Aspiring Texas teachers are eligible for scholarships and grants from the Federal Student Aid program. Applicants must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is available online, with instructions on required documents, filling out the application and tracking the status of the application. There is information on the FAFSA website, fafsa.ed.gov, about the range of scholarship, grant and work-study opportunities.
The University of Texas at Austin offers teaching degrees at the College of Education. The Office of Student Financial Services offers information on a range of Texas scholarships at texasscholarships.org. Scholarship funds are limited and awards are competitive.
Educational aides with one to five years experience, and substitute teachers with 180 days worked within five years who wish to become certified teachers may apply for an Educational Aide Exemption to cover tuition and some fees. This teaching track program for those with experience in the field may be applied for within the FAFSA system.
The LEAP program provides grant assistance to students who demonstrate financial need. Texas residents may be awarded up to $5,000 depending on need. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and work with their college or university financial aid office to apply for this grant.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board offers help in applying for financial aid on the College For All Texans website. The importance of working with the financial aid office of an applicants college or university is stressed. Applicants are advised that they must fill out either the FAFSA or the Texas Application for Federal Student Aid (TAFSA). The TAFSA is for Texas residents who are not eligible for FAFSA. The TAFSA application is available at the College for All Texans website in both English and Spanish versions: collegeforalltexans.com.