Understanding Your Tuition and Costs

Carol Kumm

Mar 04, 2026

Relay has the lowest average debt load of all 600 teacher preparation programs in the country—by over $2,000. This article breaks down what you can expect to pay, from tuition to admission-related expenses, so you can plan your budget with confidence.

Summary of Potential Costs
Cost of Tuition
Costs Associated with Admission
Additional Costs to Consider
Your Financial Aid Options
Frequently Asked Questions

Summary of Potential Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
Tuition	$850 per credit
State-Specific Exam Fees	$41–$134+ per exam
Background Check	$40–$102
Official Transcripts	$5–$20 per transcript
CPR Certification (if required)	$40–$60
Study Materials (optional)	$20–$200
Relocation and Travel (if applicable)	Varies

Cost of Tuition

For the 2025–2026 school year, tuition is $850 per credit. Programs range from 18 to 39 credits. Your total cost depends on your program and the number of credits required.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) : 2-year program

Most MAT programs: 32 credits → $27,200 total

Most MAT in Special Education programs: 39 credits → $33,150 total

MAT in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners: 38 credits → $32,300 total
Note that this program is only available in Tennessee

Alternative Certification / Teacher Certification: Between 18 to 24 credits, depending on your location and program type. → $15,300 - $20,400 total

3–4 terms (approximately 1 year), or 5–6 terms for Connecticut programs only

In some locations, you may elect to add endorsements in special education and teaching culturally and linguistically diverse learners. See your location page to learn the credit hours for your program.

Advanced Certificate in Special Education: 21 credits → $17,850 total

1-year program

Costs Associated with Admission

There is no application fee to apply to Relay. However, you should be aware that there may be other costs associated with the admission process.

State-Specific Exam Fees

Estimated cost: $41–$134+ per exam

Depending on your state, you may be required to take state-specific exams as part of the admission process. These exams are often required for teacher certification/licensure and could include content knowledge or basic skills exams.

Do I need to take an exam before admission? To find out, view the Transition Points associated with the educator preparation program for which you will be enrolled.

Background Checks

Estimated cost: $40–$102

Many states and school districts require that prospective teachers undergo a background check as part of the admissions process. For some programs, a background check may be required not only for employment but also for admission.

“Do I need a background check?” To find out, view the Transition Points associated with the educator preparation program for which you will be enrolled.

Official Transcripts

Estimated cost: $5–$20 per transcript

Relay requires official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions that applicants have attended. Depending on the institution, there may be a fee associated with requesting official transcripts. When you’re preparing for this cost, make sure to calculate the fee for all the institutions you’ve attended.

Additional Costs to Consider

Relocation and Housing Costs

The majority of Relay's programs are fully online for the 2025–2026 academic year. However, one or more programs in Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Tennessee may have an optional in-person component. You may also need to consider relocation or housing costs if you have secured a program-aligned new teaching role that is far away from where you currently live.

CPR Certification

Estimated cost: $40–$60

Some states require CPR certification as part of teacher certification.

Study Materials for Exams

Estimated cost: $20–$200

You may wish to purchase test preparation materials or enroll in prep courses, depending on the exam and resources chosen.

Relay provides access to a number of resources to help you prepare for your exams. Learn about them here.

Your Financial Aid Options

The tuition charges listed in this article do not factor in education awards, external/ third party scholarships, employer coverage, or other forms of financial aid. In order to receive need-based financial aid from Relay, you MUST fill out the FAFSA during the admissions process.

For a full breakdown of available financial aid options and how to apply for them, see Your Financial Aid Options.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I estimate my monthly tuition expenses?

Click here to find your academic plan based on the state you are located in
Click on the drop-down arrow on the program you are applying for or have been accepted to
Select your specific area of study
Create a copy of your academic plan
View the average number of credits students take per term in the program you are applying to or have been accepted to.
Multiply this number by $850
Divide your total by the number of months in the term to find your monthly tuition expenses (before financial aid.)

Example: Let's say in your program the typical student will take 7 credits for the Fall 2025 term.

Multiply the average number of credits (7) by $850 to get the total estimated cost of the Fall 2025 term: $5,950
Divide the total estimated cost of the term by the number of months in the Fall term: $5,950/(4)
Your monthly tuition estimate would be: $1,487,50

When will my first payment be due?

Summer Term: Summer term tuition bills will be sent during the active enrolled term. Summer and Fall term bills will have a Fall term due date.
Fall Term: Fall term tuition bills will be sent during the active enrolled term. Summer and Fall term bills will have a Fall term due date.

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