TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant Program

While the TEACH Grant Program was originally funded with annual $4,000 awards, the federal budget sequester that went into effect on March 1, 2013, has adjusted the amounts that could be awarded to students within subsequent timeframes. All other provisions of the program remained the same.

Instead of $4,000 annual amounts, awards first disbursed during these timeframes were reduced accordingly:

• 10/01/2018 – 09/30/2019: $3,752 reflecting a 6.2% cut.*
• 10/01/2017 – 09/30/2018: $3,736 reflecting a 6.6% cut.*
• 10/01/2016 – 09/30/2017: $3,724 reflecting a 6.9% cut.
• 10/01/2015 – 09/30/2016: $3,728 reflecting a 6.8% cut.*
• 10/01/2014 – 09/30/2015: $3,708 reflecting a 7.3% cut.
• 10/01/2013 – 09/30/2014: $3,964 reflecting a .89% cut.
• 03/01/2013 – 09/30/2013: $3,712 reflecting a 7.2% cut.

Congressional action on the annual federal budget (hence the October 1 effective dates now) will continue to determine any other cuts or restoration to the program.

*Though not a substantial difference, some students delay requesting TEACH awards until after October 1 in order to receive the increased amount when there are increases in funding. Tuition bills remain due as scheduled and payments are required accordingly to avoid late fees.

The TEACH Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants for graduate and undergraduate students in specified majors who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas for at least four years at schools classified as serving low-income students.

Students may receive up to $16,000 for undergraduate study and up to $8,000 for graduate study. Part-time students are eligible, but the maximum grant will be reduced.

Future teachers can benefit from TEACH Grant funds in meeting their college costs, but failure to meet the conditions of the program can result in a loan with compounded interest.

Once a TEACH Grant converts to a loan, it cannot be converted back to a grant. Additionally, completing part of your teaching obligation does not prevent a portion of your grant from becoming a loan.

Because of these conditions, TEACH Grant Exit Counseling is required whenever you withdraw, graduate or change your academic program.

Grant-Becomes-Loan Provision

While students intending to teach can benefit from this grant money, accepting TEACH is unlike other grant programs. TEACH Grant requires specific (and detailed) obligations to be met:

• Completion of a four-year teaching obligation within eight years of graduating,
• Annual documentation of teaching in a qualified high-need subject area in a designated low-income serving school, and
• Timely response to requests for information from the U.S. Department of Education while enrolled in school, following departure from school, and while teaching.

Failure to meet all service provisions in full will result in all TEACH Grant funds being permanently converted to a loan with interest calculated to when the grant was received.

Student Eligibility

The first TEACH Grants were awarded to eligible UC students for the 2008-09 school year. To receive a TEACH Grant, you must:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Meet basic aid eligibility requirements of matriculation and academic progress.
• Be enrolled in a program of study designated as TEACH Grant-eligible.
• Meet one of the following academic achievement requirements
  • A score above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test (e.g. SAT, ACT, or GRE), or
  • Graduate from high school with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 to receive a grant as a freshman and
  • Have a cumulative university GPA of at least 3.25 on your college coursework to receive a grant for each subsequent term.
• Complete TEACH Grant counseling each year funds are received.
• Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS) each year funds are received and respond to requests by the U.S. Department of Education confirming your continuing intention to meet the teaching obligation.

More Information

Students wishing to pursue a TEACH Grant-eligible Programs of Study or wanting to be considered for a TEACH Grant should begin the process by contacting their college representative as listed for initial counseling and an overview of the program requirements.