Office of Student Financial Assistance > State Financial Aid Programs > Educator Financial Aid and Loan Repayment

Become a Massachusetts Educator

Financial aid, scholarships, and loan repayment to recruit and retain educators — from early childhood to K–12.

Massachusetts is investing in the people who teach, care for, and inspire our students. Whether you’re an early educator earning your first credential, a paraprofessional on the path to licensure, or a college student preparing to lead a classroom, the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) offers programs that can reduce costs and reward your commitment to our schools and communities. This page highlights financial aid opportunities specific to current and future educators, but please also check out our statewide financial aid programs that offer free or more affordable college across majors.

At a glance

Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and terms on each program’s page.

Programs you may apply for

  1. In-Demand Scholarship (High‑Demand Professions – Education)

    2. A scholarship for students to encourage enrollment and completion of training and degree programs identified by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s annual reports on labor market conditions, which includes education.

    • Best for: Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in eligible Massachusetts programs leading to educator licensure in high‑demand areas.
    • What it offers: Scholarship support to reduce tuition and mandatory fees.
    • Commitment: Recipients typically commit to teach in Massachusetts after graduation in a high‑need area (see terms on program page).
    • Learn more and apply: https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/indemand.asp

  2. Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant

    3. The Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant supports paraprofessionals who are earning a degree and moving toward initial teacher licensure.

    • Best for: Current paraprofessionals employed by a Massachusetts public school/district who are pursuing educator licensure.
    • What it offers: Tuition/fee support for coursework that leads to a teacher preparation program and licensure.
    • Commitment: Continued work in Massachusetts schools; see service/eligibility details on the program page.
    • Learn more and apply: https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/teacherprep.asp
    • Application dates: April 1 – September 1
  3. Early Childhood Educators Scholarship

    4. The Early Childhood Educators Scholarship helps early educators working in licensed early education and care settings earn or advance a credential or degree.

    • Best for: Educators employed in eligible Massachusetts early education/child care programs pursuing certificates, associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees in early childhood or related fields. Or be considered a “prospective student” which is defined as unemployed or not employed as an early education and care provider at a facility or program, licensed or funded by the Department of Early Education and Care, but plan to enroll in an approved course of study as defined in the eligibility requirements of the ECE Scholarship.
    • What it offers: Scholarship funds for up to three courses per semester at participating institutions; may be renewable while you progress toward your credential/degree.
    • Commitment: Employment and progress toward the credential; refer to annual guidelines for details.
    • Learn more and apply: https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/earlychildhooded.asp
    • Application dates: April 1 – December 15
  4. Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship

    5. The Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship’s goal is to encourage Massachusetts high school students to pursue teaching. While open to all who are eligible, this program is part of efforts to recruit and retain a racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse educator workforce.

    • Best for: Recent Massachusetts high school graduates who plan to enroll full‑time in an approved teacher preparation program.
    • What it offers: Scholarship support toward tuition and fees; may be renewable while you progress toward your credential/degree.
    • Learn more and apply: https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/tmwteachers.asp
    • Application dates: September 18 – November 20
  5. Educator Loan Repayment Program

    6. The Educator Loan Repayment Program is for licensed Massachusetts educators. While open to all who are eligible, this program is part of efforts to recruit and retain a racially, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse educator workforce.

    • Best for: Licensed teachers employed in eligible Massachusetts public schools/districts, particularly in hard‑to‑fill roles or schools.
    • What it offers: Payment toward qualifying student loan balances, disbursed over a defined service term.
    • Commitment: Service obligation in an approved setting/subject; see the program page for terms, award amounts, and renewals.
    • Learn more and apply: https://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/edloanrepayment.asp
    • Application dates: mid-April to mid-June
How to apply (general steps)
  1. Check eligibility on each program page linked above.
  2. Complete the FAFSA or MASFA and go through your school’s financial aid process.
  3. Gather documents (proof of employment/service, transcripts, program enrollment, license or MTEL status, etc.).
  4. Submit your application by the posted deadline on each program page.
  5. Watch your email for follow‑up requests or award notifications.
Ready to take the next step?

Explore the programs, confirm your eligibility, and apply today:

This page summarizes state opportunities and does not replace official program guidelines. Refer to each program’s page for complete and current information.