FAQ - TEACH Grant - WIU

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FAQ - TEACH Grant

What is a TEACH grant?
- A TEACH grant is a federal grant program to students who plan to teach in a high need field at a low income school for at least four years within eight years of completing an approved teaching program.
How much is a TEACH grant?
- TEACH grants are typically $4,000 annually for full-time students taking the appropriate courses. Students enrolled half-time have awards pro-rated.
What are the eligibility criteria for the TEACH grant?
- TEACH grant recipients must meet the following criteria:
  1. File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  2. Be participating in appropriate teacher coursework.
  3. Have attained above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test or else maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25.
  4. Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve and attend a TEACH grant counseling session
What is considered a low income school for the TEACH Grant?
- Any school listed in the Department of Education's Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits is condidered a low-income school.
What qualifies as a high need field for the TEACH Grant?
- High need fields are the specific areas identified as follows:
  1. Bilingual Education
  2. Foreign Language
  3. Mathematics
  4. Reading Specialist
  5. Science
  6. Special Education
  7. Any other designated shortage field listed in the Department of Education's annual listing.
What is the downside of receiving a TEACH grant?
- The TEACH grant converts to a Federal unsubsidized loan with interest accruing from the disbursement of each grant received if the service commitment is not completed. Once the grant converts to a loan, it cannot be changed back to a grant.
Can a disbursement of a TEACH grant ever be returned?
- The TEACH grant can be returned if the funds are returned within 120 days of disbursement. However, remember that the return of one disbursement doesn't lessen your service commitment if you have any other TEACH grants. The service commitment is the same regardless of whether you have received $1 or $4,000 from the TEACH grant program.
Are graduate students eligible to receive TEACH grants?
- Graduate students may also be considered for TEACH grants.