Teaching Certificate Cost

Typical costs:

• An online teaching certificate program typically costs $10,000-$30,000. For example, Drexel University[1] in Philadelphia offers a 30-credit online teaching certification program for $22,500, which includes coursework on specialized instruction (catered to the individual's grade-level interest) and supervised field experience. Designed for career-changers or those who already hold a degree in another field, the program will help prepare students for a teaching career in any state. Saint Joseph's University[2] , also in Philadelphia, offers online accelerated teacher certification for $17,500. The program is geared toward working professionals looking for a career change.
• A bachelor's degree program in education typically ranges from $25,000 at state universities to $100,000 or more at private universities. According to a 2010 report by College Board[3] , the average tuition and fees were $7,605 per year for in-state tuition or $19,595 for out-of-state tuition at public colleges and universities. This equals an average cost of $30,400 (resident) or $78,400 (non-resident) for a four-year bachelor's degree, not including room and board, which averages an extra $8,545 per year.
• A master's degree program in education typically costs $12,000-$74,000. For example, the Master of Education at University of Washington Bothell[4] costs $26,200 for residents or $52,000 for non-residents.

• A teacher training or teaching certificate program should adhere to state guidelines to prepare individuals for a career in education. Each state's certification requirements are available through the Education Testing Service[5] . For example, Indiana[6] requires all teachers must hold a bachelor's degree, complete approved teacher education coursework including special education training, pass the Praxis tests, complete CPR-Heimlich Maneuver training and pay a $35 licensing fee.

• Testing fees can add an additional $120-$300 to the applicant's costs. The Praxis Tests[7] cost $50 for registration and an additional $65-$150 for individual tests, several of which may be required by a state. Most states require teachers to pass Praxis Tests prior to receiving a teaching license. It costs an additional $30-$40 to have an individual's score reports sent to a specific state for licensure. Texas[8] is one state that has developed its own required teacher certification testing, which costs[9] $120 per test. Different tests are required for teachers with different concentrations (such as special education), and those guidelines are discussed as part of a certified teacher training program.
• Licensing fees for teachers are typically $35-$200, and this fee must be paid after passing any required tests and meeting additional licensing requirements. For example, the Connecticut[10] initial education certificate costs $200. In New York[11] , the initial teaching certificate costs $50 for those who have completed a traditional education degree program or $100 for those who have earned certification through alternative certification requirements.

• State-funded organizations like Texas Teaching Fellows and national organizations like Teach for America[12] offer a unique opportunity to secure a teaching job with full salary and benefits before earning a teaching certificate. Once accepted, teachers typically complete their certification throughout the two-year fellowship, taking courses at night or on the weekends while they work. These programs often include discounted teacher training or assistance with student loans[13] , as well as an intensive summer training to prepare participants.
• States with a high demand for teachers may institute additional programs to get qualified teachers in their classrooms. For example, the Alaska Transition to Teaching program offers a low-cost teacher training certification program for applicants seeking their initial teaching certificate, with total program fees of $611.

• Guidelines for teacher certification often change for each state, which has its own certification process. The National Center for Education Information offers teacher certification guidelines for each state[14] , including help for individuals that have earned a non-education degree and want to begin a career in teaching.
• Distance-Education.org provides a breakdown of teaching certificate programs[15] , bachelor's programs and master's programs in education, which can be sorted by cost.

1.  www.drexel.com/online-degrees/education-degrees/cert-pbt/tuition.aspx
2.  www.distance-education.org/Schools/Saint-Joseph-s-University-82.html
3.  trends.collegeboard.org/college_pricing
4.  www.uwb.edu/education/about/faq#wantteacher
5.  www.ets.org/praxis/states
6.  www.ets.org/praxis/in
7.  www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees
8.  cms.texes-ets.org/tecprogram
9.  cms.texes-ets.org/faq/?catID=23
10.  www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2613&q=321228
11.  www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/fees.html
12.  www.teachforamerica.org/why-teach-for-america/training-and-support
13.  www.teachforamerica.org/why-teach-for-america/compensation-and-benefits/
14.  www.teach-now.org/classes.html
15.  www.distance-education.org/Degrees/Education-10/Teaching-50/

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