10 Online Colleges That Accept the TEACH Grant

Paying for college is one of the biggest hurdles for future teachers, especially if you plan to earn your degree online while juggling work or family responsibilities. The federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant can help offset those costs, but only if you attend a school that qualifies. That’s where things can get confusing, since not every online education degree is eligible and not every college participates in the program.

Below, we’ve pulled together a focused list of online colleges that accept the TEACH Grant and offer bachelor’s-level education programs with online coursework. We’ll also break down how the TEACH Grant works, which types of programs qualify, and what to look for when choosing a school, so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly surprises later.

What Is the TEACH Grant?

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal grant designed to help students who plan to become teachers in high-need subject areas. Eligible students can receive up to $4,000 per year to help pay for tuition and other education costs while completing an approved teaching program. Unlike loans, TEACH Grant funds do not have to be repaid as long as you meet the program’s service requirements.

In exchange for the grant, recipients agree to teach for at least four years at a qualifying low-income school or educational service agency after graduation. If that service obligation is not completed within the required time frame, the grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest added retroactively. Because of this risk, it’s especially important to understand program eligibility, required counseling, and long-term career plans before accepting TEACH Grant funding.

What Types of Programs Are Eligible for the TEACH Grant?

TEACH Grants are only available to students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs at participating colleges and universities. These programs must be specifically designated by the school as TEACH Grant-eligible, which means not every education degree—even at a participating institution—will qualify.

At the bachelor’s level, eligible programs typically prepare students for initial teacher licensure in high-need subject areas such as mathematics, science, special education, bilingual education, English as a second language, or other fields identified as teacher shortage areas. Programs must be offered by a TEACH Grant–participating school, meet federal requirements, and align with state licensure standards. While coursework may be completed online, required field experiences and student teaching are completed in person, usually in the student’s local community.

10 Online Colleges That Accept the TEACH Grant

Several colleges accept the TEACH Grant and offer online teaching degrees that are TEACH Grant eligible. We’ve highlighted ten of these schools below, however, it’s important that students confirm their chosen program is TEACH-Grant eligible, as eligibility may vary between programs.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University, based in Tempe, Arizona, offers online bachelor’s-level education programs built for students preparing for careers in teaching. Through ASU Online, students can complete education-focused coursework remotely, with programs supporting pathways into areas such as elementary education, secondary teaching, and special education, alongside required in-person field experiences completed locally.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Arizona State University participates in the federal TEACH Grant program and has a strong track record of supporting online learners pursuing licensure-aligned teacher preparation.

2. Emporia State University

Emporia State University is a public institution located in Emporia, Kansas, with a long-standing focus on teacher preparation. The university offers online routes to bachelor’s-level education degrees, including licensure-aligned programs that allow students to complete coursework online and arrange student teaching in their local communities.

Accredited by the HLC, Emporia State University participates in the federal TEACH Grant program for approved education programs. This makes it a practical option for students seeking an online pathway into teaching while working toward meeting TEACH Grant service requirements.

3. Liberty University

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and it offers a wide range of online education degrees designed for aspiring teachers. The university has built much of its education curriculum around distance learners, making it a common choice for students who need flexible scheduling.

Liberty offers online bachelor’s-level teacher preparation programs in areas such as elementary education and special education, with licensure-aligned coursework and required in-person student teaching completed locally. The university participates in the federal TEACH Grant program for eligible education majors.

4. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) offers online bachelor’s-level education programs that support students preparing for teaching careers while balancing work or other responsibilities. Coursework is delivered online, with teacher preparation pathways that align with state licensure requirements and include supervised field experiences.

Based in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion University is accredited by the SACSCOC and participates in the federal TEACH Grant program. This makes it a practical option for students seeking a public university with established online education offerings.

5. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers online bachelor’s-level education programs aimed at students preparing for classroom teaching while needing flexibility. Through UCF Online, coursework is delivered remotely, with licensure-aligned pathways that incorporate required field experiences and student teaching completed in approved local settings.

Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida is accredited by the SACSCOC. The university participates in the federal TEACH Grant program for eligible education majors, making it a strong option for students pursuing high-need teaching fields online.

6. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF), based in Gainesville, Florida, is accredited by the SACSCOC and offers online degree options through UF Online. As a public, nonprofit institution, UF participates in the federal TEACH Grant program for qualifying education programs.

UF Online offers bachelor’s-level education pathways that support future teachers, with online coursework paired with in-person fieldwork and student teaching. These programs are designed to align with state licensure requirements while giving students the flexibility of an online learning format.

7. University of North Carolina Wilmington

The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers online bachelor’s-level education programs designed for students preparing for teaching careers while learning remotely. These programs focus on foundational teaching skills and licensure-aligned coursework, with required field experiences and student teaching completed in person through approved local placements.

Located in Wilmington, North Carolina, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and participates in the federal TEACH Grant program for eligible education majors.

8. University of North Dakota

Based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the University of North Dakota (UND) is accredited by the HLC and has a long history of serving distance learners. The university participates in the federal TEACH Grant program, supporting students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs.

UND offers online bachelor’s-level education pathways that allow students to complete coursework remotely while meeting licensure requirements through in-person field experiences. This structure makes it a practical option for students seeking a flexible, online route into the teaching profession.

9. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a fully online university that specializes in competency-based education, making it a flexible option for students pursuing a teaching career. Its bachelor’s-level education programs are designed to prepare students for teacher licensure, with coursework completed online and required student teaching arranged in local school settings.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and participates in the federal TEACH Grant program for eligible education programs. The university’s online-only model is especially well suited to working adults and career changers.

10. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers online bachelor’s-level education programs that support students working toward teacher certification while balancing other commitments. Coursework is delivered online, with licensure-aligned curricula that include in-person field experiences and student teaching completed locally.

Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and participates in the federal TEACH Grant program. This makes it a flexible option for students seeking an online pathway into teaching through a nonprofit institution.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

We focused on colleges that not only participate in the TEACH Grant program but also offer online bachelor’s-level education programs that align with federal eligibility rules. The criteria below reflect what matters most for students who plan to use TEACH Grant funding while completing coursework online and preparing for a teaching career:

• Accreditation: Schools are regionally accredited to ensure education degrees meet quality standards and are recognized for teacher licensure and federal financial aid eligibility.
• Online availability: Programs offer online coursework at the bachelor’s level, with in-person student teaching completed locally to meet licensure and TEACH Grant requirements.
• Career alignment: Education programs are structured around licensure and high-need teaching fields, which is essential for meeting the TEACH Grant service obligation.
• Student outcomes: We considered indicators such as program completion support, licensure preparation, and institutional experience serving online education students.

How To Choose a TEACH Grant–Eligible Online College

Even among colleges that accept the TEACH Grant, programs can vary widely in structure, licensure alignment, and long-term flexibility. Looking closely at the details below can help you choose a school that supports both your education goals and your TEACH Grant service commitment:

• Program-level TEACH Grant eligibility: Not every education program at a participating school qualifies, so it’s important to confirm that your specific major is designated as TEACH Grant–eligible.
  
• State licensure alignment: Online programs should meet licensure requirements in the state where you plan to teach after graduation, especially if you intend to fulfill the TEACH Grant service obligation locally.
  
• High-need subject pathways: Choosing a program tied to a high-need field, such as special education or STEM, can make it easier to complete the required teaching service.
  
• Online structure and pacing: Term length, start dates, and course sequencing can affect how manageable the program is alongside work or family responsibilities.
  
• Support with TEACH Grant counseling: Schools that provide clear guidance on required counseling, paperwork, and annual certification can help reduce the risk of the grant converting into a loan.

Additional Financial Aid for TEACH Grant Students

The TEACH Grant often works best when combined with other forms of financial aid rather than used on its own. Most students also complete the FAFSA, which can unlock access to federal loans, need-based grants, and work-study opportunities that help cover remaining education costs.

In addition, many colleges on this list offer school-based scholarships, and some states provide tuition assistance or loan forgiveness programs for future teachers working in high-need areas. Employer tuition assistance may also be an option for students already working in education-related roles, making it possible to layer multiple funding sources while completing an online degree.

FAQs About Online Colleges That Accept the TEACH Grant

Finding a school that offers online education programs that qualify for the TEACH Grant can be stressful. To help you out, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about online colleges that accept the TEACH Grant.

Can Online Programs Qualify for the TEACH Grant?

Online programs can qualify for the TEACH Grant as long as they are approved teacher preparation programs offered by a participating school. While coursework may be completed online, eligible programs must still prepare students for licensure and include in-person field experiences or student teaching, typically arranged in the student’s local community.

What Happens If I Don’t Complete the TEACH Grant Service Requirement?

If you do not complete the required four years of qualifying teaching service within the allowed time frame, the TEACH Grant converts into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Interest is added retroactively to the date the grant was disbursed, which can significantly increase the amount you owe, making it important to understand the commitment before accepting the grant.

Can I Use the TEACH Grant for a Master’s Degree in Education?

The TEACH Grant can be used for eligible bachelor’s degrees in education, including online programs, as long as the program is designated as TEACH Grant–eligible by the school. These programs typically prepare students for initial teacher licensure in high-need subject areas and must meet federal and state requirements.

Do TEACH Grant Schools Also Accept FAFSA and Other Federal Aid?

Most schools that participate in the TEACH Grant program also accept FAFSA and other forms of federal financial aid. Completing the FAFSA can open access to additional grants, federal student loans, and work-study options, which many students use alongside TEACH Grant funding to cover remaining education costs.

Is the TEACH Grant Worth It for Online Students?

The TEACH Grant can be a valuable option for online students who are confident they want to teach in a high-need field and are prepared to meet the service obligation. For students who plan to pursue a long-term teaching career, the grant can significantly reduce upfront education costs, but it may not be the best fit for those uncertain about their post-graduation plans.

Discover Online Colleges That Accept the TEACH Grant

Find the perfect online teaching degree by exploring the TEACH-Grant eligible programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their programs, licensure requirements, and financial aid.