The following is the complete list of estimated costs for the Teacher Preparation Program.
Our goal is to be transparent and informative of ALL of the costs associated with becoming a teacher. We work with each individual candidate to identify the most cost-effective pathway to equip you to obtain your teaching certificate. The first list are costs you may incur as you apply to the program (or any program). Below that is an estimate of costs for our program.
We recognize that each Teacher Candidate is unique. Thus, our program allows you to attend part-time or full-time.
ESTIMATED PREPROGRAM COSTS
- CBEST - $102 (if necessary)
- Multiple Subject CSET Subtests I, II, & III: $298
- Single Subject CSET Subtests I-IV: $267
- TB Test (may be doctor’s co-pay)
- Certificate of Clearance: $50
- Live Scan Fingerprints (needed for Certificate of Clearance): $50-100
ESTIMATED PROGRAM TOTAL COSTS = $12,500 - $21,550*
- Application & Candidacy Fee: $100.00
- Estimated Program Tuition: $10,800 - $19,350*
- Estimated Program Textbook/Materials: $500.00
- RICA - $130 - $165 (Multiple Subject only)
- CalTPA Cycles 1 ($150) and 2 ($150)
*(Per unit fee = $450)
Financial Aid
Incoming Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) students are considered for grants and federal loans that are administered by the Office of Financial Aid. You will submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application with our school code (041271). Financial Aid is only available for a first time credential applicant. Learn more about Financial Aid options and deadlines here: Financial Aid UC Merced
FAFSA | CADAA
When completing the FAFSA or CADAA for the Teacher Preparation Program, please respond to these questions as follows:
Q29: What will your college grade level be when you begin the XXXX-XXXX school year?
A29: 5th year/other undergraduate
Q30: What degree or certificate will you be working on when you begin the XXXX-XXXX school year?
A30: Teacher credential (nondegree program)
Q48: I will be working on a master’s or doctorate program (e.g., MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, graduate certificate)
A48 : Do NOT check this box. The Teacher Preparation Program is a post-baccalaureate program, NOT a graduate program.
Cal Grants
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) awards Cal Grants to eligible Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) students. Processing will begin in fall 2020/21.
Student Eligibility
Undergraduate Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a TPP, after they receive their bachelor's degree, may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate-level courses of study.
Q: Who is eligible?
A: Cal Grant A and B recipients who:
- Received at least one payment in the Cal Grant A or B program as an undergraduate.
- Have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or completed all required coursework for their bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Are accepted and enrolled in a professional teacher preparation program at a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved institution within 15 months of the end of the term for which the recipient last received a Cal Grant payment.
- Have not received or submitted an application for a Teaching Credential, such as a Preliminary or Clear Credential.
- Maintain financial need for a Cal Grant renewal.
Q: When to Apply?
A: Eligible recipients should apply for TPP benefits as soon as possible after completing their bachelor’s degree and after being formally or conditionally accepted into a teaching credential program at an eligible institution.
Q: How to Apply?
A: Eligible students are required to file both a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application ( CADAA) for the academic year for which you wish to receive benefits, as well as a Request for Cal Grant TPP Benefits ( G-44 Form ) to the California Student Aid Commission.
Policies
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Recipients must reactivate their Cal Grant benefits within 15 months of the end of the term for which they last received payment. Leaves of absence from the TPP will not be approved if they result in the recipient exceeding the 15-month grace period.
- Failure to notify the California Student Aid Commission (Commission) of change of school of attendance, less than half-time status, name, address or phone number may cause the award to be withdrawn. Students can update their demographic information online at www.webgrants4students.org.
- The university will be required to confirm eligibility for these additional benefits. Only coursework for the initial teaching credential is eligible for Cal Grant payment.
*Progam cost is dependent on previous coursework and fieldwork.
