A Master’s Degree in Special Education trains future special education instructors to teach students with various disabilities. A graduate student with a background in special education is suitable for many types of teaching and mentoring jobs. If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education, you should consider applying for a scholarship to help you complete your studies.
Scholarships for your Master’s Degree in Special Education help pay for student tuition expenses. If you’re training to become a special education teacher and are interested in learning how to get your master’s degree at a reduced cost, then keep reading. In this article, you will find some scholarship options that are currently available.
What Is a Master’s in Special Education?
A Master’s Degree in Special Education is a higher education degree that certifies a teacher to teach people with special needs or disabilities, whether learning, communication, or physical. The purpose of this master’s degree is to cover teaching strategies that are adapted to the special education student’s needs and that allow them to develop their abilities.
How Much Does a Master’s in Special Education Cost?
In the United States, the average annual cost of graduate education is $12,171 at a public institution or $25,929 at a private institution, according to NCES. Master’s in Special Education degrees are covered in this average. Your specific financial burden depends on a variety of factors, including the cost of lodging and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.
Master’s in Special Education Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
According to PayScale, the average person with a Master’s Degree in Special Education makes approximately $56,000 per year. Early childhood and elementary school teachers earn slightly less than secondary education teachers and administrators.
Is a Master’s in Special Education Worth It?
Yes, it is worth studying for a Master’s Degree in Special Education. It will allow you to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to get a special education teaching position and start a rewarding career giving people with different disabilities the educational opportunities they need to improve their lives.
A Master’s Degree in Special Education will allow you to specialize in a field of education that is in high demand due to the lack of qualified teachers. Even though graduate school can be expensive, this degree gives you access to a high-need field where educators tend to earn higher salaries than people without advanced degrees.
How to Pay for Your Special Education Graduate Degree with Master’s in Special Education Scholarships
To pay for your Master’s Degree in Special Education, there is a wide range of scholarships that you can apply for. Scholarships for special education master’s degrees are widely available due to the great importance of these professionals.
A special education master’s degree comes with certain requirements. These usually include proof of enrollment in a special education program at an accredited school of education, a minimum cumulative GPA, letters of recommendation, and an essay in which you explain why you need and deserve a scholarship. If you win one, you can use the money to cover program costs.
Best Master’s in Special Education Scholarships: Overview
| Organization | Scholarship Name | How Much It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Fe Civitan | Ab Irvine Scholarship Program | $2,000 |
| Bethesda | Bethesda Auxiliary Awards Scholarships | $3,000 |
| The Knights of Columbus | Bishop Greco Scholarship | $500 per semester |
| Teacher.org | Inspire Our Future Scholarship | $500 |
| The Arc New York | James F. Reville Scholarship | $3,000 |
| Order of Alhambra | Order of Alhambra Scholarship | Varies |
| Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education | Presidential Scholarship | $1,000 |
| Sertoma Club of Springfield, Illinois | Sertoma of Springfield, IL Scholarships | $1,250 – $2,500 |
| Lindsey’s Family Restaurant | Shon Shadrick Memorial Scholarship | $5,000 |
| United Commercial Travelers | UCT Scholarship Program | $2,500 |
Best Master’s in Special Education Scholarships: In Detail
Ab Irvine Scholarship Program | Santa Fe Civitan
The annual scholarship is offered by Santa Fe Civitan for those who wish to pursue a career in special education. To qualify for this scholarship, you must be a legal resident of New Mexico, Colorado, or Texas and study at a college or university in any of these three states.
Two $2,000 scholarships are awarded annually to two qualified candidates. Among the requirements to qualify for this scholarship, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarship applications open up in the spring of each year.
Bethesda Auxiliary Scholarships | Bethesda
Bethesda offers the Bethesda Auxiliary Scholarship, which is awarded annually to qualified undergraduate and graduate students for their commitment to the field of disability. It is specifically intended for Christians looking to share their faith with people living with severe disabilities, whether intellectual or developmental.
Criteria for the application process include a letter of motivation showing academic achievements, involvement in a Lutheran church, experience doing social work with children with disabilities, and career goals in this field.
Bishop Greco Scholarship | The Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus Bishop Charles P. Greco Graduate Scholarships are awarded annually to qualified students enrolled in accredited Master’s in Special Education graduate programs who deal with people with intellectual disabilities. The scholarship award amounts are $500 per semester and are renewable for four semesters.
To apply for this scholarship, eligible applicants must be members of the Knights of Columbus or immediate family members of a member, and students attending a Catholic university receive special consideration. You must submit your official college transcripts, an account of your experiences working with people with disabilities, and two letters of recommendation.
Inspire Our Future Scholarship | Teacher.org
Teacher.org offers the Inspire Our Future Scholarship for qualified students with leadership qualities who are enrolled in in-person or online degree programs in early childhood education, child development, or special education. Scholarships are only awarded annually and only once per participant.
When applying for this scholarship, eligible candidates must answer the questions on the application form. Scholarships will be awarded based on your answers. To participate, you must be enrolled in a graduate college of education, studying one of the programs mentioned above, and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
James F. Reville Scholarship | The Arc New York
The Arc New York awards the James F. Reville Scholarship to qualified students majoring in special education or any other career related to intellectual and developmental disabilities. Scholarships are awarded annually to two students, and the scholarship award is $3,000, which is broken into two installments of $1,500 per semester.
Only New York State residents are eligible candidates. The requirements include filling in the online application form with your personal and academic information and submitting a letter of recommendation from an academic instructor. They need to send everything before the application submission deadline to complete the application process.
Order of Alhambra Scholarship | Order of Alhambra
The Alhambra Scholarship offered by the Order of Alhambra is for qualified students in undergraduate or graduate programs in education who want to specialize in special education and assist special needs students with mental or physical disabilities.
The number of scholarships varies annually depending on each year’s funds. To apply for the scholarship, you must have completed 50 percent of the program you are pursuing. The requirements are to complete the application form, submit official transcripts from your university, and write a letter of motivation laying out the social impact of your career.
Presidential Scholarship | Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education
The Indiana Council of Administrators of Special Education (ICASE) awards Presidential Scholarships to Indiana residents studying to become special education administrators. The $1,000 award is designed to support future leaders in the field.
Qualified individuals must submit two letters of recommendation, one from a program supervisor and one from a special education director. In addition, they must write an essay on the contributions they can make by earning the degree. After that, the application process will be completed, and they will have to wait for an answer.
Sertoma of Springfield, IL Scholarships | Sertoma Club of Springfield Illinois
The Springfield, IL Sertoma Scholarships are intended for permanent residents of certain Illinois counties who want to pursue careers helping people with hearing disorders. The scholarship awards $1,250 for one semester and can be renewed for the following semester.
To apply for the scholarship, each eligible student must submit their academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation from a college professor highlighting personal and professional attributes, an essay about career aspirations, and experience working with the hearing impaired.
Shon Shadrick Memorial Scholarship | Lindsey’s Family Restaurant
Lindsey’s Family Restaurant awards the $5,000 Shon Shadrick Scholarship to graduate or undergraduate students enrolled in a special education major or master’s degree program. To qualify for this scholarship, you must complete the application form by the date indicated.
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In addition, the requirements include an essay on your reasons for pursuing this degree and why you are worthy of the scholarship, college transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
UCT Scholarship Program | United Commercial Travelers
The UCT Scholarship Program is aimed at professionals pursuing a career in working with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Eligible candidates must have prior experience working with people with intellectual disabilities.
Among the requirements to apply for this scholarship are a resume and a scholarship application. After this, each qualified applicant will receive a separate application form that they will have to complete by answering a long list of questions.
How to Pay for Your Special Education Graduate Degree Without Scholarships: Alternative Financial Aid Options
In addition to a scholarship, other types of financial assistance can help students finance their graduate teaching degree in special education. Keep reading to learn about some available options if you can’t find a scholarship suitable to your needs.
Work at Your University
Many universities offer tuition at no cost to their employees, so looking for a job at your university can help you pay for your Master’s Degree in Special Education. You can be a full-time or part-time employee while you study. However, you must remember that studying and working at the same time is not an easy task, and you may still have to pay taxes.
Get a Graduate Assistantship
A graduate assistantship means working part-time at the university while you are a full-time student. Jobs can include teaching classes or assisting professors with their research. The good news is that if you take this option to finance your Master’s Degree in Special Education, you will get both a stipend and valuable experience in your field.
Seek Crowdfunding Support
Many popular websites are available to set up crowdfunding campaigns for your educational needs. However, you should know that it is not just about setting up your campaign, and it is not guaranteed that you will achieve your goal. Often, individuals only raise a small portion of what they need, which can still help pay initial tuition fees.
Apply for Military Benefits
The government provides many benefits to active military personnel, including assistance to continue their education in college. If you are active military personnel, a veteran, or a military family member, you can benefit from the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon programs, college fund programs, and loan repayment programs.
Should You Apply for Master’s in Special Education Scholarships?
Yes, applying for a scholarship for your special education teaching program is a good idea. If you already have an undergraduate degree in early childhood education, special education, special education administration, or elementary education, you can only benefit from a scholarship or grant program.
There are many scholarship opportunities for students, and they can help you during your college studies. In addition, professionals with an advanced special education degree are in high demand, as well-qualified professionals are needed to work with people with disabilities.
Master’s in Special Education Scholarships FAQ
Can I get a scholarship for my master’s degree?
Yes, scholarships for graduate students are available through different organizations. Regardless of your specific skills, needs, or merit-based attributes, you should be able to find a master’s degree scholarship that you are eligible for.
Does financial aid cover master’s degree programs?
Yes, financial aid programs are available for graduate school and are a great way to afford the cost of tuition for your master’s degree. Federal programs that offer grants and loans are some of the best options you have and are something you should look into in addition to scholarships.
What scholarships are available for master’s programs?
Depending on what you want to study for your master’s degree, there are many scholarships from various organizations and companies that reward academic excellence. We recommend that you research eligibility requirements and start applying to several scholarships right away.
How do you pay for a master’s degree?
One of the best options to help you pay for graduate degree programs is scholarships. But there are also other options, such as working at the university, assistantships, crowdfunding, military benefits, grants, and loans.
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