The TEACH Grant is not a conventional scholarship: it offers federal aid to future teachers, but recipients sign a career-service agreement that can result in loan repayment. The TEACH program profile explains where to confirm your major, how to pursue the award, and which obligations to understand before accepting funds.
For 2026–27, the $4,000 statutory maximum is reduced by 5.70% for first disbursements from October 2026 through September 2027, leaving an adjusted ceiling of $3,772. The actual award can be lower based on enrollment and the school’s calculation. The Department says there will be no initial TEACH authorization for schools; they receive their funding level based on accepted posted disbursements. Do not confuse this cash-flow mechanism with cancellation of the program.
Applicants need a FAFSA, a participating institution and designated teacher-preparation program, annual counseling, and a signed agreement. Usually, they must have a 3.25 GPA or score above the 75th percentile on an admissions test. The grant targets high-need fields such as mathematics, science, bilingual education, foreign languages, reading specialist, and special education, but each college determines which of its programs qualify.
The obligation is to teach full time for four years at an eligible low-income school or educational agency, in a high-need field, and complete service within eight years after leaving college. If any term is not met, TEACH funds may convert to Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with interest dating from each disbursement. That conversion can make the long-term cost of aid that seemed non-repayable much higher.
Before accepting, ask the financial-aid office for the agreement and a written estimate, confirm that the school where you plan to teach appears in the relevant directory, and learn how to document every year. If your circumstances change, check the limited reasons for suspension and contact Federal Student Aid before deadlines pass. A campus adviser can explain the process, but the binding obligation is the federal agreement you sign.
TEACH Grant: requisitos, campos y compromiso de servicio — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
TEACH Grant eligibility, 2026–27 handbook — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
TEACH counseling and Agreement to Serve or Repay — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
Calculating TEACH Grant awards, 2026–27 handbook — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
FY27 sequester reduction for Title IV programs — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
2026–27 funding authorization and disbursement reminders — Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education.
Informational guide checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Application periods and funding may change; confirm the current cycle with the program and the financial-aid office before making decisions.
TEACH can fund part of teacher preparation, but weigh the service obligation and loan-conversion risk before accepting.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
TEACH Grant — Federal Student Aid
It can provide up to $3,772 for a first disbursement from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, after the federal 5.7% reduction. It requires four years of full-time teaching in a high-need field at a low-income school; failure to meet the terms converts it to an interest-bearing Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Federal teacher-education grant with a service obligation
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of TEACH Grant — Federal Student Aid ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of TEACH Grant — Federal Student Aid ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of TEACH Grant — Federal Student Aid ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of TEACH Grant — Federal Student Aid ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of TEACH Grant — Federal Student Aid ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.