ESD-U Program Pricing

Scholarships & Grants

Because ESD-U is not a degree-granting institution, candidates will not be able to apply for federal financial aid; however, there may be scholarship opportunities
available to candidates. More information about these scholarships will be provided at informational sessions, and throughout the application process.

ESD-U and partnering districts may use grant monies from the Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) grant to support candidates with anticipated and identified learning as they are enrolled in ESD-U.

Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship

Teachers who qualify as retooling candidates can apply for a competitive retooling scholarship through the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) (opens in a new window) , of up to $3000. These scholarships are awarded through WSAC and ESD-U is not involved in the scholarship selection process.

To qualify, you must be certified as a teacher in the state of Washington, and seeking an endorsement in a shortage subject area. ESD-U currently offers endorsements in the following areas: Special Education, English Language Learners, Elementary Education, and Reading.

See WSAC’s website (opens in a new window) for more details and how to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship and Student Teaching Grant

The Teacher Shortage Conditional Scholarship and the Student Teaching Grant are need-based and not everyone is awarded that applies. These two programs are offered twice a year. The Spring application cycle is for fall awards and the fall application cycle is for Winter awards.

See WSAC’s website (opens in a new window) for more details and how to apply.

Tuition and Payment Policy

Tuition must be paid in full before a candidate may be recommended for certification. Annual tuition may be paid in three ways:

1. One lump sum at the beginning of the program
2. Two installments, one at the beginning of the year and one at the midpoint
3. Monthly installments over the length of the enrollment period ($250 administrative fee is accessed)

Candidates who sign up for the two-installment program and fail to submit the mid-year payment by the due date will be automatically transferred to the monthly plan and will be required to pay full tuition. Candidates on a monthly payment plan who miss a payment will have their remaining balance recalculated, resulting in a higher monthly payment for subsequent months. Candidates who miss three consecutive months of payments may be administratively withdrawn from the program and may need to reimburse the program for scholarship funds.

Note: Before tuition payments begin, there is a $50 enrollment fee if you are admitted to the program and choose to accept admission. The enrollment fee is non-refundable after May 15.