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TEACH Grant Program

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program is available for selected postbaccalaureate and master’s programs and plans in education. The TEACH Grant is actually a grant/loan combination that requires a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS), as the grant will convert to unsubsidized loan in the future if contracted teaching obligations are not met. If this happens, interest accrual will be effective as of the date of the first TEACH disbursement.

The TEACH grant is not included in financial aid offers but can be offered retroactively to eligible students during the award year. Specific eligible education programs have been determined in conjunction with the School of Education and the LBST department.

Eligibility for the TEACH Grant will be determined by CSUSM, using guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education. See the Frequently Asked Questions for Federal Student Aid.

General Qualifications for the TEACH Grant

Students must meet the following conditions in order to qualify:

  • Have filed a FAFSA and have an official EFC
  • Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible non-citizen status
  • Be admitted to an eligible high-need field:
    • MS Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: Science Education Program
    • Single Subject - Math, Science, Foreign Language, Reading Specialist, and any other field that has been identified as high-need by the federal government, a state government, or a local education agency that is included in the annual Teacher Shortage Areas Nationwide Listing
    • Bilingual Multiple Subject and Single Subject
    • Concurrent/Special Ed Programs
    • MA Education Programs - Curriculum and Instruction Option (Science Education, Math Education), ELD emphasis, LCDL Option, TIL (Teaching International Languages)
  • Have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or greater or qualify as a current or retired teacher obtaining a master's degree
  • Complete required TEACH Grant initial and subsequent counseling
  • Sign Agreement to Serve (ATS)
  • Meet standard eligibility criteria for all Federal Title IV financial aid, such as not being in default on a student loan and maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How to Apply and Determination of Student Eligibility

  • Students apply by completing the FAFSA.
  • Eligible students are identified by the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office and the School of Education according to enrollment and GPA criteria.
  • Students identified as eligible will receive an email communication from the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office notifying them of their eligibility.
  • Interested students are required by federal requirements to complete TEACH Grant counseling and the Agreement to Serve before funds can be disbursed.