Federal TEACH Grant Information

Federal TEACH Grant

The Federal TEACH Grant provides funding for eligible students preparing to become teachers in high-need fields. This guide explains eligibility requirements, application steps, award amounts, teaching service obligations, and what happens if service requirements are not completed.

What is the Federal TEACH Grant?

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant was created to encourage students to become teachers in high-need fields.

If you receive a TEACH Grant, you agree to:

• Teach full-time as a highly qualified teacher.
• Teach in a high-need subject area.
• Work at a Title I elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students.
• Complete at least four academic years of teaching within eight years after finishing the program for which you received the grant.

If you do not meet these requirements, every TEACH Grant you received will be converted into a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest calculated from the date each grant was originally disbursed. Once converted, the loan cannot be changed back into a grant. 

Who is Eligible for the TEACH Grant?

To receive a TEACH Grant at Mississippi State University, you must meet all applicable eligibility requirements.

You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
• Meet one of the following academic requirements:
  
  • Maintain at least a 3.25 cumulative GPA, or
  • Score above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test or be a current teacher.
• Be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate teacher preparation program.
• Be enrolled in coursework required to become a teacher.

Please note:

• Second bachelor's degree students are not eligible.
• Second master's degree students are not eligible.
• Current teachers, retirees with high-need field expertise, and certain alternative certification students may qualify under different academic requirements with additional documentation.

How to Apply for a TEACH Grant

Follow these steps each academic year to request a Federal TEACH Grant.

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list Mississippi State University's federal school code 002423.

Step 2: Submit the MSU TEACH Grant Request Form

Complete the TEACH Grant Request Form. Be sure to follow all directions on the form.

Step 3: Accept the TEACH Grant

If offered, accept your TEACH Grant in your Financial Aid Dashboard.

Step 4: Complete Required Federal Documents

Complete both required federal items:

• TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling
• Agreement to Serve (ATS)

Both documents must be completed before your grant can be disbursed.

Complete Required Federal Documents

How Much Can I Receive?

Eligible full-time students may receive up to $4,000 per academic year.

Your award may be reduced if you:

• Attend less than full-time.
• Reach your cost of attendance.
• Receive other financial aid that affects eligibility. 

Federal law requires the U.S. Department of Education to reduce certain TEACH Grant awards each year through a process called sequestration. Because of this, the amount you receive may be slightly less than the maximum annual award.

The reduction percentage is determined by the federal government and may change each year on October 1.

When Are TEACH Grants Awarded?

Mississippi State University does not process TEACH Grants until after the semester's add/drop period.

Before your grant is disbursed, Mississippi State University will verify:

• Your eligibility requirements.
• Your enrollment.
• Your teacher preparation program.
• Your academic major and required coursework.

Your academic advisor must verify your major and coursework each semester to ensure federal TEACH Grant requirements are met. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will provide advisor instructions if additional verification is needed.

TEACH Grant Exit Counseling

Before graduating or leaving Mississippi State University, you must complete TEACH Grant Exit Counseling.

Exit counseling explains:

• Your teaching service obligation.
• Important deadlines.
• What happens if your grant converts to a loan.
• Your responsibilities after leaving school.

Important TEACH Grant Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to repay a TEACH Grant?

Not if you complete all required teaching service. If you do not meet the service obligation, the grant converts to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest.

Can graduate students receive a TEACH Grant?

Yes. Eligible graduate students enrolled in qualifying teacher preparation programs may receive a TEACH Grant.

Can I receive a TEACH Grant during the summer?

Yes, if you have remaining annual eligibility, continue meeting all requirements, and are enrolled during the summer term.

When will my TEACH Grant be applied to my account? 

Awards are generally processed after the add/drop period once all eligibility requirements have been verified.