Financial Aid for Educators

The MTA’s Tomorrow’s Educators initiative establishes a loan repayment program for practicing educators and funding for candidates enrolled in educator preparation programs. Both programs, proposed by the MTA and funded in the state budget, are administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

There are also additional funding sources for early childhood educators, paraprofessionals and more.

Not sure if you are eligible? The best way to determine whether you meet the qualifications for these programs is to apply with the state Office of Financial Aid. If you think you may be eligible but are not sure, we encourage you to apply.

Tomorrow's Teachers

The specifics:
  • Up to $25,000 per year in scholarship funds.
  • Open to paraprofessionals, aspiring teachers.
  • Physically reside in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in the state.
  • Enrolled in an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate educator preparation program.
  • Commit to four years of employment in a Massachusetts public school district.
  • Apply via MassAid.
Funds can be use for tuition, fees and a range of other expenses

This scholarship program awards up to $25,000 annually to candidates enrolled in an undergraduate or post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program.

The funds can be used for tuition, fees and other expenses. This may include, but is not limited to, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, child care and personal expenses.

The funds will be available for post-baccalaureate teacher prep programs. Eligible candidates can include paraprofessionals, teachers working under Provisional licenses, and teachers who have not completed an undergraduate prep program.

The deadline for applying is Thursday, November 20, 2025, for any student currently pursuing or interested in pursuing a program of study that will lead to teacher certification.

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Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program

Assistance for ESPs working to become teachers

Provides financial relief to public school paraprofessionals studying to become teachers. Funding is available for public colleges, including state and community colleges, and UMass, and private higher education programs.

The specifics:
  • Up to $7,500 per year.
  • Be currently employed as a paraprofessional in a Massachusetts public school.
  • Participants should be enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program at a public or private institution.
  • Physically residing in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in the state.
  • Committed to teaching in a Massachusetts public school for up to four years.

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Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program

Aimed at growing the ranks of early childhood teachers.

Financial assistance for those seeking further early childhood education

The specifics:
  • Up to $4,500 per semester.
  • Employed at an early education and care program or out-of-school time (after school, summer or camp) that is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care.
  • Enrolled in an eligible full- or part-time undergraduate or graduate program.
  • Physically residing in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of the enrolled term, with an intent to remain in the state.
  • Committed to working at an early childhood program in Massachusetts for up to four years.

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Educator Loan Repayment Program

The specifics:
  • Up to $7,500 per year for outstanding loans.
  • Educators may apply annually for up to four years.
  • Must have a bachelor’s degree at a Massachusetts public college or university earned on Jan. 1, 2020 or later.
  • Must work for four years in a Massachusetts public school district as a teacher, paraprofessional or in any other position that requires a license/certification issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or another state agency.
  • Payment will be made annually after the educator provides verification of a full year of employment.
  • Apply via MassAid from April 21 to June 15.
MASS. EDUCATORS MAY APPLY FOR UP TO $7,500 ANNUALLY IN REPAYMENT FOR OUTSTANDING LOANS

An MTA-initiative will provide up to $7,500 in student loan repayment funds to Massachusetts educators who graduated from college after Jan. 1, 2020. The funding from the MTA initiative is provided by the state Office of Student Financial Assistance. Qualified applicants may apply annually for four years. The program is open to those who have worked for four years in a Massachusetts public school district as a teacher, paraprofessional or in any other position that requires a license/certification issued by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or other state agency, and graduated college in 2020 or later.

Note: This may be combined with the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Additional Scholarships

Community college is free in Massachusetts

The MassEducate and MassReconnect programs allow all Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree to attend a Massachusetts community college for free.

Go here to learn more. Campus-specific information is also posted by each of the state’s 15 community colleges.

Learn More

Funds for those pursuing high-demand professions

State funds for Mass. residents pursuing degrees in high-demand fields including STEM, healthcare, education, social work, criminal justice, economics and business.

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Help for behavioral health professionals

This state program offers up to $300,000 to reduce student loan debt for behavioral health professionals working in Massachusetts.

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Good Resources
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