A career in special education is one of the most fulfilling paths in life, helping students with special needs. There are many Michigan educational grants and scholarships available to help reach career goals.
Michigan Educational Funding:
Special Education Teacher Tuition Reimbursement Grant: This grant covers tuition costs, providing up to $800.00 per credit hour for a maximum of 18 credits over three years. This offers significant savings to becoming a Michigan Special Education Teacher.Â
Michigan Reconnect: This scholarship program ensures that you can attend your in-district community college tuition-free or receive a substantial tuition discount if attending an out-of-district community college. It’s a fantastic resource for those seeking affordable pathways to higher education.Â
Teacher Loan Forgiveness (TLF) Program: If you fulfill a five-year teaching commitment in a low-income school or educational service agency, you may qualify for loan forgiveness of up to $17,500 on certain federal loans. Pursuing a career in special education is a valuable incentive while minimizing student loan debt.
MI Future Educator Fellowship and Stipend: These programs offer generous financial support, with fellowships totaling $10,000 and stipends totaling $9,600. This is designed to attract and retain talented individuals in the field of education, including special education.
High School Graduate Michigan Achievement Scholarship: Ranging from $2,000 to $5,500, this scholarship provides additional financial assistance to high school graduates pursuing degrees in education, including special education.
Scholarships: Many universities in Michigan offer scholarships specifically for educators and even have scholarships that will grant aid specifically to students pursuing degrees in special education. Be sure to consider all of your options and look carefully at all available scholarships at your university to see if there is one specifically for special education.
Federal Aid:
Federal Student Aid – FAFSA 2024-2025
It’s open enrollment from July 1 to June 30, 2025. The Federal government, through the U.S. Department of Education, offers Federal Pell Grants. Complete your application to receive student aid. The system has been streamlined to make it easier to apply for federal funds to help you with your education. You make a login to your “Student Aid” account and go from there.
TEACH Grant
This program provides up to $4,000 a year to students who are looking to start a career in teaching. This grant does have some obligations, such as teaching in a high-need field. This federal grant is good for those looking to start a career in special education because one of the stipulated “high-need fields” is special education. Be sure to look over the other requirements and obligations that come along with this grant to decide if it would be right for you.
