STEM Teacher Scholarships: Noyce, TEACH Grants, and State Incentives

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STEM teachers are a national shortage area, and the funding to recruit them reflects that. Between the NSF-backed Noyce Scholarship, TEACH Grants, and state STEM teacher incentives, candidates can cover most of their training.

Where STEM teacher funding actually lives

Funding Landscape

The Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program, funded by the NSF, offers up to $20,000 per year to STEM majors pursuing teaching licensure. Recipients commit to two years of teaching in a high-need school district for each year of scholarship support.

Noyce stacks with TEACH Grants and state STEM teacher programs. Teacher Loan Forgiveness pays an additional $17,500 in federal loan forgiveness for math and science teachers after five years at a Title I school.

Top Scholarships and Programs

ProgramTypical AwardEligibilityRobert Noyce Teacher ScholarshipUp to $20,000/yrSTEM majors pursuing teacher licensureTEACH GrantUp to $4,000/yrTeacher candidates including STEMTeacher Loan Forgiveness (STEM tier)Up to $17,5005 yrs at Title I schoolState STEM teacher LRAPs$3,000–$10,000/yrVaries by stateWoodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship$30,000 stipendSTEM teacher candidates (some states)PSLFRemaining federal balance after 10 yrsPublic school employment

Eligibility and Application Requirements

Strong STEM background (major or equivalent coursework)
Enrollment in an accredited teacher prep program
GPA 3.0+ for most awards, 3.25+ for TEACH Grant
US citizenship for federal awards
Service commitment to high-need districts

Application Strategy

Check if target school participates in Noyce Scholarship Program
Complete FAFSA for TEACH Grant and federal aid access
Apply to state STEM teacher incentive programs through state DOE
Target Title I district placement for Teacher Loan Forgiveness
Certify PSLF employment annually from day one of teaching

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing Noyce at target school — programs vary year to year
Not verifying Title I status for Teacher Loan Forgiveness STEM tier
Choosing non-STEM licensure and forfeiting higher-tier incentives
Missing state STEM programs that stack with federal aid
Overlooking Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship in participating states

Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Options

STEM teachers qualify for the full $17,500 Teacher Loan Forgiveness after 5 years at a Title I school — double the amount for non-STEM elementary teachers.

PSLF clears remaining federal balances after 10 years of public school employment — generally the strongest long-term lever for STEM teachers staying in K-12.

State STEM teacher LRAPs typically stack with federal forgiveness and focus on high-need subject shortages.

Key Takeaways

Noyce Scholarship pays up to $20,000/yr for STEM teacher candidates
STEM teachers qualify for the $17,500 Teacher Loan Forgiveness tier
State STEM incentives stack with federal programs

Sources

FAFSA.gov
ed.gov
state departments of education

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Conclusion

STEM teachers have the richest funding stack of any K-12 path. Layered correctly, Noyce, TEACH Grants, Teacher Loan Forgiveness, and state incentives can make STEM teacher preparation essentially free.