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There are almost 600 teacher preparation programs in the country; Relay has the LOWEST average debt load of all of them by over $2,000. We’re proud of that and will continue to prioritize our commitment to be affordable and accessible. Here are some ways you can finance your out of pocket costs:
Federal Aid
Students in the MAT or TEL Advanced Cert program may apply for federal financial aid to secure loans as needed, while ALL students can sign up for a payment plan, or pay upfront. Students seeking enrollment in eligible programs (MAT or Advanced Cert SPED) who wish to request federal aid through direct unsubsidized loans or the TEACH Grant are welcome to submit a FAFSA and complete all required federal aid documentation for review. The FAFSA form is just the first step of 4 that need to be completed. Completion of these documents does not guarantee approval for federal financial aid.
You will receive a notification from Student Financial Services, SFS for short, within 14 days of accepting your admission offer to Relay. The notification will include details of your expected tuition costs and resources of financial options to explore.
For information on the required federal aid documentation to complete, please click here.
Residents enrolled at least half-time toward a degree and matriculated may request federal financial aid through direct unsubsidized loans or the TEACH Grant (if eligible you may apply). The FAFSA form is just the first step of 4 that need to be completed. You can find all the required forms to apply for federal aid here.
**Please note: Certification/licensure only programs are not eligible for financial aid. If you're unsure if your program is certification/licensure only please reach out to us at [email protected] and we'd be happy to help you.**
Payment Plan
At the beginning of each semester, all students have the ability to enroll in a payment plan. This will allow you to cover your out-of-pocket cost for the term in 3-4 installments depending on when you sign up. To familiarize yourself with the payment plan process, you may explore the support page linked here.
Partner Contributions & External Scholarships
Relay is your educator and your partner school is your employer. Students in specific programs may receive tuition support or reimbursement from their school partner. We recommend that you reach out to your school/district’s human resources department to inquire about any tuition support or reimbursement.
You are more than welcome to apply for external scholarships to help offset your tuition costs. You may be eligible for some of the external scholarships listed here. Please note that if you are awarded an external scholarship it may impact your cost of attendance and your federal financial aid eligibility.
AmericCorps
Relay GSE has been an AmeriCorps program since 2014. We’re proud to be an AmeriCorps grantee and receive funds as part of their State and National program. Relay AmeriCorps members are eligible to earn the Segal Education Award which can be used towards educational expenses.
Check out our Preparing for AmeriCorps page to learn more.
VA Benefits
Relay does accept Veterans Affairs benefits for the programs seen here. We are currently in the process of applying for official VA benefits approval in other states where Relay has a campus. Please reach out to the Registrar’s office if you have any questions about VA benefits.
Need-Based Aid
Need-based aid is open to all eligible students and prioritized for students not receiving other scholarships or external financial support. Institutional aid at Relay may include scholarships awarded based on need and can vary in amounts and availability by academic year. These annual awards are released in three even disbursements, at the start of the summer, fall, and spring terms. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive need-based aid. Students awarded an external scholarship, education award, school-based sponsorship, or other tuition payment support will be deprioritized for those with the most need.
In order to receive federal financial aid or need-based financial aid, prospective students MUST fill out the FAFSA during the admissions process. Student Financial Services (SFS) reviews FAFSA applications on a rolling basis. For students ineligible to complete the FAFSA form, please complete Relay’s FAFSA alternative.
For US Citizens and Eligible Non-Citizens
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Complete the FAFSA (School Code 042086) application
For Ineligible Non-Citizens and International Students
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Complete the FAFSA alternative application
Your Student Aid Index (SAI) will be used to evaluate need-based aid. Students will be notified with an updated Financial Aid Offer of any need-based aid awarded. Students initially awarded need-based aid who receive external tuition support may have their need-based aid removed.
FAFSA Step-by-Step
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Create an account (FSA ID).
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Start the FAFSA form at fafsa.gov.
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Fill out the Student Demographics section.
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List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent. Relay's school code is 042086.
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Answer the dependency status questions.
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Fill out the Parent Demographics section.
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Supply your financial information.
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Sign and submit your FAFSA form.
More info at https://studentaid.gov/articles/steps-to-complete-fafsa-form/.
You may apply for a TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant through the FAFSA. Click here to learn more.