Support Page Content
Financial Support Opportunities
Financial Aid (FAFSA, CADAA), scholarships, grants and residencies are available to Sacramento State students.
We understand that for many of our students, applying to and completing a teacher credentialing program may be challenging due to financial constraints. We are committed to providing the support to assist you in this process to ensure that you are able to successfully complete your journey to become teachers/educational leaders. Review helpful information here:
Federal Aid
| Source | Eligibility | Application Period |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of Education - Federal Aid | ||
| Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA for 2025-2026 | • Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students that demonstrate financial need and do not have to be repaid• Our teacher credentialing programs are considered "undergraduate" programs due to the rigorous student teacher schedule• Federal Pell Grant- based on eligibility | December 1 - June 2026 Apply Early |
| TEACH Grant Awards up to $4,000 |
• 3.25 GPA in undergraduate program • Teach in a high needs field and low-income school |
Eligibility is determined July |
| Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program | • If you teach full time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency and have a Direct or Federal Family Education Loan | Program may be paused |
State of California Aid
| California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) - State Aid | ||
|---|---|---|
| FAFSA vs CA Dream Act apply to the correct financial aid in CA | ||
| CA Dream Act 2025-2026 (CADAA) For DACA and Undocu- students, complete the CA Dream Act application. DACA and Undocu- students are not eligible for federal aid but ARE eligible for CA state aid. | • If you have resided in CA for over 1 year and 1 day, you may indicate you are CA resident. • Attended high school for at least 3 years • See their complete eligibility list • Allows DACA, undocumented students who meet certain criteria to apply for financial aid. • The CADAA is one of the most important forms to fill out in regard to a college education and should be completed every academic year. |
Apply July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 |
| Cal Grant The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid award that does not need to be paid back. |
• Provides eligible undergraduate students with assistance toward their tuition and non-tuition costs (Cal Grant B only) at a qualifying California college or university. • Additional Cal Grant aid is available to eligible Foster Youth and Students with Dependent Children to further assist with non-tuition costs. • If received Pell funds, you may be eligible for one additional year while in the credential program. |
Apply December 2025 |
| CA Golden State Teacher Grant | • $10,000-$20,000 awarded, agree to teach 4 years in a priority school upon earning preliminary credential or 2 years if preschool | Apply July-June 30th |
| CSU Asian Language Bilingual Teacher Ed program (BTEP) Consortium | • Must be admitted to a CSU, GPA 3.0, enrolled in a bilingual program (Hmong or Spanish at Sac State). | Ongoing |
| State University Grant (CSU) | • Provides need-based awards to eligible undergraduate and graduate/post baccalaureate students that covers partial or all tuition costs for students who are not already receiving a Cal Grant. | |
| CA Chafee Grant for Foster Youth Awards $5,000 a year |
• Foster youth for college or career education at any eligible California college or university, as well as schools in other states. Chafee grants can be used for tuition and non-tuition costs and do not have to be repaid. | |
Sacramento State Opportunities
| Sacramento State Opportunities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento State Scholarships Awards vary | All undergraduate and teacher candidates, graduate students | Apply October - March |
| Math and Science Teacher Initiative (MSTI) | Undergraduate and teacher candidates pursuing a math or science teaching credential. | Apply October - March |
| Sac State ASI Scholarships for College of Education Students | All ASI Scholarships are reported to Financial Aid. As a result, if a student has been awarded a Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS), Financial Aid will need to recalculate the MCS, which may lead to a balance the student will be responsible for repaying. | Apply February 14 - March 7 |
| Sign up for the Cooper Woodson Enhancement Program | They provide book vouchers, a scholarship, and study abroad opportunity | Ongoing |
| CARES Program Emergency Grants | Available for childcare, course materials, food insecurity, healthcare, housing, technology, transportation and utilities. | Ongoing |
Other Scholarship Opportunities
| Other Scholarship Opportunities | ||
|---|---|---|
| The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship Awards $1,000 annually |
• Education student who exemplifies dedication to Right to Work principles • Open to students attending a U.S. institution, undergrad, teacher cred candidates, MAT students may apply. |
Apply September 1- January 31 |
| Educator and Teacher Grants | Varies, see list | Varies, see list |
| Teacher Preparation Financial Resources | Varies, see list | Varies, see list |
| Immigrants Rising List of Scholarships | Varies, see list, regardless of immigration status | Varies, see list |
| B.R.I.G.H.T Scholarship Awards (2) $2,500 scholarships |
• To honor Sierra Argumedo’s dream of becoming an educator and share your love for education • Undergraduate or graduate student, come from a low income/single parent household, and pursue education career (teaching, counseling, etc.) |
Apply by August 3, 2025 |
| CABE Bilingual Teachership Awards and High School Student Scholarships Awards $2,000 |
• Must be a current CABE member and enrolled in a teacher preparation program • Separate scholarship of $1,000 for high school juniors and seniors aspiring to be bilingual educators, proficiency in a world language course HS students apply here |
Apply by December 5, 2025 |
| California Teachers Association (CTA) 3 scholarships of up to $5,000 are awarded, 1 must be designated as the Pacific Asian American Scholarship |
• Honor of Gordon Bittle Memorial • Must be an active member of CTA Aspiring Educators (Sac State and Sac City College have chapters), must be an undergrad or in a teaching cred program |
Apply by February |
| CTA Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program Awards up to $6,000 |
• Encourages Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) to become educators, school nurses, school counselors or school therapists | |
| The Gates Scholarship | • High school seniors • Pell eligible/FAFSA • US Citizen or permanent resident • 3.3 minimum GPA |
Apply July 15, 2025 - September 15, 2025 |
| Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) | • Open for graduating high school students, undergraduate, graduate students | |
| James Madison Graduate Fellowships Awards $24,000 |
• Open for graduating high school students, undergraduate, graduate students | Apply by March 1, 2026 |
| Mark A. Jefferson Teaching Scholarship Awards $1,040 |
• Black males pursuing a teaching credential • High school or undergraduates, 2.8 GPA or higher |
Apply by January 14, 2026 |
| Nancy Larson Foundation College Scholarship Awards (5) scholarships of $1,500 |
• For elementary teachers, open to juniors, seniors and graduate students • MAT candidates should apply |
|
| National Association for the Advancement of Colored People | • Open to community college, undergraduate, teaching cred, grad students • Graduating seniors can apply • GPA 3.0 or above, be a NAACP member • See website for varies other scholarships |
Apply March 2026 - April 2026 |
| National Education Association (NEA) Awards 5 scholarships of $2,500 |
• Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship, must be active NEA Student Program member pursuing career in teaching, available • NEA Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants $2,000, (Sac State and Sac City College have chapters) |
Apply by March 15 and October 15 |
| STEM Teaching- Knowles Science Teaching Fellowships | • Provides beginning high school science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers with five-year fellowships designed to help them become master teacher and leaders. | 4 application windows: August 15, October 17, December 1, 2025 and January 6, 2026 |
| Study.com Scholarships Awards $500 |
• Open to undergraduate or student teachers • Must be enrolled or accepted into a cred program |
Apply June 30th and December 15, 2025 |
| Thurgood Marshall College Fund | • Supports students attending public HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) • Offers merit- and need-based scholarships as well as career development programs |
Rolling application dates |
School District Aid (Residencies, scholarships, stipends)
If you are interested in teaching in the following school districts, you are strongly encouraged to apply to one of these opportunities. Please inquire with the school districts directly for more information.
Natomas Unified School District
Recruiting Diverse Future Teachers in NUSD provides up to 80% of tuition, a MacBook, $1,000 monthly allowance, and additional incentives.
Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD)
BRIDGE Residency
BIPOC and/or bilingual teachers needed, student teach in a SCUSD school, they will cover your tuition and provide a stipend between $10-20,000 for the academic year, must teach in their district for 4 years.
Sacramento Metro Teacher Residency
Special Education program teacher candidates must student teach (and then teach) in Sacramento county district partners. Covers your tuition and up to $20,500 in funds.
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) 2-year pathway
- Extensive Support Needs (ESN) 1-year pathway
- Mild/Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) 1-year pathway
Washington Unified School District
Diversity Recruitment and Aspiring Leaders Program
Student teach in a district school, for those living in their district boundaries they will cover 80% tuition and provide a stipend for $600 monthly for the academic year, must teach in their district for 4 years, additional incentives.
- Twin Rivers Unified, David Joint Unified, Sacramento City Unified, Elk Grove Unified, Washington Unified, California Montessori Project, St. Hope Public Schools, Woodland Joint Unified, Esparto Unified, Winters Joint Unified
Apply to Substitute Teach
Once placed in the corresponding district to student teach, apply to substitute teach there directly through their district office using edjoin.org
You can substitute teach for your cooperating (mentor) teacher when they are out for the day if your class schedule does not conflict. You can also sub if you have a day off from student teaching (*single subject candidates can sub on Fridays).
Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
Teach for 5 consecutive years in a Title I school, can apply to have up to $17,500 forgiven especially for those who are teaching special education, math or science. https://studentaid.gov/
Campus Resources
- ASI Food Pantry
- Student Service Center (financial aid, registration information, records, fees, etc.)
- One Card (works like your official photo ID on campus, a library card, make on-campus purchases/payments with your Hornet Bucks Account, access campus sporting and social events, free public transit card, discount photocopies, ATM/PIN- debit card with Wells Fargo)
- Sac State Mobile App (fastest way to stay connected to campus updates)
- Student Health and Counseling Services (wellness, pharmacy, counseling, sexual violence support, COVID-19 and more)
Emergency Housing on Campus
This service offers up to 30 days of housing in the residence halls located at North Village of campus. Available for students experiencing brief, unexpected housing crisis, one-time usage during their academic career. CARES Program