Teaching Credential Programs

Students in the Teaching Credential Program are considered 5th-year undergraduate students, not graduates, for Financial Aid purposes and are subject to undergraduate-level loan limits. The types of financial aid available to students pursuing a teaching credential are very specific and different from undergraduate or graduate financial aid. 

Independent students may be eligible to borrow up to $12,500 in Federal Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loans. Dependent students whose parents can borrow a PLUS loan may borrow $5,500 in Stafford Loans (subsidized and/or unsubsidized) through the Federal Direct Loan Program. Federal regulations determine your dependency status. If you are dually enrolled as a credential and master's student, you are considered a graduate student for financial aid purposes.

There are several questions students must answer to determine if they are dependent or independent students. If you answer "no" to all questions, you must provide parental information on the FAFSA even if you no longer reside with your parents or they no longer provide your support. The federal government will still view you as a dependent student; parental information is required for all dependent students.

Unsure if you are considered an independent student or a dependent student? Find out here.

Eligibility Criteria

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more units)
• Have remaining eligibility for loan borrowing (not reached lifetime loan limits associated with the credential program)

When Completing the FAFSA

When completing the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), credential students must provide the following answers:

• When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what will be your grade level? Answer: 5th year/other undergraduates
• When you begin the 2023-2024 school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on? Answer: Teaching credential (non-degree program)
• At the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program? Answer: No

Additional information for Teaching Credential Students

• You may be eligible for a Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Loans (including the Federal Direct Parent Plus loan).
• Federal Direct Loans: Partial loan forgiveness for Federal Direct Loans is available for designated teachers and childcare providers. Information may be obtained at Student Aid on the Web, a site maintained by the U.S. Department of Education.

Eligible Programs

In order to be eligible to receive financial aid for your Credential Program, you must be enrolled in a program that prepares you for teaching in a classroom. 

Programs Eligible for Federal Financial Aid:

• All Single Subject Credential Programs
• All Multiple Subject Credential Programs
• All Elementary Credentials
• Special Education Credential Program

Programs Not Eligible for Federal Financial Aid:

• Administrative Services
• Pupil Personnel Counseling
• Non-Degree Certificate Programs

The U.S. Department of Education limits aid eligibility for credential programs to those programs that prepare a student for teaching in a classroom.

Cost of Attendance 

The cost of attendance below is based on 6 unit enrollment per term (fall/spring), 12 units total for the academic year.

*Your actual tuition cost will depend on the number of units you enroll in per term. The current tuition rate is $1,160 per unit. Effective Summer term 2024, the new tuition rate will be $1,260 per unit. 

Types of Available Aid

Scholarships 

Scholarships are available to LMU students. Scholarships are considered gift aid because they don't need to be repaid. There are thousands of scholarships, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. There are also scholarships available from your College or program of study. Please review the links below to begin applying for LMU and outside scholarships. 

       Departmental Scholarships       Scholarship Universe   

Federal Direct Loan

Students, who file a FAFSA, may be eligible for federal student loans. Your FAFSA will determine if you are eligible for subsidized or unsubsidized federal loans.

Federal Direct Loan award amounts:

• Dependent Credential Students:  Eligible for an annual maximum of $5,500 in loans (up to a lifetime limit of $31,000 – including any loans received as an Undergraduate).
• Independent Credential Students:  Eligible for an annual maximum of $12,500 in loans (up to a lifetime limit of $57,500 – including any loans received as an Undergraduate).

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

Parents of students who filed a FAFSA might be eligible to borrow a Parent PLUS loan.

For Credential Students who are considered to be Dependent Students for financial aid purposes, federal loans are also available for parents to cover their student's remaining education costs. PLUS Loans are Federal Direct Loans in which the parent of a dependent student is the applicant and borrower. Your parent may borrow an amount up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid you are receiving.  

To qualify for the Direct PLUS loan, your parent must meet some of the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and will need to pass a modest credit check.

To Apply: 
To apply please visit studentaid.gov 

Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program (TCP)

Undergraduate Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a teaching credential program (TCP) after they receive their bachelor’s degree may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate-level courses of study. Request for Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Benefits

Golden State Teacher Grant Program