SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
WKU is committed to making higher education affordable and accessible for all students.
Complete the FAFSA Application
To apply for federal financial aid, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA application. Begin by registering for an FSA ID at the Federal Student Aid Website. For more detailed guidance, visit the WKU Financial Aid Checklist to ensure you have everything you need.
TopDollar
First Time Freshman Scholarships.
The TopDollar Scholarship Portal is a convenient way to apply for scholarships at WKU, including university-awarded merit scholarships and those funded by the College Heights Foundation, academic departments, and community organizations. Learn more about available scholarships through TOPDollar.
Federal Supplemental Aid for Educators
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides federal student grants to students pursuing a teaching career. Unlike other federal grants, the TEACH Grant requires recipients to complete a service obligation by teaching in a high-need field at a school serving low-income students for at least four years. Failure to meet this obligation results in the grant converting into a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, which must be repaid with interest. Recipients are also required to sign an Agreement to Serve or Repay and complete annual TEACH Grant counseling.
To be eligible for a TEACH Grant, students must meet specific academic requirements, complete the FAFSA, and enroll in a TEACH-eligible program. High-need fields include areas like math, science, foreign language, and special education. Schools determine which programs qualify for the TEACH Grant, so it’s important to consult with your institution’s financial aid office to confirm eligibility.
Kentucky Supplemental Aid for Educators
The KHEAA Teacher Scholarship provides financial aid to Kentucky students pursuing teacher certification at participating colleges. To qualify, students must be Kentucky residents, demonstrate financial need, and meet academic progress standards. Recipients must teach in a Kentucky public or certified non-public school for one semester per scholarship received. If the service requirement is not fulfilled, the scholarship must be repaid with interest. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA and submit a Teacher Scholarship application through MyKHEAA.
The Teacher Recruitment Loan Forgiveness Program, established by the Kentucky General Assembly, aims to address teacher shortages by providing financial incentives for residents pursuing teacher certification. Recipients agree to complete one year of teaching in a Kentucky public school for each semester they receive financial assistance. Upon meeting this commitment, the loans are forgiven. If the recipient fails to complete their program or teaching obligation, they must repay the loans with interest. This information for this program is currently only found by logging into your MyKHEAA account.
The Early Childhood Development Scholarship helps Kentuckians working in daycares or preschools pursue credentials, certificates, and degrees in early childhood education. To qualify, applicants must be Kentucky residents, work at least 20 hours per week in a participating early childhood facility, and meet academic progress requirements. Eligible programs include the Child Development Associate Credential, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education, and the Kentucky Early Childhood Development Director’s Certificate. Applicants must complete both the FAFSA and the Early Childhood Development Scholarship application through MyKHEAA.
The KY Trainee Scholarship supports full-time employees in Kentucky schools working in Special Education or Early Childhood Education (IECE) positions who need certification in the area they are teaching. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in a participating university, hold a temporary or provisional certificate, and follow the new online application process. The program helps cover tuition for up to 30 credit hours toward certification, with tuition paid directly to the university after the add/drop period. Additional university fees and expenses are not covered, but stipends for textbooks and supplies may be available during some semesters. For more information view the KY Trainee Scholarship Website.
Student Teacher Stipend
The Kentucky Student Teacher Stipend Program helps reduce financial barriers for students completing educator preparation programs. Eligible students are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, Kentucky residents, enrolled in an approved educator preparation program, and approved for student teaching. The stipend is available during the academic term in which the student teaches. The program aims to support students entering the teaching workforce, and participating institutions are required to report data on the effectiveness and utilization of the program annually.
Note:This is not a part of the student financial aid package.
Application Fee Waiver
Fee waivers can be accepted a variety of ways depending on the eligible program you participate in. You must be currently participating in the program for fee waiver eligibility.
- Free and Reduced Lunch
- ACT or SAT waivers
- TRiO, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, or Educational Opportunities
- Medicaid or SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income
- KIIS and CCSA
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT AT WKU
The Student Employment Program at Western Kentucky University provides employment opportunities for students who are in need of part-time employment as they pursue a course of study at the University. The program is also designed to assist University departments in meeting their objectives through the use of qualified student employees.
CONTACT THE SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1005
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
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