The Federal TEACH Grant is a grant available to students pursuing a first time bachelor’s degree or first master’s degree to teach in a shortage area. The grant will convert to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan if the student does not meet the requirements of their agreement to serve.
In order to qualify for the TEACH grant, a student must:
- Have a valid FAFSA on file
- Maintain a cumulative 3.25 GPA; OR
- Score above the 75th percentile on a least one battery of an undergraduate; post-baccalaureate or graduate admissions exam
- Be enrolled in a program that will lead to a career teaching in a high need subject
Eligible High Need Fields
- Bilingual Education and English Language Acquisition
- Foreign Language
- Mathematics
- Reading Specialists
- Science
- Special Education
- Other teacher shortage areas as designated by your state at the time you begin teaching
- You can view a list of teacher shortage areas for Iowa by visiting https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/educator-quality/practitioner-preparation/teacher-shortage-areas
- You can view a list of nationwide teacher shortage areas by visiting https://tsa.ed.gov/#/reports
Application Process
- First-time TEACH Grant recipients must schedule a meeting with a TEACH Grant advisor to review your eligibility and discuss requirements.
- Complete the Iowa State University TEACH Grant application (provided by TEACH Grant advisor)
- Complete an annual Agreement to Serve or Repay (Agreement) and counseling with the US Department of Education
- The Federal TEACH Grant will automatically renew each year if you have a valid FAFSA on file by Iowa State’s packaging date. If you submit your FAFSA later, please contact financialaid@iastate.edu to request the TEACH Grant on your aid offer.
Award Amounts
| Teach Grant Disbursed 2024-25 | Teach Grant Disbursed 2023-24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Award Amounts | October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025 | October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024 |
| Annual Award Limit | $3,772 | $3,772 |
| Aggregate Award Limit for Undergraduate Program | $16,000 | $16,000 |
| Aggregate Award Limit for Graduate Program | $8,000 | $8,000 |