Funding Options for Your Education Degree

Eager to move into a rewarding new role in education? You may want to check your resume first.

Applicants for many educational positions won’t even be considered if they haven’t completed a related master’s degree. While some degree seekers may see cost as a barrier, it doesn’t have to be. There are a variety of funding options available solely to educators—including some that will cover up to 100% of the cost of your qualifying graduate degree program. Let’s review a few of those options now and discuss applicable online degree programs from The University of Texas Permian Basin and their benefits.

If You Don’t Know About These Options, You Should

TEACH Grants

The federal government offers Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants of up to $4,000 per year for students pursuing an education degree. In exchange for this grant, you agree to teach full time for four years in a high-need field at an elementary school or secondary school that serves economically disadvantaged students.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

Another type of federal program, Teacher Loan Forgiveness provides forgiveness for up to $17,500 on certain types of student loans. This program requires you to teach in a school that serves low-income students or an educational service agency for five full, sequential years.

Perkins Loan Cancellation*

Perkins Loans are low-interest student loans provided by the federal government to graduate and undergraduate students who do not have the financial means to pay for a college degree. While you are expected to repay a Perkins Loan, you may be able to have up to 100% of the loan cancelled if you teach in a school that serves low-income students, teach a special education program, or teach bilingual education or other fields in which qualified teachers are in demand.

Tuition Reimbursement

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits package. This typically involves you being reimbursed for a portion of the funds you’ve already put toward a degree that the employer expects will benefit both you and your organization. In some cases, an employer may pay the funds directly to the institution providing the program. Specifics vary by employer. Check with your human resources department about any tuition reimbursement plans.

Online Education Degrees That Bring You Closer to Your Career Goals

If you’re seeking a degree that can lead you to a more rewarding position in education—through advancing within your current area of expertise or transitioning into a new one—you’ve seen just a few of the many funding options available to you. UT Permian Basin—named in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” for 2023 and Newsweek’s “America’s Top Online Colleges 2023”—has designed CAEP-accredited online programs that empower you to earn the required credentials while meeting your professional and personal commitments. No GRE is required for any of our programs, and we accept most types of financial aid. Graduate-level education programs include:

Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL

Prepare non-English speakers to thrive in a bilingual environment.

Degree completion in as little as one year
Choice of two concentrations: bilingual education or ESL education
Can be tailored for bilingual or ESL certification in Texas

Master of Arts in Special Education

Help individuals with developmental and learning disabilities enjoy richer, more fulfilling lives.

Degree completion in as little as one year

Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track

Address the distinctive learning requirements of students on the autism spectrum.

Degree completion in as little as one year

Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician track

Identify and evaluate the unique educational needs of special education students.

Degree completion in as little as two years
Helps you become eligible for Texas Educational Diagnostician Certification

Master of Arts in Literacy

Set reading specialists and countless other learners up for success by teaching a fundamental life skill.

Degree completion in less than two years

Aligned with TEA’s reading specialist certification

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

Master the multifaceted role of leading in an educational setting.

Degree completion in as little as one year
Aligned with Texas SBEC Principal as Instructional Leader certification
ELCC-recognized

Superintendent Certification

Put a district-level leadership role within reach. (Note: Federal student loans do not cover most certificate programs. However, some types of financial aid may apply.)