degree.

Work-Study

Undergraduate and graduate students may obtain financial assistance through a Federal Work-Study grant. The work-study programs allow students to work in their area of study or some other community-based form of service while earning a small stipend. Students must earn no less than minimum wage and receive at least monthly compensation. Work-study students cannot receive more than the federal work-study grant and all students must complete work that satisfies the public interest requirement.

TEACH Grant Program

The TEACH Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per academic year in financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a master's degree. Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens and agree to work at least four academic years in a school that serves underprivileged students. Teachers must also provide instruction in a high-need course such as mathematics, science or special education. If the student does not complete the teaching obligation within eight years of graduation, the grant converts to a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.

How to Complete the FAFSA

To qualify for a Pell Grant, Work-Study and the TEACH Grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students can obtain FAFSA from a high school guidance counselor, college financial aid office or online (fafsa.ed.gov). Complete the application in its entirety and submit mailed applications to the Federal Student Aid Programs department in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

FAFSA PIN

The Department of Education suggests submitting a FAFSA online due to the ease and convenience of completion. Students must obtain a PIN to sign and submit an online application. A PIN allows students to sign promissory notes, update financial aid applications and access financial aid information online. Apply for a PIN through the Federal Aid PIN website (pin.ed.gov). Determine the method of PIN delivery upon completion of the financial aid application. Students may receive a PIN immediately online or via email. Opting to receive a PIN by mail takes seven to 10 days.

References

• U.S. Department of Education: Federal Pell Grant
• U.S. Department of Education: Information for Financial Aid Professionals: Student Eligibility
• U.S. Department of Education: Campus-Based Aid
• U.S Department of Education: TEACH Grant Program
• U.S. Department of Education: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• U.S. Department of Education: How Will I Receive My PIN?