Scholarship and Aid Opportunities

The LMU School of Education is dedicated to preparing and supporting students. We offer the School of Education scholarship, University scholarships and Named (Donor) scholarships.

For more information about other financial support and loans, visit Financial Aid.

  • Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG)

    California offers Golden State Teacher Grants which fund up to twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) of a candidates education for candidates enrolled in special education credential programs, programs in high need areas of teacher credentialing (teacher preparation programs), as well as pupil personnel credential programs for both School Counseling and school Psychology.  LMU is an approved provider of CTC approved credential programs and many of our candidates successfully receive GSTG's.

    This is an incredible opportunity to gain aid during your program and launch your career in a designated high priority school (a list of eligible schools are maintained at their website).  In general, candidates have eight years from graduation to work four years at a listed high needs school from either the year a candidate starts receiving aid or a listed school from the year a candidate graduates.  It is important that you refer to the GSTG site for applicable regulations when you apply for the grant.

    • Visit GSTG to learn about specific conditions and requirements for the grant.  
    • Apply directly at the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Golden State Teacher Grant Site.  

    CSAC sends LMU Financial Aid a list of LMU based applicants. LMU Financial Aid verifies and determines each applicants financial need and confirms as applicable.  The School of Education verifies the applicants eligibility based on their program of study.  It is important that candidates have completed the FAFSA to verify financial need.

     

  • The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching.  LMU is a participating higher education institution for candidates enrolled in a Teacher Preparation program for a "high-need" field, including but not limited to:  math, sciences, special education, bilingual education, reading specialist, etc.  Learn more about the TEACH Grant, including eligibility, application guidelines, and post graduation requirements.  

  • Federal Student Aid Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

    Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program

    Forgiveness Amount: Up to $17,500

    Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans.

    Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF):  

    Forgiveness Amount: Remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments (10 years) under a a qualifying repayment income-driven repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.  

    To qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you must be employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization; work full-time for that agency or organization; have Direct Loans (or consolidate other federal student loans into a Direct Loan); repay your loans under an income-driven repayment plan; and make 120 qualifying payments.  

    Qualifying employment for the PSLF Program is about who your employer is. Employment with the following types of organizations qualifies for PSLF: Government organizations at any level (U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal);  Not-for-profit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and, serving as a full-time AmeriCorps or Peace Corps volunteer also counts as qualifying employment for the PSLF Program.

     

  • School of Education Graduate Scholarship 

    • Available to School of Education graduate students, based on financial need and/or merit. Applicant must include a one-page, single-spaced, typed essay describing your professional accomplishment(s) that align with LMU's School of Education mission. In addition, explain your financial hardships and personal experiences that have influenced your long-term goals and plan(s) to impact the field of education. Applications will not be processed without this requirement being met. Students applying for a University Scholarship are not required to submit an essay.

    BIPOC Doctoral Scholarship

    • In alignment with the university’s goals and strategic plans for inclusion, equity and diversity for all students, the School of Education has established the first SOE Black, Indigenous and People of Color Doctoral Scholarship Fund.  

    City Year Alumni Scholarship

    • Award Amount: 30% of tuition
    • Available to all City Year alumni. To be considered for the City Year Alumni Scholarship, one must provide a signed statement of service in the City Year program.  

    School Psychology Program Scholarship

    • The LMU School Psychology Program believes that diversity, in all its forms, helps create an impactful learning community within each cohort and across the program. In order to support candidates with different strengths and life experiences, we offer school psychology need based partial tuition scholarships.  Scholarships are available to admitted candidates in the MA in Educational Psychology/Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Psychology program.  Admitted candidates will receive an email with specialized instructions for the scholarship, using a form provided at that time.

    Specialized Programs - Inquire about Program-Wide Scholarships 

    • Administrative Services Credential/MA in School Administration program candidates
    • Certificate in Catholic School Administration (may also include Title II funding)
    • MA in Educational Leadership candidates (may also include Title II funding)
    • CAST - Catholic Archdiocesan School Teachers Program (may also include Title II funding)
    • PLACE - Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education Corps (may also include Title II funding)
    • Teacher Preparation Programs - Candidates serving as intern or resident teachers in one of LMU's teacher preparation credential programs with optional Master of Arts, who serve in esteemed partnership organizations, including but not limited to the following, are eligible for program specific scholarships. Please refer to guidelines provided directly by the partnership organization, in coordination with LMU.. 
      • Charter Consortium Group Schools
      • Green Dot Public Schools
      • KIPP Public Charter Schools
      • Partnerships to Uplift Communities (PUC) Schools
      • Seneca Family of Agencies
      • Teach For America Program Interns
      • Wonderful College Prep Academy
      • And adding more!  Feel free to inquire.

     

  • Catholic Teacher/Ministry Scholarship*

    Award Amount: $1000 per 3-unit class

    Applicants must teach full-time in Catholic Elementary or Secondary Education or work full-time in Catholic Ministry. To be considered for the Catholic Teacher/Ministry Scholarship, a signed "verification of employment" statement on official letterhead from the employer must be included with the application. Applications that do not meet this requirement will not be processed. Please note there is a maximum of $1,000 awarded for summer, $2,000 for the fall semester, and $2,000 for the spring semester.

    Developing Countries Scholarship

    Award Amount: 100% tuition

    Available to priests or members of a religious order (non U.S. citizens) who come from a developing country. (Programs offered in an online format are not eligible for visa issuance).  For questions, contact the Graduate Studies office at 310.338.2721.

    Religious Scholarship

    Award Amount: 25% of tuition

    Applicant must be a member of the Catholic clergy or Catholic religious orders. To apply, evidence of membership in a Catholic religious order or proof of clergy status must be provided. For questions, contact the Graduate Studies office at 310.338.2721.

  • Peter and Stacy Boesen Endowed SOE Scholarship

    This scholarship supports graduate students currently enrolled in the School of Education. Student recipient(s) to be identified by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Thomas and Christine Brown Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports two graduate students enrolled in the School of Education who have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Mary Canepa Castruccio Scholarship

    This scholarship supports one or more female graduate students in the School of Education. It is to be awarded in the final semester prior to receiving a teaching credential or graduate degree in the field of education (focusing on classroom teaching). Must be a U.S. citizen, be currently employed as a teacher in either a public or private accredited PK-12 school. Selection can be based on either financial need or academic merit. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Mary Katherine Dasaro Endowed Memorial Scholarship

    This scholarship supports students in the School of Education who are preparing to be elementary school teachers and are in the process of completing the student-teaching component of their course work. It may be awarded on the basis of financial need or academic merit. Funds can be awarded to more than one student. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Carrie Estelle Doheny Foundation Scholarship in the Center for Catholic Education*

    This scholarship, in the Center for Catholic Education, supports students participating in the PLACE Corps or CAST program who are dedicated to serving as Catholic educators. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Dreier Family Education Scholarship

    This scholarship supports a graduate student in the School of Education who shows academic merit. Financial need is not a factor in this scholarship. One scholarship recipient is selected each year and the student is eligible for renewal if he/she continues to meet the criteria and is deemed a worthy recipient. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Anita Finie SOE Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports students enrolled in the School of Education's PLACE Corps. Students must have financial need and academic merit. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Dr. Anita M. Finie Endowed Scholarship in the School of Education

    This scholarship supports graduate students enrolled in School of Education programs which serve Catholic education. Students must have financial need and academic merit. Selections are made by the dean of the School of Education.

    Victoria L. Graf Family Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports non-cohorted graduate students enrolled in Special Education who are pursuing an Education Specialist credential. While merit-based, students with financial need will also be considered. Recipient(s) to be selected by the dean of the LMU School of Education in consultation with the program director.

    Patricia Hearn School of Education Fund

    This scholarship supports graduate students in the School of Education. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Heffernan-Pomeroy Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports graduate students teaching in either Catholic or public school systems, or who are pursuing a degree in elementary or secondary education through the PLACE Corps. Financial need and/or merit can be considered. Preference for a female recipient. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Albert P. Koppes, O. Carm. PLACE Corps Scholarship

    This scholarship supports graduate students enrolled in the School of Education's PLACE Corps who have financial need and are academically deserving. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Ouriz Kouyoumjian Memorial Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports graduate students in the School of Education who have demonstrated financial need and are in good academic standing.

    Shane P. Martin Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports graduate students enrolled in the School of Education who have demonstrated financial need. Preference for a student that is a member of any of the following: first generation college student, member of an underrepresented community, African American or Latino student, DACA Student, or a student with similar attributes. Selected by the School of Education.

    George H. Mayr Center for Catholic Education Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports graduate students enrolled in any of the School of Education's Catholic school programs. Students must have financial need and be academically deserving. Each recipient must be a California resident who is either a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident intending to become a U.S. citizen. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Dan Murphy Foundation PLACE Scholarship*

    This scholarship supports graduate students enrolled in the School of Education who are members of the PLACE Corps. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation Scholarship

    This scholarship supports graduate students in the School of Education who have financial need. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

    Anthony Sabatino Scholarship in Catholic School Leadership*

    This scholarship supports School of Education students enrolled in the Catholic School Leadership Academy, who are either Catholic school principals or principals-in-training.

    Juan F. Salinda Scholarship

    This scholarship supports students enrolled in the School of Education who have financial need and are academically deserving. Students must be majoring in school psychology, counseling, or remedial reading.

    Seidler PLACE Scholarship

    This scholarship supports School of Education graduate students in the PLACE Corps who demonstrate academic excellence or financial need. Selections are made by the Dean of the LMU School of Education.

    John and Dorothy Shea Scholarship in the Center for Catholic Education*

    This scholarship supports graduate students in the School of Education who are part of the Center for Catholic Education. Selections are made by the dean of the LMU School of Education.

      

    * Typically, these scholarships are funded annually. However, in subsequent years, funding for any of these scholarships cannot be guaranteed.

  • We encourage applicants to research professional organizations in their field of study for potential graduate student grant and scholarship opportunities.  To get you started, here are a few organizations that have previously listed opportunities on their websites and may continue to do so.

    Links are provided to aid your personal research only and do not constitute an endorsement or partnership with the listed organizations.

    All Fields of Study

    Counseling/School Counseling

    Educational Leadership and School Administration

    Higher Education

     School Psychology

    Teacher Preparation Programs

    Bilingual Teacher Preparation Programs

     

     

     

  • LMU's Office of National and International Fellowships includes listings for hundreds of fellowships, with categories of opportunities from gap Year to undocumented students to available fellowshipscurated specifically for SOE students.

    Get settled in and start exploring! They welcome all your questions via email: fellowships@lmu.edu.

  • The School of Education may have a limited amount of tuition remission funding available during application periods.  In addition to being formally admitted to a SOE program, candidates are required to meet LMU's eligibility requirements as full-time faculty/staff, retiree, spouse, or dependent.  

    Approval for tuition remission by HR is subject to the availability of SOE funding by program for tuition remission spaces.  HR works closely with the School of Education to ensure appropriate program funding availability prior to approving a tuition remission application.   Please note that ‘high demand’ programs may have waiting lists established.  

  • Student Employment Services (SES) provides job opportunities, workshops, and resources to enhance professional development.  Candidates apply for opportunities after program admittance.  Please note that LMU requires all student employees to work on-campus, or, if approved for remote work by supervisor, to reside in the general surrounding Los Angeles area.  

    Workday is the platform that LMU uses to post work-study and non-work-study employment opportunities on campus. Graduate students may be interested in seeking a part-time position as a Graduate Assistant, Research Assistant, or Teaching AssistantClick here to read more about typical types of positions available. 

    Log in to Workday to upload your resume and to explore employment opportunities! If you encounter technical difficulties, contact SES at ses@lmu.edu or (310) 338-7606.

  • Students interested in the School of Education, University, and Named (Donor) Scholarships may use the online application. Please be mindful of the following deadlines:

    • Spring 2024 awards – applications due by November 15, 2023
    • Summer 2024 awards – applications due by April 15, 2024
    • Fall 2024 awards – applications due by June 10, 2024

    All scholarship applications require that the student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA, or California DREAM Act Application (CADAA).  FAFSA or CADAA data must be received prior to award notification and distribution.  (Students only need to apply once for the academic year.)

    Other Info:

    • Students interested in California and Federal grants, TEACH and Golden State scholarships, and/or loan forgiveness programs apply directly through those websites listed in the sections above.
    • Students interested in Graduate Student Employment Opportunities apply, after acceptance, directly at through student login at Workday.