Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The TEACH Grant is a federal grant for undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate students preparing to teach in high-need fields. The published statutory maximum is up to $4,000 per year, but disbursements can vary by award year and payment date; ask the college for the amount that applies in 2026–27. Studying education alone does not qualify a student: the program must participate and meet federal criteria, and recipients must sign the service agreement before funds are
About Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The TEACH Grant is a federal grant for undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate students preparing to teach in high-need fields. The published statutory maximum is up to $4,000 per year, but disbursements can vary by award year and payment date; ask the college for the amount that applies in 2026–27. Studying education alone does not qualify a student: the program must participate and meet federal criteria, and recipients must sign the service agreement before funds are disbursed.
The core commitment is four full-time school years teaching in a high-need field at a school or educational service agency serving low-income students. The four years must be completed within eight years after leaving the program. Federal lists govern eligible subjects and sites; confirm that both the subject you will teach and the specific school can count, and meet your state’s certification rules.
Read the consequence before accepting: if you do not fulfill the service obligation, all TEACH Grants may convert to Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with interest charged from each disbursement date. Initial and subsequent counseling, a new annual agreement, and exit counseling are required; keep copies and employment certifications. If your career plans or enrollment change, contact Federal Student Aid before missing an obligation. Compare TEACH with other scholarships and the full cost of your program—the service commitment makes this a conditional grant, not unrestricted free aid.
Who it serves and what it can cover: The TEACH Grant is a federal grant for undergraduate, graduate, or post-baccalaureate students preparing to teach in high-need fields. The published statutory maximum is up to $4,000 per year, but disbursements can vary by award year and payment date; ask the college for the amount that applies in 2026–27. Studying education alone does not qualify a student: the program must participate and meet federal criteria, and recipients must sign the service agreement before funds are disbursed. The core commitment is four full-time school years teaching in a high-need field at a school or educational service agency serving low-income students. The four years must be completed within eight years after leaving the program. Federal lists govern eligible subjects and sites; confirm that both the subject you will teach and the specific school can count, and meet your state’s certification rules.
How to apply or get help: Read the consequence before accepting: if you do not fulfill the service obligation, all TEACH Grants may convert to Direct Unsubsidized Loans, with interest charged from each disbursement date. Initial and subsequent counseling, a new annual agreement, and exit counseling are required; keep copies and employment certifications. If your career plans or enrollment change, contact Federal Student Aid before missing an obligation. Compare TEACH with other scholarships and the full cost of your program—the service commitment makes this a conditional grant, not unrestricted free aid. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program