An investment in the future

Our program is an investment in educators’ careers, their communities, schools, and students.

We believe there are no shortcuts to developing dedicated, culturally responsive educators.

Making it count

We remain committed to making our program accessible and have a compilation of financial support, including grants, scholarships, and loan opportunities available to our teachers. We are also committed to ensuring that, by providing you with the best possible coaching and support, you get a return on your investment. You invest in us; we invest in you.

  • Resident Compensation, Teacher Salary, & Benefits
    In your first year of the program, as a City Teaching Alliance Resident, you'll earn between $30,000-$38,611 (varies by city) and are offered insurance coverage as students through AU or their employers. As you progress into years two through four, you'll be employed as a teacher of the record. During this period, you'll receive a full-time salary and benefits from our district and charter partners. Salaries typically start at around $50,000 or more in Baltimore, DC, Dallas, and Philadelphia.
  • Housing and Cost of Living
    City Teaching Alliance provides housing and meal coverage during the program's first summer semester (“Summer A,” ending in July). To support you and other residents with housing arrangements beyond the summer, each site team offers resources such as a housing guide for the city, assistance with finding roommates, information on local apartment complexes with reserved units and discounted rent, and more.
  • American University
    Enrollment in the master's program at American University has a tuition cost of approximately $50,000 that is paid over two years (the cost of tuition is subject to change each year). There are many ways to finance the cost of tuition— including financial aid & loans, grants, and federal loan forgiveness programs. City Teaching Alliance covers the cost of required books and materials for the two years that you are enrolled at American University. For more information, please visit https://www.american.edu/financialaid/
  • AmeriCorps Financial Benefits
    As a Fellow in years 2 through 4 of the program, you have the opportunity to enroll as an AmeriCorps member, which offers the chance to earn up to two Segal Education Awards, totaling over $14,000, for educational expenses. You can also request a pause on eligible student loan payments during your AmeriCorps service. After completing service, you may have some or all of the interest on qualified loans covered by the National Service Trust.
  • Black Educators Initiative
    Launched in 2020 as an extension of City Teaching Alliance’s flagship teacher development program, BEI includes financial and programmatic support for current and aspiring Black educators. Eligible individuals will receive a grant of at least $4,000 (up to $5,000) and direct tuition payments to American University ranging from $20,000 to $25,000 through the UNCF Black Educators Fellowship.
  • Program Cost Estimator

    The tuition is the same in each city we operate but the stipends, salaries, grants, and other payments vary between each city. Select a city to get an estimate.
    Available Grant and Scholarship Supports1

    $0 $2,500
    American University tuition

    $37,219

    Regional certification fees & testing costs4

    $400

    Needs-Based Transitional Assistance5

    -

    Black Educators Initiative (BEI) - Support Grant & Tuition Payment6

    -

    TEACH Grant7

    $3,777

    Residency Stipend/Salary

    $30,000

    American University tuition8

    $12,776

    Regional certification fees & testing costs9

    $156

    Black Educators Initiative (BEI) - Support Grant & Tuition Payment10

    -

    TEACH Grant11

    $3,777

    Americorps/Segal Education Award12

    $7,395

    Full-time Starting Salary13

    $53,895

    Regional certification fees & testing costs14

    $300

    Black Educators Initiative (BEI) - Support Grant & Tuition Payment15

    -

    Americorps/Segal Education Award16

    $7,395

    Full-time Starting Salary17

    $53,895

    Black Educators Initiative (BEI) - Support Grant & Tuition Payment18

    -

    Full-time Starting Salary19

    $53,895

    Additional Financial Opportunities

    The TEACH Grant Program offers you up to $3,777 annually while you complete the coursework required to kickstart your teaching career. You may also qualify for other federal programs and grant opportunities, including:

    • Loan Deferment
    • Teacher Loan Forgiveness
    • Public Service Loan Forgiveness
    • Perkins Loan Cancellation for Teachers
    • Federal Income Tax Credits

    City Teaching Alliance also partners with two financial wellness programs that specialize in budgeting support, loan repayment, and forgiveness advising.

    More About Program Finances

    At City Teaching Alliance, we prioritize quality education for both educators and students. Our program equips educators with the necessary skills and experience to excel, benefiting not only their careers but also their communities and students. 

    Recognizing the financial challenges you may face, we offer various aid options, ensuring accessibility. We’re committed to providing top-notch support, ensuring a significant return on investment. 

    While a $50,000 tuition may seem daunting, investing in us means investing in your future and your students. 

    Contact a recruiter to explore your financial options further.

    Faqs

    See frequently asked questions related to City Teaching Alliance program finances.
    How much would I earn at City Teaching Alliance?

    In year one, as a City Teaching Alliance Resident, you’ll receive a stipend ranging from $30,000 to $38,600 (varies by region). During the Summer Institute (ending in early July), we cover the cost of AU’s health insurance and required books and materials for your master’s degree. Upon successfully signing your Letter of Intent and enrolling at American University (AU), you’ll receive a $1,000 signing bonus and a $2,000 Transitional Assistance Grant (TAG). If you need additional funds for relocation expenses, you can apply for the Additional Transitional Assistance Grant (ATAG), with eligibility and amounts determined by our needs-based formula. You could receive up to $4,000 in transitional assistance overall.

    In years two through four, as a Fellow, you’ll earn a full-time salary and benefits as a teacher with one of our school partners, typically starting at a minimum of $50,000. We collaborate with school districts and charter management organizations offering some of the nation’s highest teacher pay, including performance-based rewards. This means that as an effective teacher, you can advance up the salary ladder even more rapidly.

    What is the cost of American University’s masters program?

    Your enrollment with American University is a tuition cost of up to $45,000, spread over two years. For any tuition-related inquiries, please contact AU’s Graduate Program Coordinator for City Teaching Alliance. Residents from Baltimore, Dallas, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC can reach out to Almosa Pirela at apirela@american.edu. Please note that tuition costs are determined by American University and may change over time.

    Why is the cost of my tuition at American University different than what’s on the American University website?

    American University will increase tuition by at least 3% for all AU students beginning Fall 2023. To alleviate this burden for Residents, City Teaching Alliance will subsidize the tuition to maintain it at $45,000. You’ll see a “sponsored payment” line on your student account, reflecting the portion of your tuition covered by City Teaching Alliance, ensuring you won’t bear the expense of the tuition increase.

    Are there opportunities to offset or reduce what I would owe for the master’s?

    Among the opportunities available, you can take advantage of the TEACH Grant and the AmeriCorps Segal Education Award. The TEACH Grant provides up to $3,772 annually towards your graduate school tuition, totaling over $7,500. As a City Teaching Alliance-endorsed AmeriCorps participant, you may qualify for two Segal awards, each up to $7,395 per year, totaling over $14,000 over two years, which you can apply towards your student loan repayment.

    If you’re eligible, the Black Educators Initiative (BEI) offers you financial and programmatic support throughout the program. BEI participants receive grants ranging from $4,000 to $5,000 and AU tuition payments between $20,000 and $25,000, resulting in a total of $24,000 to $30,000. For more details, visit the BEI page on our website.

    How can I apply for Financial Aid?

    You should submit the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to list the AU FAFSA code 001434 in the college release section. If you’re eligible for federal student aid, packages will likely consist of Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. You can also apply separately for additional Graduate Plus Loans, as well as the TEACH Grant.

    Please note that you must complete the FAFSA each academic year to remain eligible for federal student aid. You must also maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA, complete two-thirds of all cumulative attempted credits in their master’s program, and finish the program within the maximum timeframe as defined in AU’s Academic Regulations.

    While City Teaching Alliance and AU welcome DACA recipients to this program, DACA recipients are ineligible to receive federal student aid at this time.

    Will City Teaching Alliance provide housing?

    During Summer Institute, also known as “Summer A,” we cover your housing and meal expenses. However, once Summer Institute concludes (at the beginning of July), you’ll need to budget for your living expenses using your salary or stipend.

    To assist you with housing arrangements, your region’s Enrollment Manager will provide support and various resources. These resources, tailored to each region, may include housing guides, assistance in finding roommates, information on local apartment complexes with reserved units and discounted rent, and more.

    Additionally, we partner with Mariner Financial Wellness, a financial wellness and 1:1 coaching platform. You can access this benefit for free through City Teaching Alliance starting in the Spring before Summer Institute and throughout the entire program. With their tools and real, human coaches, Mariner Financial Wellness can help you with monthly budgeting, reduce financial stress, build confidence, and work towards financial success by saving more money and reducing debt.

    Does City Teaching Alliance help pay for moving expenses?

    As a member of Cohort 2024, you’ll receive a $1000 Signing Bonus and a $2000 Transitional Assistance Grant (TAG). If you anticipate needing further financial support to transition to City Teaching Alliance, you can apply for an Additional Transitional Assistance Grant (ATAG). ATAG determinations are formula-based, considering factors like relocation distance and city cost of living. Eligibility is based on these calculations, with ATAG award amounts ranging from $100 to $2000 for eligible applicants.

    What types of federal tax benefits are available to me?

    There are currently several federal tax deductions and credits available to you as an educator. While City Teaching Alliance does not provide tax advice, we encourage you to reach out to your tax agency/provider when filing to inquire about the following credits and deductions:

    • Tuition and Fees Federal Deduction: You may be eligible for a $4,000 deduction in the first year of the program. More information can be found here.*
    • Lifetime Learning Federal Income Tax Credit: In your first year of the program, you may qualify for a $2,000 tax credit on qualified tuition and related expenses. More information can be found here.*
    • Educator Expense Federal Deduction: Fellows and alumni continuing their careers as classroom educators may be eligible for a $250 tax deduction for classroom expenses—including books, supplies, computer and classroom equipment, and professional development courses.

    *Please note that the Tuition and Fees Deduction and Lifetime Learning Federal Income Tax Credit may not be claimed during the same tax year. We recommend seeking tax advice to ensure you receive the maximum tax benefits.

    Join the Alliance

    Apply Now