How To Get a Free Teaching Degree & Certificate 2025

Pursuing the necessary credentials is the first step if you're interested in entering the teaching profession. The specific job requirements for a teacher can differ depending on the state, grade level, and subject areas (e.g., math, English, and science).

Generally, the minimum education requirements to work as a teacher are a bachelor's degree and teacher certification for their state. While there are some ways that different types of teaching degrees can be completed for free, some costs will most likely be involved. Still, students can consider some strategies to reduce the cost of their teaching degrees and possibly obtain them for free.

Can You Earn a Teaching Degree for Free?

Unfortunately, an accredited teaching degree generally won't be completely free, though the right combination of scholarships and federal aid could provide a degree at no cost.

To secure a teaching position, an accredited degree is necessary, which requires tuition and other enrollment fees. Still, a few options, such as financial aid, scholarships, and transfer credits, can make it possible to earn a degree without the cost.

On the other hand, a teaching certificate can be earned for free through various programs and organizations. Teaching certificates are required for teaching positions and typically can be pursued with at least a bachelor's degree.

Additionally, when enrolling in a teaching degree program, there are steps students can take to make their degree more affordable. Depending on the circumstances, it could be a very low-cost degree. Let's explore these options.

Tips for Earning a Low-Cost Teaching Degree

A low-cost degree can be achievable. Students can take several steps when enrolling in college to make their education more affordable.

Apply for Financial Aid

All students attending college, both private and public schools, should complete the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA online application form allows students to qualify for financial assistance, such as grants, state scholarships, and federal student loans.

Students should prioritize accepting grants and scholarships, as they can have a significant impact on reducing costs and do not need to be paid back. Grants are often need-based, while scholarships are usually merit-based; however, other scholarships not based on merit are also available.

Student loans should be a last resort as they must be repaid and typically accrue interest. However, if loans are necessary, students should try to apply for federal loans rather than private loans; federal loans typically have significantly lower interest rates than private loans.

Consider Attending a Community College

Community colleges can be a great resource for those pursuing any degree, including education. These higher education institutions typically offer associate degree programs that take two years to complete. Many students commonly complete the first two years of their education at a community college and then transfer to a four-year university to complete their bachelor's degree.

Utilizing a community college can be a great way to become a teacher while keeping costs as low as possible. Community colleges tend to be much cheaper than universities and may offer different financial aid options.

Explore Scholarship Opportunities

There are thousands of scholarship opportunities across the country for which students can apply. Institutions and private organizations often have scholarships. Different types of scholarships are available, with requirements for all types of students.

There are even scholarships specifically for those pursuing teaching degrees. For example, the Georgia Association of Educators Foundation offers grants and scholarships to future teachers. Those hoping to become teachers should explore these opportunities in their own states.

Utilize Transfer Credits

Utilizing transfer credits can be a great way to finish a degree more quickly, and finishing more quickly can also mean spending less money. Credits can be transferred if students have previous college experience equivalent to courses required to finish their degree.

Some colleges even offer the ability to use life experience to fulfill class requirements. Transfer credits can be a game-changer for older students with relevant work experience or previous college-level coursework.

Enroll in an Online Teaching Degree Program

Online degree programs have become more common in the past decade; their quality has also improved in this time. Enrollment in an online degree program can provide a convenient and flexible experience, which is particularly useful for full-time adult students with busy schedules and can also be great for students right out of high school.

Online programs are typically more affordable as well. Even if the tuition rate isn't lower, they often involve fewer costs. For example, they don't incur on-campus fees that students learning in person need to pay.

Additionally, students won't need to worry about on-campus housing or relocating to the area.

Steps for Getting a Free Teaching Certificate

After achieving a bachelor's degree, aspiring teachers will need to earn a teaching certificate. Luckily, there are avenues to complete an affordable teaching certificate, sometimes for free.

Consider a Teacher Residency Program

Teacher residency programs are a source of extremely comprehensive teacher preparation programs. Participants will be partnered with a teacher mentor in the school district to receive on-the-job training and feedback, all while completing their certification.

Explore State-Sponsored Programs

There are many different types of teacher certification programs. Some of these programs are state-sponsored. These alternative programs can be great for graduates who did not earn an education degree at college and can now study teaching and become certified.

Join Teach for America (TFA)

Teach for America is a non-profit organization that has committed itself to helping future teachers and leaders in education. They provide resources to aspiring teachers and can also help with certification requirements.

Utilize Online Resources

Students can use many websites to access free teaching material. This can be used to gain a more comprehensive teaching education. Some free certificate programs are available online, but these are not the same as the required state certification programs.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Many employers offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. This can help students who meet eligibility requirements pay tuition for their degree or to help pay for pursuing a certificate. The list of companies with tuition assistance is long; you may already work for one without realizing it.

Affordable Teaching Degrees & Certification Programs

There are many teaching degrees and certification programs offered at various institutions across the country. Taking the steps, as mentioned, can help to reduce the cost of these programs. Still, some schools offer affordable rates.

The following colleges and universities offer teaching degrees at a lower cost:

• Florida International University - Bachelor of Arts (BA) in early childhood education
• University of North Georgia - post-baccalaureate teacher certification program
• University of Michigan - BA/Bachelor of Science (BS) in elementary teacher education or secondary teacher education