Teacher Preparation Program

UC Merced Extension's Teacher Preparation Program (TPP), designed by expert educators, delivers the knowledge and skills necessary for you to become an effective and culturally responsive K12 teacher. In addition to learning about pedagogy, classroom management, planning, and much more in your courses, you will gain clinical classroom experience under veteran educator mentorships. Testing support is provided for the CSET, CalTPA, and RICA with seminars. The program is available both in-person and online.

Financial Aid

Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) students are considered for grants and loans that are administered by the Office of Financial Aid. You will need to submit a FAFSA or CADAA Application with our school code (041271).

The Teacher Preparation Program is a post-baccalaureate program, not a graduate program. When completing the FAFSA or CADAA for the Teacher Preparation Program, please respond to this question as follows:
Q: When the student begins the XXXX-XXXX school year, what will their college grade level be
A: Other undergraduate (junior and beyond).

Which FAFSA/CADAA application to submit?

Fall 2024 - Summer 2025

Fall 2025 - Summer 2026

Complete 2425 FAFSA/ CADAA

Complete 2526 FAFSA/CADAA

 

Types of Aid

Grants

Pell Grant (FAFSA)

Teach Grant (FAFSA)

5th Year Cal Grant (FAFSA/CADAA)

Golden State Teacher Grant (FAFSA/CADAA)
  • Receive max of 12 semesters in lifetime, referred to as Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)
  • Amount received is based on FAFSA information, LEU, and units enrolled, up to $3,698 per term. 
  • Service Based Grant 
    (must be repaid if service     obligation is not fulfilled)
  • Must teach in a high-need field at a priority school for 4 years within 8 years of completing the program
  • Entire grant converts to an unsubsidized loan with interest if service obligation is not fulfilled
  • Minimum 3.25 GPA
  • Up to $3,772 per year; actual amount based on units enrolled
  • Must have received a Cal Grant in the past 15 months
  • Maintain financial need for Cal Grant Renewal 
  • Service Based Grant
    (must be repaid if service obligation is not fulfilled)
  • Must teach at a priority school for 2 years within 4 years from completing the program
  • Must complete program within 3 years of receiving first payment
  • Suppplemental Application Required - 2025-2026 application is open!
  • Up to $10,000 grant
    (50% repayment of grant annually if service obligation is not fulfilled)
  • Intern Credential Students are not eligible. 

Loans

Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans (FAFSA)

Dream Loan (CADAA)
  • Must complete Entrance Counseling and sign Mastery Promissory Note
  • Dependent students: $5,500 maximum per year
  •  Independent students: $12,500 maximum per year
  • Actual offered amounts based on prior borrowing, financial need, and other aid received
  • Subsidized Loan Aggregate Limit: $23,000
  • Total Loan Aggregate Limit: $57,500
  • Up to $3,000 per year

*An Aggregate Loan Limit is the maximum amount of loans a student can borrow for their entire undergraduate and graduate education.

Who do I contact with questions?

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS)

Student Billing Services
  • Financial Aid Application
  • Grants/Loans Eligibility
  • Disbursement
  • Appeals (SAP)

Contact OFAS
  • Your Bill
  • Refund
  • Deferred Payment Plan (DPP)

Contact SBS

Other Important Information

  • Students enrolled less than full-time (12+ units) will receive prorated aid amounts
  • Check your checklist and UCM email account often