Scholarships and grants provide funding for college, but do not need to be repaid, which makes them extremely valuable for students in the education program. If you’re an undergraduate or pursuing a masters or doctorate in Education, learn more about the specific types of financial aid that may be available to you.

What is the Difference Between a Grant and a Scholarship?

Although both grants and scholarships offer free funding, grants are usually funded by government programs or organizations, while scholarships get their funding from businesses and private individuals.

There are generally different grant and scholarship application procedures and criteria depending on whether the applicant is a graduate or an undergraduate. Some forms of aid may not be available to both types of students (such as Pell Grants, which are normally awarded to undergraduates). Graduate students frequently have more options for financial aid, such as paid graduate assistantships.

Scholarships for Education Students

While scholarships for education majors have their own unique eligibility criteria, some common requirements include:

• Minimum GPA standards
• Plans to pursue a career in education
• Attending college in a specific state

Some scholarship eligibility may hinge upon additional requirements, such as like exemplifying “leadership capabilities,” which could include leadership roles within student government, clubs, extracurriculars, or even community service projects.

Although deadlines vary, many scholarship deadlines occur during January to April.

Depending on whether the applicant is a graduate or undergraduate, there are different standards to follow — and different opportunities to unlock — when seeking scholarships for education students. For example, while graduate students are typically ineligible for Pell Grants, there are numerous other options for funding. For example, students typically must have earned a Bachelor’s degree before applying for a Fulbright scholarship, which is ideal for graduate students.

In addition to state or federal sources, various businesses help sponsor students work toward their degree. Some noteworthy companies that offer scholarships include Burger King, Coca-Cola, Dell, Google, and Wells Fargo. Recipients are typically, but not always, high school students.

Applicants who are interested in obtaining company-sponsored scholarships should check resources like Scholarships.com or Unigo.com to see more information about corporate scholarships. Application criteria generally include minimum GPA and SAT scores, while some are specific to disabled, low-income, or Greek-affiliated students (such as Phi Theta Kappa honors society membership).

Scholarship Opportunities for Undergraduate Education Majors

Drexel University provides various bachelor degree scholarships for education majors pursuing an undergraduate course of study. Scholarship opportunities that may be available for undergraduate education students include:

• The Drexel Merit Scholarship. This is a merit-based scholarship available to freshmen who exemplify a history of “superior academic performance.”

Scholarship Opportunities for Graduate Students & Doctoral Programs

In addition to offering financial aid for eligible undergraduates, Drexel University also provides scholarships for doctoral programs and graduate students. Examples of opportunities for doctoral degree scholarships for education majors include:

• Teaching, research, and graduate assistantship awards. These awards provide stipends, scholarships, and insurance coverage to eligible full-time graduate students, including non-U.S. citizens.
• The Noyce Scholarship Program. This program, which partners the Drexel School of Education with other Drexel colleges and the School District of Philadelphia, provides funding for aspiring math or science teachers.
• The SoE Teacher’s Incentive Grant. The School of Education Teacher’s Incentive Grant is available for graduate students earning their Master’s degree on the Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum-Teacher Certification Track.

Grants Available for Future Teachers

Various government programs offer scholarships and grants for education majors. Examples of federal grants for future teachers include Federal TEACH grants (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education).  Please visit Drexel's Grants page to view more information and eligibility requirements.

It’s important to distinguish that there are Federal TEACH programs, as well as a Pennsylvania-based TEACH program. The PA TEACH program is aimed at current early childhood teachers who want to earn certification to teach Pre K through 4th grade. 

Grant Opportunities for Undergraduate Education Majors

Drexel University offers various scholarships and grants for future teachers that may apply to undergraduate students. Students may apply for a variety of financial scholarships, including merit scholarships, athletic scholarships, ROTC scholarships, and Sister City scholarships. Undergraduate students may also apply for private scholarships, which are generally funded by organizations such as unions or religious groups.FinAid.org and FastWeb are good resources for finding and applying to private undergrad scholarships.

Grant Opportunities for Graduate Students & Continuing Education

Drexel University also provides graduate grants and financial aid packages for teachers continuing education, including the School of Education Teacher’s Incentive Grant and the Noyce Scholarship Program. To learn more about financial aid opportunities at Drexel, look to our Financial Aid center, check out our Grants, Scholarships & Loans: What’s the Difference? page, or request more information to find out if you’re eligible for specific grants and more.