If you don’t already have a degree, a bachelor's + teaching license program is probably your most cost-effective option. You'll earn your degree and license at the same time. Tuition varies depending on the school, your state residency status and the specific program.  

Tuition Range: From full scholarship to $34K per year (for out-of-state students)

Typical Expenses

• Tuition & other costs for a four-year degree.
• Application, fingerprint and background checks (We can reimburse you for application costs! Find out how!)

Ways to Pay

• Many people pay for their program with a combination of scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans.
• Some programs may offer paid internships.
• You could qualify for loan forgiveness if you commit to teaching in a shortage area subject or high-need school. Loan forgiveness means you don’t have to pay back the loan, which can add up to thousands of dollars.
• The Native American Language and Culture Certificate allows you to teach without a degree. If you’re a tribal member of a Pueblo, you may be able to teach the tribal language and culture to K–12 students. Learn more about teaching in Pueblo schools.

Other Things to Know

• Some programs let you add a master’s degree during a fifth year—which can save you money on your master’s AND give you a higher starting salary!

In a master’s degree program, you’ll earn your teaching license and a master’s degree at the same time.

Tuition Cost Range: Full scholarship to $30,000 per year (for out-of-state students) per year

Typical Expenses

• Tuition & other costs for a master’s degree and teaching license.
• Application and test registration fees (We can reimburse you for those! Find out how!)

Ways to Pay

• Many people pay for their program with a combination of scholarships, grants and student loans.
• Some programs may offer paid internships.
• You could qualify for loan forgiveness if you commit to teaching in a shortage area subject or high-need school. Loan forgiveness means you don’t have to pay back the loan, and can add up to thousands of dollars!  

Other Things to Know

• A master’s degree is typically more expensive than a license-only or alternative licensure program. However, a master’s will also lead to a higher starting salary!
• Most traditional teaching programs include an unpaid student teaching component, so you’ll need to plan for that as well.

• A standard master's program allows you to get more guidance and mentorship before you lead your own classroom.

Alternative licensure lets you start teaching right away. You’ll earn a salary or stipend while you work toward your teaching license. 

Tuition Cost Range: Full scholarship to about $10K per year

Typical Expenses

• Tuition & other costs for a teaching program
• Application and test registration fees (We can reimburse you for those! Find out how!)
• Alternative teaching license fee

Ways to Pay

• Your salary can reduce your total costs! In some cases, your program costs will be deducted directly from your paycheck.
• You could qualify for loan forgiveness if you commit to teaching in a shortage area subject or high-need school. Loan forgiveness means you don’t have to pay back the loan, and can add up to thousands of dollars! 

Other Things to Know

• Some alternative licensure programs offer low- or no-cost annual tuition.
• Alternative licensure takes less time and is usually less expensive than a master’s degree program. However, a master’s degree will often lead to a higher starting salary. You can also go back and earn a master’s degree later, after you start teaching. Learn more.