Program Description

 

The Math, Science and Special Education Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program (MSSE) is a student-centered, need-based forgivable loan designed to financially support and to encourage Arizona resident junior or senior college students to enter into the teaching profession and teach in a public school in Arizona. 

The maximum forgivable loan is $7,000 per academic year for up to three years excluding all grants, scholarships and other tuition benefits (ex: tribal and military).  Funds can be applied toward tuition, instructional materials and mandatory fees as documented in the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) at their institution.   

 

Students must enter into an agreement with the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) to teach in an Arizona public school in a term equal to the number of year of loan received plus one year.  Additionally, students must sign a promissory note acknowledging the conditions of the loan and promising to repay the loan plus interest if the teaching obligation is not met.

 

Minimum Qualifications for Student Loan Awards

 

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
• Must be a resident of Arizona for at least the previous 12 months at the time of application completion. 
• Must be enrolled at least half-time in a baccalaureate program at a nationally or regionally accredited postsecondary educational institution in Arizona (public or private).
• Must be a junior or senior (completed at least 60 college credit hours) in a course of instruction with the intent to attain licensure as a teacher in math, science, or special education.
• Must be seeking a first baccalaureate degree.
• Must have substantial financial need (have the Federal Pell Grant as part of financial aid package) as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution
• Must enter into an agreement with the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) to teach in an Arizona public school in a term equal to the number of year of loan received plus one year.
• Must sign a promissory note acknowledging the conditions of the loan and promising to repay the loan plus 7% interest if teaching obligation is not met.

Application Process and Forms

Students must submit to the Commission annually a loan application and a completed promissory note.  Additionally, students must complete the FAFSA.  The Commission will work with the financial aid office at the institution to determine student eligibility.  Loans are awarded to eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis.