Tuition & Financial Aid
We believe that finances should not be a barrier to becoming a teacher or to accessing high quality professional development.
Relay is committed to offering our programs at a price point that is reasonable and sustainable for educators as well as our partner schools and school systems. We work closely with federal, state, and philanthropic sources to provide as much financial aid as possible, tailored to each student’s needs and goals. This page offers an overview of tuition and financial aid. We invite you to get in touch to learn more.
Tuition for Relay Graduate and Certification Programs
Tuition is calculated by credit. Each credit costs $850. Total tuition costs for each program are:
Master of Arts in Teaching programs (residency and non)
- 2 year program
- 32 credits (Most MAT programs) → $27,200 in total
- 38 credits (MAT in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners, Tennessee only) → $32,300 in total
- 39 credits (MAT in Special Education) → $33,150
Alternative Certification/Teacher Certification programs
- 3-4 terms (about 1 year) or 5-6 terms (Connecticut programs only)
- Credit hours vary from 18 to 24, depending location and program type (For example, in some locations students may elect to add endorsements in special education and teaching culturally and linguistically diverse learners).
- See the page for your state to learn the credit hours.
Advanced Certificate in Special Education
- 1 year program
- 21 credits, $17,850 in total
Students will also need to consider the cost of certification or state-specific fees. These will vary by region and will be communicated along with students’ specific tuition and financial aid package.
Relay is currently in the process of evolving our programs. The credit hours and program types listed on each page for your state reflect our current model. As soon as we have finalized our programming for students entering in Academic Year
2023-24, we will update their state page.
You can learn more about the evolution of our programs here:
- Relay’s Evolving Model
- Sample programming in Connecticut, Illinois, Tennessee, and Texas
For more information, please contact the Executive Director in your region
Financial Aid for Graduate and Certification Programs
Relay works closely with our students, school and district partners, federal programs, and local supporters to ensure that there are resources available to develop the next generation of great teachers.
Each student’s financial aid picture will look different. Students will receive support in applying for aid and using it for educational costs in an effective way.
Master of Arts in Teaching
Relay students may be eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, TEACH grants, and the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or the Relay Residency Scholarship (for those not eligible for AmeriCorps). By participating in AmeriCorps, students have the opportunity to earn $6,495 in academic year 2022-23 and $6,895 in academic year 2023-24. Awards are earned upon successful completion of each year of service, and may be used for any eligible educational expense. We support students in filling out the FAFSA and applying for AmeriCorps.
Many schools and school systems choose to subsidize the cost of teacher training for their staff, and we work with local donors to support cohorts of teachers as well.
Alternative Certification
Relay students may be eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. By participating in AmeriCorps, students have the opportunity to earn $6,495 for the academic year 2022-23 and $6,895* in academic year 2023-24, disbursed as an education award. Awards are earned upon successful completion of a year of service, and may be used for any eligible educational expense. We support students in applying for AmeriCorps. Teaching residents in Connecticut pursuing only certification (non-degree) may be eligible for the Relay Residency Scholarship if not eligible for AmeriCorps.
We often work with schools, school districts, and local donors to lower tuition costs for students.
Advanced Certificate in Special Education
Relay students may be eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The cost of this program may also be lowered by school, system, and philanthropic subsidies.
* Find more information about AmeriCorps Awards here. Please note that the Segal AmeriCorps Awards approved in Fiscal Year 2023 apply to students who complete service in 2023-24, and Awards approved in Fiscal Year 2022 apply to students who complete service in 2022-23.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you are a school or school system administrator who wants to learn more about partnering with Relay, connect with your state-based Relay Executive Director >>
If you are a prospective Relay student who wants to learn more about costs and financial aid for you, fill out the interest form to speak to the Prospective Students team >>
If you are a current Relay student with questions about your tuition or financial aid, contact Student Financial Services >>
Professional Education Costs
Relay is committed to offering high-impact, just-in-time continuing professional development for teachers and leaders. We work closely with our school and district partners to make such opportunities reasonable and sustainable for your budgets.
Learn more about Teacher Professional Education >>
Learn more about Leadership Programs >>