If you are pursuing a degree in education, then you might be worried about the cost of college. You may already know that the average student loan debt of a college graduate is $33,654. Do a little math, and you’ll figure out that that makes for an average monthly payment of $393. That’s a hefty amount once you consider that the average salary of a teacher in 2020 is $60,477 per year, and the average starting salary for a new teacher is actually well below $40,000.
Fortunately, there are plenty of scholarships specifically for future teachers that make it possible to majorly offset the cost of a college education. Keep scrolling for 30 great education degree scholarships available to college students pursuing a career in teaching.
Alma Exley Scholarship
$5,000
2020 Deadline: October 31
Alma Exley was a teacher in the Connecticut Department of Education, where she was dedicated to bringing more people of color into the teaching profession. Since her death in 1995, the Alma Exley Scholarship has been carrying on her work. Each year, this scholarship awards up to $5,000 to a student of color who is preparing for a career in education at an accredited program in Connecticut. The application process includes a questionnaire and letters of reference.
Scholarship Website
Alpha Delta Kappa Future Educator Scholarship
$1,000
2020 Deadline: March 1
Alpha Delta Kappa is the honorary organization for female educators. It offers the Future Educator Scholarship to Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club members who are approaching or in the midst of their last two years of teach preparation at a college or university. The scholarship provides $1,000 for up to five students. The scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, room and board, or course materials.
Scholarship Website
American Montessori Society Scholarships
Varies
2020 Deadline: Varies
Adherents of the Montessori style of early childhood education will appreciate the myriad scholarship opportunities provided by the American Montessori Society (AMS). Each year, around $60,000 in awards are given out to aspiring Montessori teachers. Scholarships can be used for tuition, room and board, and required course materials. Successful applicants will be accepted or enrolled in an AMS-affiliated teacher education program. They need to prove financial need, and submit a personal statement and three letters of recommendation.
Scholarship Website
The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
$1,000
2020 Deadline: January 31
The National Institute for Labor Relations Research sponsors The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship. It was named for three public school teachers who were fired because they refused to pay union dues. This education degree scholarship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. The application includes:
- a formal questionnaire
- an up-to-date transcript
- a 500-word essay describing how Right to Work principles apply to educators.
Scholarship Website
Bright Futures Scholarship for Early Childhood Teachers
Up to $500
2020 Deadline: May 15
Bright Horizons is a provider of employer-sponsored child care. Each year, they offer the Bright Futures Scholarship specifically to those pursuing a career educating children ages six and under. Eligible applicants include:
- high school seniors
- those enrolled in two- and four-year colleges and universities
- those enrolled in graduate programs
The application process consists of:
- a questionnaire
- a letter of recommendation from a professional
- a short statement outlining the applicant’s career goals
- a 300-500 word essay answering a specific prompt.
Scholarship Website
The Burditt, Rooney, and Woodward Scholarships
$2,500 each
2020 Deadline: March 1
The George M. Burditt Scholarship, the Denise C. Rooney Scholarship, and the Betsy B. Woodward Scholarship are offered by the Association of Food & Drug Officials. Each scholarship awards one student in their third year of college with $2,500 to use for:
- tuition
- room and board
- or course materials
Successful applicants will have a G.P.A. of at least 3.0, have demonstrated leadership capabilities, and will be pursuing a career in teaching a subject related to:
- foods
- drugs
- or consumer product safety
One scholarship application can be used to apply to all three scholarships.
Scholarship Website
Christa McAuliffe Teacher Incentive Program
$5,000
2020 Deadline: June 4
High school-aged Delaware residents who plan to enroll full-time as an education major at a Delaware college would do well to apply for the Christa McAuliffe Teacher Incentive Program. Preference for the $5,000 award goes to those planning to teach in a critical need area. These areas include:
- world languages
- math
- science
- English
- technology education, among others
The application process includes an online application, 9th through 11th grade transcripts, and SAT scores.
Scholarship Website
Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship
$1,000
2020 Deadline: March 4
Kentucky-based graduate students pursuing a degree and career in public service (including teaching) should consider the Edith Schwab Memorial Scholarship. Sponsored by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, this scholarship is an award of at least $1,000. A successful applicant will :
- have an excellent academic record
- be able to demonstrate financial need
- intend towork in the state of Kentucky.
Scholarship Website
Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary/Secondary Teacher Education Scholarship
$1,500
2020 Deadline: February 15
The Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Elementary/Secondary Teacher Education Scholarship is sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Six scholarships of up to $1,500 are awarded each year, three to those planning to teach at the elementary level and three to those planning to teach at the secondary level. Applicants must also be 25 years of age or older. Successful applicants will:
- have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5
- be at least a sophomore in college
- be enrolled in an accredited college or university.
Scholarship Website
Florida Retired Educators Foundation Scholarship
$4,000 over four years
2020 Deadline: January 20
The Florida Retired Educators Foundation offers this $4,000 scholarship to graduating high school seniors who intend to become teachers in the state of Florida. The $4,000 is paid out over four years ($1,000 each year), and is meant to help with tuition, room and board, or anything else the student may need as they pursue a degree in education.
Scholarship Website
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Varies
2020 Deadline: January 13
Funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program provides funding for college to outstanding students who are:
- African American
- American Indian/Alaska Native
- Asian Pacific Islander American
- Hispanic American students
The awards vary, but are very generous. Students pursuing education degrees may also request additional funding for a graduate degree program.
Scholarship Website
Hawaii Education Association (HEA) Student Teacher Scholarship
$2,000
2020 Deadline: June 15
The purpose of the Hawaii Education Association Student Teacher Scholarship is to minimize the need for employment during the student teaching semester. Each year, two $2,000 scholarships are awarded to student teachers pursuing a degree in education and intending to teach in the Hawaii State Department of Education. The application process includes:
- an application form
- submission of official college transcripts
- a personal statement.
Scholarship Website
Infinitus Dream Scholarship
$3,000
2020 Deadline: October 1
The Infinitus Dream Fund sponsors the annual Infinitus Dream Scholarship. Five $3,000 awards are given out each year to undergraduate students who are passionate about education and who attend a Colorado-based college or university.
Scholarship Website
James Madison Memorial Fellowship
Up to $24,000
2020 Deadline: March 1
High-achieving college seniors and recent graduates who intend to pursue master’s degrees in education should consider the James Madison Memorial Fellowship. The fellowship provides future teachers of American history, American government, and/or civics with up to $24,000 to help pay for their education. Successful applicants will:
- be U.S. citizens
- have plans to teach the relevant subjects to grades 7-12
- be obtaining a bachelor’s degree by August 31 of the year in which they apply.
Lead With Languages Teacher Scholarship Program
$1,500 per academic year
2020 Deadline: May 31
Lead With Languages sponsors the Teacher Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors who intend to become a teacher of a language other than English. Scholarship winners receive $1,500, and can renew three additional times for a total of $6,000 to put towards their college education. Successful applicants will:
- be U.S. citizens or permanent residents
- be accepted into an accredited U.S. college or university
- have taken at least two years of the same language in high school.
The scholarp’s goal is to “bolster the pipeline of future language educators,”
Scholarship Website
Leon Bradley Scholarship
$3,500
2020 Deadline: May 31
The Leon Bradley Scholarship is presented by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. The scholarship was established to encourage more students of color to become teachers and school administrators. Two $3,500 awards are given out each year to minority college students pursuing teaching certifications. The application consists of a basic questionnaire and a 500-word personal statement describing why the applicant has decided to become a teacher.
Scholarship Website
The Mahoney Family Foundation Teaching Scholarship
$5,000
2020 Deadline: Varies
The Mahoney Family Foundation Teaching Scholarship is for current teachers who are interested in:
- continuing their education
- obtaining an additional degree
- or participating in advanced practical training
This unique $5,000 scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are licensed teachers with at least three years of experience.
Scholarship Website
Minority Teacher Education Scholars Program
$4,000
2020 Deadline: July 1 (fall semester), November 30 (spring semester)
Minority Teacher Education Scholars Program is a team effort of:
- The Florida College System institutions
- Florida-based public and private universities
- Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc.
This unique program encourages African-American, Hispanic-American, Asian-American, and Native American students to become teachers in Florida. Recipients will receive $4,000 to put towards their education. The award is renewable. For each year the scholarship is received, the award recipient must teach one year in a Florida public school. The application process includes a 300-500 word personal statement.
Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program
$5,000
2020 Deadline: March 1
To encourage African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, and Native American students to pursue careers in teaching, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission sponsors this Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program. To be eligible for the award, applicants should be:
- a minority
- an Illinois resident
- either a U.S. resident or an “undocumented student” fitting the criteria of the RISE Act.
Applicants should also be a high school graduate, and be enrolled or accepted into an Illinois institution of higher education. Successful applicants will receive $5,000, which can be renewed for the equivalent of four academic years. Recipients must promise to teach one year at an Illinois public school for every year money is received.
Scholarship Website
Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund
Up to $2,000
2020 Deadline: March 1
Established in 1949, the Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund is available to graduating high school seniors of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington. Applicants must be nominated by their high school in order to be eligible. Each year, 35-40 scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 are awarded. These awards are renewable for four years of college in the state of Washington.
Scholarship Website
Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship
$30,000
2020 Deadline: December 31
Indiana residents who intend to earn a degree in education should apply for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. Each year, the State of Indiana provides 200 scholarships to high-achieving high school graduates and current college undergraduates who are pursuing careers as teachers. Recipients receive $7,500 per year for up to four years. They are required to commit one year of teaching in an Indiana-based public school for each year that money is received. Applicants must be nominated by:
- a K-12 teacher
- administrator
- or campus faculty member.
Scholarship Website
Oklahoma Future Teachers Scholarship Program
$1,500
2020 Deadline: Varies
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers the Oklahoma Future Teachers Scholarship Program. The program’s purpose is to attract teachers to critical shortage areas throughout the state. To be eligible for this renewable award, applicants must:
- be Oklahoma residents
- be nominated by the college in which they are enrolled
- have a cumulative G.P.A. of least 2.5
The recipient of the Oklahoma Future Teachers Scholarship Program must agree to teach in a shortage area in Oklahoma public schools for at least three consecutive years.
Scholarship Website
Prospective 7-12 Secondary Teacher Coursework Scholarship
Up to $10,000
2020 Deadline: May 1
Future math teachers are sure to appreciate this scholarship offered by The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. To be awarded up to $10,000 in scholarship money, applicants must be at least a sophomore at an accredited college or university. They must also be a member of The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The application process includes submission of:
- transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- a written proposal explaining the coursework remaining for certification.
Scholarship Website
Prospective Educator Scholarships
Up to $5,000
2020 Deadline: April 6
Educators Rising sponsors about 30 Prospective Educator Scholarships each year. These scholarships range from $500 to $5,000, and are both one-time and renewable awards. To be eligible, applicants should be graduating high school seniors intent on pursuing a college degree in education. Applicants must also be paid active members of Educators Rising (annual $10 fee). The application process includes:
- a personal statement
- a C.V.
- a transcript copy
- a letter of recommendation.
Scholarship Website
Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) Teacher Graduate Scholarships
Up to $5,000
2020 Deadline: May 31
Current students pursuing, or planning to pursue a graduate degree to teach STEM subjects can apply for this scholarship sponsored by The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association. To be eligible, students must:
- be U.S. citizens
- be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university
- have already completed a B.S. degree in a STEM subject
- have a minimum G.P.A. of 3.5.
The application process includes submission of official transcripts, a C.V., and two letters of recommendation.
Scholarship Website
SILA Post Secondary College Scholarship
$2,500
2020 Deadline: May 31
Each year, the SILA Foundation rewards five deserving students with $2,500 scholarships. To be eligible for this generous award, applicants must be enrolled, or be planning to enroll, at an accredited college or university. They must:
- be U.S. citizens
- be pursuing a degree in education
- have a G.P.A. of at least 3.0.
The application process includes submission of a transcript and a letter or reference.
Scholarship Website
TEACH Grant
$4,000
2020 Deadline: Varies
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federally funded scholarship for students planning to become teachers. Successful applicants will:
- be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited college or university
- be pursuing a degree in education
- meet certain academic achievement
To ensure the TEACH Grant does not become a loan, the grant recipient must commit to teaching in a high-need field, at a school that serves low-income families, for at least four years.
Scholarship Website
Teacher.org’s Inspire Our Future Scholarship
$500
2020 Deadline: April 1
Teacher.org is a great resource for students who are thinking of becoming teachers. One of the many resources they offer future educators is the Inspire Our Future Scholarship. This $500 scholarship is available to anyone studying:
- education
- educational administration
- secondary education, special education
- child development
- or early childhood education.
Applicants should be U.S. residents and have a minimum 3.5 G.P.A.
Scholarship Website
William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship
Varies
2020 Deadline: August 31
The William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship is sponsored by the State of Indiana. It is a renewable scholarship of variable amounts. To be eligible, applicants must:
- be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Indiana
- be a minority
- be enrolled as a full-time student
- have submitted a FAFSA
Recipients of the William A. Crawford Minority Teacher Scholarship are expected to commit to teaching in Indiana for at least three years.
Scholarship Website
Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship
$32,000
2020 Deadline: Varies
The prestigious Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship is open to:
- current undergraduates
- recent graduates
- mid-career professionals
- retirees who are working to complete, or have completed a degree in a STEM subject (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
In addition to the generous grant, recipients of the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship will earn admittance into a prestigious master’s program to earn a teacher’s certification in a STEM subject of their choice. Fellowship recipients are expected to spend time teaching in a high need secondary school in Pennsylvania.
Scholarship Website
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