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TEACH Grant Program

The University of Mount Saint Vincent participates in the federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program. This program provides eligible students with grant assistance to help pay for their education while preparing for a career in teaching.

Unlike many other grants, a TEACH Grant comes with a teaching service obligation. Students who receive a TEACH Grant must agree to complete specific teaching requirements after leaving school. If the service obligation is not fulfilled, the grant may be converted into a federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest.

Students considering a TEACH Grant should carefully review the eligibility requirements, application steps, and teaching obligations before accepting the award.

Who Is Eligible?

To be considered for a TEACH Grant at UMSV, students must meet the applicable federal eligibility requirements, including the following:

  • Complete the FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the applicable award year. The UMSV federal school code is 002703.
  • Meet federal student aid eligibility requirements: Resolve any outstanding eligibility issues or conflicting information that must be addressed before funds can be disbursed.
  • Enroll in an eligible program: Be enrolled in a UMSV undergraduate or graduate program designated as eligible for the TEACH Grant.
  • Meet the academic achievement requirement: Generally, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale or score above the 75th percentile on at least one qualifying battery of a nationally normed standardized admissions test. Certain federal exceptions may apply.

How to Apply for a TEACH Grant

Follow these steps to be considered for a TEACH Grant.

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Submit your FAFSA for the applicable academic year at studentaid.gov.

UMSV Federal School Code: 002703

Step 2: Confirm Your Program Eligibility

Verify that your program of study has been designated as eligible for the TEACH Grant.

Step 3: Meet the Academic Requirements

Ensure that you meet the applicable 3.25 GPA or standardized test score requirement, unless a federal exception applies.

Step 4: Complete TEACH Grant Counseling

Complete the required TEACH Grant counseling through studentaid.gov. Initial counseling must be completed before you receive your first TEACH Grant. Subsequent counseling is required before receiving each additional TEACH Grant.

Step 5: Sign the Agreement to Serve or Repay

After completing the required counseling, sign the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay through studentaid.gov.

A new agreement is required for each award year in which you receive a TEACH Grant. You must complete the required counseling and agreement before receiving your grant.

Step 6: Monitor Your Financial Aid Requirements

Check your UMSV student account and financial aid communications for outstanding requirements. If additional documentation is needed, submit it promptly.

The Office of Financial Aid reviews eligibility and required documentation before finalizing and disbursing TEACH Grant funds.

How Much Can I Receive?

TEACH Grant amounts are subject to federal annual and aggregate limits, applicable federal adjustments, enrollment intensity, and other program requirements.

Your actual award depends on the applicable federal limits and your eligibility for the award period.

The Office of Financial Aid reviews TEACH Grant calculations and adjusts awards when required by changes in enrollment intensity, eligibility, award limits, or other applicable federal requirements.

An award shown in your financial aid award letter is subject to verification of eligibility and completion of all required documents, counseling, and agreements.

What Is the Teaching Service Obligation?

When you accept a TEACH Grant, you agree to complete the federal teaching service obligation.

Generally, you must:

  • Teach full-time for at least four academic years.
  • Complete the required teaching service within eight years after graduating or otherwise ceasing enrollment at the institution where you received your TEACH Grants.
  • Teach at a qualifying elementary or secondary school or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families.
  • Teach in a designated high-need field.
  • Meet the applicable state certification requirements for the state in which you teach.
  • Teach the majority of your classes in a high-need field.

Qualifying high-need fields include:

  • Bilingual education and English language acquisition
  • Foreign language
  • Mathematics
  • Reading specialist
  • Science, including computer science
  • Special education

Other fields may qualify when they appear on the U.S. Department of Education’s applicable Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing. Requirements concerning qualifying schools, high-need fields, and teaching service are governed by federal regulations.

Before accepting a TEACH Grant, review the full service obligation and confirm that you understand the requirements for completing your teaching service.

What Happens If I Do Not Fulfill the Teaching Obligation?

If you do not fulfill the terms of your TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay, your TEACH Grants may be converted into federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

If your grants are converted:

  • You must repay the converted amounts.
  • Interest is charged from the date each TEACH Grant was disbursed.
  • You become responsible for the applicable loan repayment requirements.

Because conversion can create a repayment obligation, it is important to understand the teaching requirements before accepting a TEACH Grant and to keep records of your qualifying teaching service.

For details about your obligations, review your Agreement to Serve or Repay and the federal guidance available through studentaid.gov.

Counseling Requirements

TEACH Grant recipients must complete required counseling throughout their participation in the program.

  • Initial counseling: Required before receiving the first TEACH Grant.
  • Subsequent counseling: Required before receiving each additional TEACH Grant.
  • Exit counseling: Required before you graduate, withdraw, or otherwise cease enrollment at UMSV, at a time determined by the University.

Exit counseling explains the teaching service obligation, the circumstances under which a TEACH Grant may be converted to a loan, and the recipient’s responsibilities if repayment becomes necessary.

Students who receive a TEACH Grant should monitor their requirements and complete all required counseling by the applicable deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the TEACH Grant a loan?

The TEACH Grant is a federal grant, but it has a teaching service obligation. If you do not fulfill the obligation or otherwise fail to meet the terms of the program, your grants may be converted into Direct Unsubsidized Loans that must be repaid with interest.

Do I need to complete the FAFSA?

Yes. Students must submit the FAFSA for the applicable award year and meet the other applicable federal eligibility requirements.

Do I need to complete counseling every year?

Yes. Initial counseling is required before your first TEACH Grant. Subsequent counseling and a new Agreement to Serve or Repay are required for each additional award year in which you receive a TEACH Grant.

Can I receive a TEACH Grant if my GPA is below 3.25?

No, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale or score above the 75th percentile on at least one qualifying battery of a nationally normed standardized admissions test. Certain federal exceptions apply.

What happens if I change my career plans?

If you receive a TEACH Grant but do not complete the required teaching service, your grants may be converted into Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Where can I complete the required counseling and agreement?

Required TEACH Grant counseling and the Agreement to Serve or Repay are completed through studentaid.gov.

Need Help?

The Office of Financial Aid can help you understand the TEACH Grant eligibility requirements, required documentation, and application process.

Office of Financial Aid

For federal program information, counseling, and the Agreement to Serve or Repay, visit studentaid.gov.

Note: TEACH Grant awards and eligibility are subject to applicable federal laws, regulations, and U.S. Department of Education requirements. Students are responsible for understanding and fulfilling the terms of their TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve or Repay. UMSV reserves the right to review and adjust awards as required by federal regulations.