Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship
The Teacher Preparation Affordability (TPA) Scholarship was created to increase the number of teachers in designated high-need teacher positions in New Mexico by funding students enrolled in educator preparation programs. The scholarship pays up to $6,000 per academic year and is stackable with other forms of financial aid.
Am I eligible?
Prospective students that are interested in this opportunity must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of New Mexico or eligible for a nondiscrimination waiver.
- Fully admitted and enrolled at least half-time in an educator preparation program during the semester for which you are seeking funding.
- Undergraduate:
• Must be admitted, not in pre-admit status.
• Half-time is considered 6 credit hours minimum - Graduate:
• Seeking initial licensure
• Registered for one or more courses resulting in half time enrollment (5 credit hours minimum)
- Undergraduate:
- Have not yet earned educational credentials to be licensed as a teacher.
- Have demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA. To determine if you qualify, please fill out a FAFSA and enter UNM Code: 002663.
- Current Students: making satisfactory academic progress (SAP).
- New students: apply to UNM and meet the admission requirements and apply to a designated COEHS program.
Please note: Students are eligible for 2 continuous semesters of TPA funding in each academic year:
- Fall/Spring
- Spring/Summer
- Fall/Summer
Important Notice
As of Spring 2022, the TPA scholarship is now housed in the UNM Student Financial Aid Office and there is no longer an application process. Rather, students who meet all eligibility requirements as listed on this page, have unmet need, and if funds are available, will automatically receive funds.
What if I applied and received funds in Spring 2024?
If you received funds in Spring 2024, you do not need to reapply (as there is no application). If you maintain eligibility as listed on this page and continue to have unmet need, and if funds are available, you will automatically receive funds.
Questions about eligibility?
Contact the UNM Student Financial Aid Office
For general information, please contact cssss@unm.edu (Center for Student Success Support Services).
Eligible Programs
Undergraduate:
- Family & Child Studies – Early Childhood Multicultural Education with Licensure
- Elementary Education
- Secondary Education
- Physical Education
- Special Education
- Art Education
- Music Education
Graduate:
- Graduate Certificate in Elementary Education with K-8 Licensure
- Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education with 7-12 Licensure
- Special Education with Alternative Licensure
