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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 being affordable and accessible.
This article walks you through every financial aid option available to Relay students—what each one is, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
Available Options: At a Glance
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What it is
Students in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Advanced Certificate in Special Education program may apply for federal financial aid to secure loans as needed. Federal aid options include direct unsubsidized loans and the TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant.
Who is eligible
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Students enrolled at least half-time toward a degree
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Students matriculated in eligible programs (MAT or Advanced Cert SPED)
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U.S. citizens, nationals, or eligible non-citizens
Who is not eligible
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Students in certification/licensure-only programs are not eligible for federal financial aid. If you're unsure whether your program qualifies, reach out to [email protected].
How to apply
The FAFSA form is just the first of four steps that need to be completed. Completion of these documents does not guarantee approval for federal financial aid.
FAFSA Step-by-Step:
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Create an account (FSA ID) at studentaid.gov
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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 (if applicable)
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Supply your financial information
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Sign and submit your FAFSA form
For students ineligible to complete the FAFSA form, please complete Relay's FAFSA alternative. Your Student Aid Index (SAI) will be used to evaluate need-based aid.
More info at https://studentaid.gov/articles/steps-to-complete-fafsa-form/
Things to know
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You will receive a notification from Student Financial Services (SFS) within 14 days of accepting your admission offer to Relay. The notification will include details of your expected tuition costs and financial options to explore.
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You may apply for a TEACH Grant if you are enrolled in an eligible program.
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After admission to Relay, you will receive a Financial Aid Offer through your My Relay Portal.
AmeriCorps Segal Education Award
What it is
Relay has been a partner of AmeriCorps since 2014. As a Relay student, your current teaching experience and Relay coursework count as your AmeriCorps service—there is no major additional time commitment after you complete the enrollment process.
AmeriCorps members are eligible to earn the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award (up to $7,395 per year) after completing the teaching year. Many Relay students use the education award to offset out-of-pocket tuition expenses or save it for up to 7 years for future qualified student loans.
Relay is considered a Professional Corps program, which means members:
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Are employed by a non-parochial school in an instructional role
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Receive a full-time salary and benefits from their school
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Earn service hours through their work as a teacher, serving high-needs communities
Who is eligible
Federal requirements:
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United States citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents age 17 and older (proof of citizenship required)
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Successfully pass and satisfy the National Criminal History Check criteria
Relay requirements:
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Enrollment in a degree or certification-seeking program (full or part-time)
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Secured a full-time instructional role with a 9-hour workday, salary, and benefits at a non-parochial PK-12 school
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Signed Service Site Agreement between Relay and your school placement site
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Completion of all required registration steps before the enrollment date
Who is not eligible
Federal disqualifications:
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Anyone who refuses to consent to the National Service Criminal History Check
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Anyone who makes a false statement in connection with the National Service Criminal History Check
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Anyone registered, or required to be registered, on a state sex offender registry or the National Sex Offender Registry
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A person convicted of murder
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Non-United States citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents
Relay disqualifications:
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Students not enrolled at Relay for the entire academic year
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Students who hold a paraprofessional, substitute, or non-teaching role
How to apply
All Relay students who are invited to the AmeriCorps Enrollment process are required to submit an application. If you are eligible (depending on placement and program), you will receive clear application instructions.
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Complete the AmeriCorps Enrollment Training. This virtual training walks you through our 6-step enrollment process and provides a glimpse of the member experience.
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Relay's AmeriCorps Team will guide you through the remaining application steps throughout the summer.
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You'll be invited to join AmeriCorps office hours for personalized support if you have questions along the way.
Things to know
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Individuals are eligible for up to two Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards worth $7,395/year toward educational expenses like tuition.
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AmeriCorps slots are limited, and enrollment only happens once a year.
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Availability may vary by state and year. More information will be shared during orientation.
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Learn more about the national AmeriCorps program
What it is
Relay is your educator; your partner school is your employer. Students in specific programs may receive tuition support or reimbursement from their employer.
Who is eligible
Eligibility varies by employer. We recommend reaching out to your school or district's human resources department to inquire about any tuition support or reimbursement they offer.
How to request
Contact your school or district's HR department directly to ask about:
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Direct tuition payment
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Tuition reimbursement programs
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Other employer-sponsored education incentives
Things to Know
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Your employer’s contributions will not be reflected in your financial aid award offer. Once your employer has established a contract with Relay to make contributions towards your tuition, your Nelnet account (the portal used to make tuition payments) will be updated.
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If your employer withdraws coverage, you are financially responsible to resolve the tuition cost.
What it is
You are welcome to apply for external scholarships to help offset your tuition costs. These are scholarships offered by organizations outside of Relay that support graduate students and educators.
Who is eligible
Eligibility varies by scholarship. We encourage you to look for opportunities that exist specifically for graduate students and educators.
How to apply
You’ll need to search for and apply to external scholarships independently. Relay maintains a list of external scholarships you may be eligible for—check with Student Financial Services for details.
Things to know
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If you are awarded an external scholarship, it may impact your cost of attendance and your federal financial aid eligibility.
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Receiving external scholarships may also affect your eligibility for Relay's need-based aid.
What it is
Relay accepts Veterans Affairs benefits for eligible programs. Relay certifies veterans' enrollment in order for you to receive extra benefits.
Who is eligible
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Eligible service members and veterans
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You can read more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and FAQs on the VA website
How to apply
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First, apply for your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the VA
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Upload proof of your COE when submitting your enrollment certification request to Relay
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Contact the Registrar's office if you have any questions about VA benefits
If you have questions about the application and/or eligibility, contact the Veterans Affairs Department at 1-888-442-4551.
Things to know
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Relay is currently in the process of applying for official VA benefits approval in other states where Relay has a campus.
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GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
What it is
At the beginning of each semester, all students have the ability to enroll in a payment plan. This allows you to cover your out-of-pocket cost for the term in 3–4 installments, depending on when you sign up.
Who is eligible
All Relay students.
How to enroll
Sign up for a payment plan through Student Financial Services at the beginning of each term.
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Additional Resources
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Questions about tuition or payments? Contact Student Financial Services at [email protected]
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Questions about VA benefits? Contact Student Financial Services at [email protected]
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Questions about your program's eligibility for federal aid? Reach out to [email protected]
