Does Financial Aid Cover The Cost Of a Special Education Degree?

If your dream is to become a special education teacher, you probably know that you're going to need a degree. But we all know that college can be pretty pricey. Perhaps you'd like to find out: is there any kind of financial aid that covers special education degrees?

You can use various financial aid options to help you pay for your special education program. By combining public and private aid programs like grants, scholarships, fellowships, and more, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses and get your degree on a budget.

Read on for further information.

What Is the FAFSA Form?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form students use to apply for government aid programs. Students can complete this application regardless of:

• their financial status
• whether they plan to study full-time or part-time
• whether they plan to attend a public or private school

Those who apply early and demonstrate the greatest financial need generally receive the most federal financial aid. However, even those who might not qualify for other high-need programs may receive at least some assistance through the FAFSA. Grants, student loans, and federal work-study programs are some aid available from state and federal governments.

Eligibility Requirements

Those who complete the FAFSA must meet some basic eligibility requirements, including:

• must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• must have a valid social security number
• must not be in default on any federal student loan program
• must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited degree or certificate program
• must submit all required tax documents and financial records

Can Someone on Disability Get FAFSA Benefits?

Yes. Students receiving Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI or disability, are eligible to complete the FAFSA and receive federal financial assistance. SSDI is an untaxed benefit. The FAFSA requires you to enter all untaxed benefits on the form. If you receive other untaxed income or benefits aside from disability, you must enter the total amount, rounded to the nearest dollar, when completing the FAFSA.

Does FAFSA Cover Special Education Degree Programs?

Yes, money from the FAFSA can cover special education degree programs. FAFSA aid can be applied to any accredited degree or certificate program at colleges and universities. See if a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting body has accredited your school. Schools that aren't accredited are not eligible to receive FAFSA aid.

Financial Aid Options for Special Education Degrees

You will likely need more than just the FAFSA to help you cover your college expenses. Let's look at other types of financial aid you can combine with your FAFSA funds to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

1. Explore Special Education Degree Scholarships

Scholarships are merit-based awards that don't have to be paid back. They are often awarded based on academic excellence during high school or college, leadership potential, or dedication to your chosen field. Here are some top scholarships for special education majors.

The Joyce A. Vliek Endowed Scholarship

This memorial scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors in Portage, Michigan. Students must be graduating from Portage Central or Portage Northern High School and planning to pursue an elementary or special education degree. The scholarship awards one annual winner an amount of $2,500.

John A. Tooley Scholarship for Developmental Disabilities

This scholarship is available to any high school senior or graduate from Wayne County, Ohio, who plans to pursue a career in special education or some other role that involves working with the developmentally disabled. Students receiving this scholarship are granted $1,000 toward their education.

Mary A. McDowell Fellowship

The Mary A. McDowell Fellowship is a scholarship program from the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation. The program provides varying financial awards to assist students majoring in special education.

2. Look for Special Education Degree Fellowships

Fellowship programs are advanced training and mentorship opportunities usually available to advanced college students and graduates. They are often partially or fully funded, providing a salary, stipend, and benefits to cover expenses and help fellows pay off their college debt. Let's look at some top special education fellowships:

Regis College Tuition-Free Fellowship

This fellowship program is available at Regis College in Massachusetts. It allows students to complete a Master of Education in teaching special education tuition-free. Students complete their studies in one year while completing a residency at a partnered public school. Those with a bachelor's degree in any field, whether they have a background in education or are looking to make a career change, are encouraged to apply.

NYC Teaching Fellows - Adolescent Special Education

This fellowship is a partnership between various City University of New York (CUNY) schools, private universities, and the New York City Department of Education. Graduate students in this program teach in public schools in New York while pursuing a master's degree; in exchange, they receive 50% off tuition costs and are not required to pay any tuition until their second year in the program.

3. Discover Special Education Grants

Grants are a great way to help you cover the cost of attendance at your school; they are similar to scholarships in that they don't require repayment, but they are typically less competitive and may have fewer eligibility requirements. Let's discuss a common grant program for special education majors below:

TEACH Grants

TEACH stands for Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education. This grant program provides up to $4,000 each year for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate program related to teaching. All recipients of the grant must fulfill a teaching service obligation after graduation.

4. Consider Student Loans

Another way to pay for college is to take out public or private loans. These programs often cover any remaining expenses after other forms of financial aid have been applied, but they require repayment unless you qualify for a loan forgiveness program.

Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available. Subsidized loans allow you to defer interest until after graduating, while unsubsidized loans begin accumulating interest from the beginning. Generally speaking, public, subsidized loans from the federal government have the lowest interest rates and best student protections. However, private loans can also be helpful if you know the terms and conditions.

5. Complete a Federal Work-Study Program

Work-study programs allow students to work on campus or at a partnered company while in school. Any wages you earn are then applied to your college expenses. You can qualify for most work-study programs by completing the FAFSA. When you receive your aid package, work-study will be listed as an option if you are eligible for one of these federal programs.