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Funding Your Education
Explore program costs, payment options, and funding resources to help you plan for your education at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Whether you’re pursuing a graduate degree, teaching credential, or administrative credential, our goal is to help you understand your educational investment and identify the resources available to support your next steps.
Program Tuition & Cost of Attendance
HTH GSE offers several graduate degree and credential pathways designed for working educators. Tuition varies by program and reflects the total instructional cost of each pathway.
Program | Total Tuition |
San Diego Teacher Residency (Teaching Credential + M.Ed. in Teaching & Learning, two years) | $25,000 |
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership (10- or 20-month pathway) | $21,000 |
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC Only, 10 months) | $16,200 |
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership + Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (20 months) | $25,000 |
Additional Required Fees
In addition to program tuition, students are responsible for the following institutional fees:
Fee | Amount |
Enrollment Fee (one-time) | $250 |
Student Services & Technology Fee (annually) | $300 |
Additional expenses may include credential application fees, examinations, or other program-specific requirements. These expenses vary by pathway and may not be billed directly by HTH GSE.
Cost of Attendance
HTH GSE calculates the cost of attendance as an estimate of expenses. It includes estimated standard expenses such as housing, food, and transportation costs. These estimated expenses are calculated based on data from the California Student Aid Commission and are intended to help you plan for the full cost of your education.
Ways to Finance Your Education
Planning how to pay for your education is an important step toward reaching your goals. Explore tuition payment plans, federal student loans, and other financing options that may help make your HTH GSE education more accessible.
Federal Student Aid & Financing Options
Monthly Payment Plans
HTH GSE offers monthly tuition payment plans that let students spread tuition payments across their program instead of paying the full amount upfront.
Payment schedules and arrangements vary by pathway. Students are encouraged to contact our team to learn more about available options and applicable deadlines.
Federal Student Aid
Students enrolled in eligible Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs at the High Tech High Graduate School of Education may qualify for federal financial aid to help cover the cost of tuition and other educational expenses.
Federal financial aid available to eligible HTH GSE students includes William D. Ford Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study. Eligibility depends on federal requirements, enrollment status, and the student’s academic program.
Federal Student Aid Eligibility
Degree-seeking graduate students may qualify for federal financial aid if they:
- Are enrolled in at least 4.5 units per term.
- Meet HTH GSE’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
- Are in good standing with prior federal student loans.
- Are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens.
- Meet all other applicable federal student aid requirements.
Students enrolled in the stand-alone Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) pathway are not eligible for federal student aid, as it is a non-degree program. However, students may explore alternative financing options, including low-interest private loans through the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Special Curriculum Loan.
Federal Student Loans
Eligible graduate students may qualify to borrow up to $20,500 annually through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program, subject to applicable federal loan limits, eligibility requirements, and their calculated cost of attendance.
Prospective students can expect to receive additional information about tuition, financial aid eligibility, and available financing options with their offer of admission.
Applying for Federal Student Aid
To apply for federal financial aid, eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year.
HTH GSE Federal School Code: G42174
Apply Online: Complete the FAFSA
Loan Disbursement
Federal student aid is applied to students’ tuition accounts upon enrollment, according to applicable eligibility and disbursement requirements.
When students request additional funding for eligible educational expenses, loan proceeds may be disbursed according to HTH GSE’s academic calendar.
Loan disbursements are scheduled across three academic terms:
- Fall Term: mid-August
- Winter Term: early December
- Spring Term: mid-March
Actual disbursement dates depend on the academic year, loan processing, and individual eligibility.
Loan Forgiveness for Educators
Educators working in qualifying schools and public service organizations may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness programs. The federal government administers these programs, which have specific requirements related to employment, loan type, repayment, and qualifying service.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
The federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program may forgive up to $17,500 for eligible borrowers who teach full-time for five complete, consecutive academic years in qualifying low-income schools or educational service agencies. The forgiveness amount depends on the borrower’s teaching assignment and eligibility. Additional requirements apply.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program may forgive the remaining balance on eligible federal Direct Loans after borrowers make 120 qualifying monthly payments while working for a qualifying public service employer and meeting other program requirements. Many public school districts and qualifying nonprofit educational organizations may meet PSLF employer requirements.
Students and graduates are encouraged to review the current federal requirements at StudentAid.gov.
Grants & Educational Benefits
Students may also be eligible for funding through external grants, service awards, employer-sponsored benefits, or other educational assistance programs.
The following resources may be available depending on a student’s program, professional background, and eligibility.
AmeriCorps Segal Education Award
Individuals who have successfully completed an eligible AmeriCorps service term may qualify for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award. Eligible recipients can use the award toward qualifying educational expenses or eligible student loans, subject to program requirements.
Educational Benefits for Veterans
HTHGSE is approved through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept Title 38 educational benefits for eligible veterans, service members, and dependents. Available benefits include the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), depending on individual eligibility and applicable program requirements. Benefit eligibility and award amounts are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Golden State Teacher Grant
California’s Golden State Teacher Grant program has provided funding opportunities for eligible candidates pursuing approved teacher preparation pathways. Availability, award amounts, and eligibility requirements are determined by the state and may change by academic year. Interested candidates should review current program information to determine whether funding is available for their pathway.
Private Loans
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union
Students pursuing the stand-alone Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) may explore financing through the SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Special Curriculum Loan. This private loan option may help eligible candidates finance their credential program. The lender determines loan approval, borrowing limits, interest rates, and repayment terms.
Living Stipends
Students enrolled in the San Diego Teacher Residency (SDTR) may be eligible for living stipends to help cover expenses during their first year of residency. Funding is available through two primary sources: the HTH Residency Grant and California’s Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP).
HTH Residency Grant
The HTH Residency Grant supports workforce diversification within the High Tech High TK–12 network and prepares STEM educators equipped to teach in project-based learning environments.
Eligible residents may receive up to $35,000 in living stipend funding during the first year of the program.
Funding Amount & Disbursement
This grant provides up to $35,000 in living stipend funding, disbursed directly to residents monthly from August through May of Year 1. The first year’s tuition ($15,000) is not covered by the grant and may be paid through eligible federal student loans or a monthly payment plan.
HTH Residency Grant Commitments
Recipients are expected to:
- Complete their residency year at one of High Tech High’s 16 TK–12 schools.
- Prioritize pursuing employment within the High Tech High TK–12 network.
- Commit to teaching for at least four of the next eight years in a California public school.
Additional Admission Requirements
Candidates interested in the HTH Residency Grant must complete an additional essay as part of the SDTR application process. HTH GSE anticipates awarding approximately 15 grants for the Fall 2027 cohort.
Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP)
California’s Student Teacher Stipend Program (STSP) provides living stipend funding for residents who are not awarded the HTH Residency Grant, ensuring that all SDTR residents have access to financial support during their first year.
Residents who do not receive the HTH Residency Grant are guaranteed a minimum $16,000 living stipend during Year 1, with no additional application materials required.
Funding Amount & Disbursement
The program provides a minimum $16,000 living stipend, disbursed directly to residents monthly from August through May.
As with the HTH Residency Grant, the stipend does not cover program tuition. Year 1 tuition ($15,000) remains the resident’s responsibility and may be paid through eligible federal student loans or a monthly payment plan.
State stipend funding is combined with school-site funding to determine each resident’s total award. The resident’s admission letter will include the final funding amount.
STSP Commitments
STSP funding may include a post-program teaching service commitment. Specific requirements depend on the award and should be reviewed with the Admissions Team.
Additional Admission Requirements
No additional application materials are required for residents receiving STSP funding.