Federal TEACH Grant Program
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What Is the TEACH Grant?
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal grant program that provides funding to students who plan to become teachers.
- Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 per year (amount may vary slightly each year due to sequestration).
- It is available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
- It helps pay for education programs that prepare students to teach.
Important: Unlike most grants, this program requires a teaching commitment after graduation.
How Does It Work?
When you accept a TEACH Grant, you agree to:
- Teach full-time for at least 4 years.
- Work in a high-need subject area.
- Teach at a school serving low-income students.
- Complete the above service requirements within 8 years of finishing your program.
Important: If you do not meet these requirements, the grant converts to a loan and will need to be repaid.
If you do not complete your teaching obligation:
- The grant is converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
- You must repay it with interest (dating back to when funds were received).
To qualify for a TEACH Grant, you must:
- Complete the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be enrolled in a TEACH-eligible program.
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.25.
- Complete required TEACH Grant counseling each year.
- Sign an Agreement to Serve or Repay.
What Are Teach-Eligible Programs?
At Saint Vincent, these programs include:
- Secondary Mathematics Education Grades 7-12
- PK-12 Special Education
- Science Education (biology education, chemistry education, physics education) Grades 7-12
- Foreign Languages (Spanish education) Grades PK-12
- Reading Specialist Grades PK-12
- Psychology Education with Special Education certification Grades PK-12
- Elementary Grades K-6*
*Please note: The elementary major is currently part of the teacher shortage list, so may not continue to be eligible in the future. In addition, you must teach in grades 4-6 to meet grant eligibility.
What Are High-Need Fields?
You must teach in a field with a shortage of educators, such as:
- Mathematics
- Science (including computer science)
- Special Education
- Foreign Language
- Bilingual Education / English Language Learning
- Reading Specialist
- Other shortage areas identified each year in the Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.
What Is a Low-Income School?
A qualifying school is one that serves a high percentage of low-income students, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education.
Search the Teacher Cancellation Low Income Directory.
What Should I Do If I’m Interested?
Interested students should complete a TEACH Grant Interest Application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@stvincent.edu or 724-805-2555 with any questions.