- special education director
- education researcher
- teaching at the college level
Some even become college deans and administrators with a high average salary of $101,910!
Invest in your professional development by applying for some of the following doctoral grants in education.
Top PhD Grants in Education and Teaching
1. AERA Doctoral Dissertation Grants
Deadline: January 20th
American Educational Research Association gifts one-year Doctoral Dissertation Grants for $20,000 each. These are for PhD candidates at the dissertation stage of an accredited doctoral program. Students must be conducting research related to K-12 or college teaching. Priority is given to topics on student achievement in STEM and bilingual education. Applications must include a proposal narrative and reference list. A budget, curriculum vitae, and letter of recommendation are also required.
Contact
AERA Doctoral Dissertation Grants
1430 K Street NW Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 238-3200
grantsprogram@aera.net
Scholarship Link
2. ASHF Student Research Grant
Deadline: May 22nd
Teachers studying speech-language pathology might qualify for this grant from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation. The $2,000 grant goes to fund studies related to early childhood language development. Eligible applicants must be master’s or doctoral students. They must attend a U.S. college and be enrolled full time. They must:
- major in the communication sciences
- write a 10-page research plan
- have IRB approval
- submit at least one letter of support
Contact
ASHF Student Research Grant
2200 Research Blvd.
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 296-8703
foundationprograms@asha.org
Scholarship Link
3. Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant
Deadline: March 1st
The Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant is one of the most generous education grants available. The $50,000 grant is presented annually by the American Psychological Association. The grant goes to doctoral students whose dissertation is devoted to the needs of gifted and talented youth. Candidates must be affiliated with a U.S. college or university. They must have 10 years or less experience in the field. They must be interested in special education or school psychology. Finally, candidates must submit a seven page research proposal.
Contact
Esther Katz Rosen Fund Grant
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 336-5843
foundation@apa.org
Scholarship Link
4. Federal TEACH Grant Program
Deadline: June 30th
The federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education is run by the Department of Education. The program is open to PhD and EdD students. They must be enrolled at participating graduate schools. To be eligible, candidates must be studying a high-need field. These include:
- bilingual
- foreign language
- math
- reading
- science
- special education
The $4,000 grant requires applicants to have a 3.25 GPA and complete FAFSA. Applicants must agree to serve full-time at a low-income school upon graduation.
Contact
Federal TEACH Grant Program
400 Maryland Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20202
(800) 433-3243
Scholarship Link
5. Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching
Deadline: November 4th
This full-tuition grant is administered by the Institute of International Education. The Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching is available to doctoral students who have a master’s degree. The teacher’s master’s degree must be from a U.S. college or university. The Fulbright Award is for those who will study abroad for their doctorate degree. It covers full tuition and travel costs. Candidates must have five years of classroom experience and be fluent in English. They must also work full-time at an elementary school or secondary school.
Contact
Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching
1400 K Street NW Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 326-7778
fulbrightdat@iie.org
Scholarship Link
6. Hannah Beiter Graduate Research Grant
Deadline: February 1st
The Hannah Beiter Graduate Research Grant provides up to $1,500. The grant is sponsored by the Children’s Literature Association (ChLA). It supports the work of graduate students completing a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. Their research must contribute to the field of children’s literature and literacy. Eligible PhD or EdD applicants must submit a cover letter and research proposal. Also required are:
- a rough budget outline
- updated resume
- one letter of reference from the dissertation advisor
Contact
Hannah Beiter Graduate Research Grant
1301 West 22nd Street Suite 202
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 571-4520
info@childlitassn.org
Scholarship Link
7. Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant
Deadline: Varies
This grant is managed by the Administration for Children and Families. The Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant has been awarded since 1998. The grant is awarded to doctoral students whose research concerns early childhood interventions for low-income children. This award is for $5,000. Candidates must be enrolled full time in their doctoral program. They must attend a U.S. university. They must also work in partnership with local Head Start programs and be interested in child development.
Contact
Head Start Graduate Student Research Grant
330 C Street SW 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20201
(202) 727-2814
elizabeth.groginsky@dc.gov
Scholarship Link
8. ILA Teacher as Researcher Grant
Deadline: January 15th
The International Literacy Association awards $5,000 grants every year. The Teacher as Researcher Grant supports PreK-12 teachers who are carrying out research. This includes doctoral dissertations. The research must be focused on one of the following:
- reading
- writing
- language
- literacy education
Applicants must be ILA members. They must have at least half-time teaching responsibilities. They must also be affiliated with a U.S. college. Applicants must submit a 10-page (max) research proposal online.
Contact
ILA Teacher as Researcher Grant
P.O. Box 8139
Newark, DE 19714
(800) 336-7323
research@reading.org
Scholarship Link
9. AAUW Career Development Grants
Deadline: Nov 15th
The Career Development Grants support the professional development of undergraduate degree-holding women. The grant amount ranges from $2,000-$20,000. The grants are for women preparing to re-enter the workforce in education or STEM. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Their last degree must have been received before June 30th, 2015. The grants support course work beyond an initial bachelor’s degree.
Contact
American Association of University Women
1310 L St. Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 785-7700
Scholarship Link
10. Midwest Nursing Research Society Grant
Deadline: November 2nd
The Midwest Nursing Research Society offers unique PhD grants. These grants are for teachers wishing to become university faculty members. Specifically those who wish to teach undergraduate or graduate nurses. For the $2,500 grant, eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in an accredited doctoral program in the United States. They must also be conducting dissertation research that advances nursing education. Online applications won’t be complete without:
- a maximum 20-page research proposal
- IRB approval
- budget plan
- two references
Contact
Midwest Nursing Research Society Grant
1120 Route 73 Suite 200
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
(856) 380-6830
info@mnrs.org
Scholarship Link
11. NCTM Mathematics Study Grant
Deadline: November 6th
This National Council of Teachers of Mathematics grant is $6,000. The grant supports middle school teachers in grades 6-8 who are undertaking graduate study. Teachers must be focused on math education. Qualified recipients must:
- be current NCTM members
- attend an accredited U.S. university
- carry a minimum GPA of 2.5
- have at least three years of teaching experience
- provide a principal’s letter of support
Contact
NCTM Mathematics Study Grant
1906 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 620-9840
nctm@nctm.org
Scholarship Link
12. OAR Graduate Student Grants
Deadline: February 15th
The Organization for Autism Research distributes grants for $1,000-$2,000. Graduate student grants go to those researching:
- autism assessment
- intervention
- education
Special education teachers can qualify. Applicants must send:
- a cover letter
- research abstract
- project timeline
They must also submit:
- a budget
- evidence of IRB approval
- a signed letter of support
They must also explain the practical relevance of their research.
Contact
OAR Graduate Student Grants
2000 North 14th Street Suite 240
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 243-3466
research@researchautism.org
Scholarship Link
13. Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grants
Deadline: April 1st
The Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society offers Literacy Grants to graduate students. Students earning a master’s or doctoral degree in education who are starting a literacy project qualify. The project needs to be targeting groups from preschool children to adults in their local communities. For $2,500 in funding, eligible recipients must be active Society members. They must:
- attend an accredited U.S. college with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter
- demonstrate merit in championing literacy initiatives
- write a detailed five-page project proposal
Contact
Phi Kappa Phi Literacy Grants
7576 Goodwood Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(800) 804-9880
kpartin@phikappaphi.org
Scholarship Link
14. Pitsco/Hearlihy/FTEE Grant
Deadline: December 1st
This grant is awarded every year by the Foundation for Technology and Engineering Educators. The $2,000 grant goes to K-12 teachers returning to graduate school for a master’s or doctorate. The new degree must be in technology or engineering. Candidates must:
- be ITEEA members
- successfully integrate tech/engineering into their classroom
- show evidence of effective teaching
- be attending an accredited U.S. college
Contact
Pitsco/Hearlihy/FTEE Grant
1914 Association Drive Suite 201
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 860-2100
iteea@iteea.org
Scholarship Link
15. Robert G. Porter AFT Member Grants
Deadline: April 15th
Robert G. Porter was the secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers for 28 years. This grant is awarded in his honor to 10 accomplished teachers with grants of $1,000. Teachers and early childhood educators going for their master’s or doctorate are eligible. Candidates must:
- be AFT members in good standing
- accepted to a U.S. college
- exhibit financial need
- write an essay proposing ideas to strengthen unions
Contact
Robert G. Porter AFT Member Grants
555 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-4400
PorterScholars@aft.org
Scholarship Link
16. SHAPE America Student Research Grant
Deadline: December 4th
Since 1997, the Society of Health and Physical Educators America has awarded the Student Research Grant for $2,500. The award goes to master’s and doctoral students who are conducting original research. The research must be in:
- health education
- physical education
- sport
- recreation
- dance education
Qualified candidates must:
- attend an accredited university
- be U.S. citizens or legal residents
- have genuine career goals in the HPERD professions
- promote physical activity through their research
- have SHAPE membership
Contact
SHAPE America Student Research Grant
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-3410
research@shapeamerica.org
Scholarship Link
17. Sigma Alpha Iota Doctoral Grant
Deadline: March 15th
The international music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota gives $2,500 PhD grants to teachers. Recipients must be enrolled full-time in a doctoral program. The program must be for:
- music education
- music therapy
- musicology
- ethnomusicology
Eligible music teachers must:
- be initiated SAI members
- be in good financial standing with the fraternity
- attend an accredited U.S. college
Applicants must also have advanced to the final dissertation writing stage of their programs. This grant is only available to those who already hold an undergraduate degree in music.
Contact
Sigma Alpha Iota Doctoral Grant
1 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
(828) 251-0606
nh@sai-national.org
Scholarship Link
18. Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grant
Deadline: June 3rd
This grant was created in memory of Sol Hirsch and his 30-year career with the Weather Bureau Satellite program. The grant fund was created by the National Weather Association. The grant is awarded to K-12 science teachers seeking professional development. Their goal must be to improve the education of their students in meteorology. Candidates must:
- exhibit financial need.
- include a grant proposal
- include a resume
- include a letter of support from a principal
Contact
Sol Hirsch Education Fund Grant
3100 Monitor Avenue Suite 123
Norman, OK 73072
(405) 701-5167
nwahelp@nwas.org
Scholarship Link
19. Steve A. Stahl Research Grant
Deadline: January 15th
The Steve A. Stahl Research Grant awards $1,000 grants each year. The grant is administered by the International Reading Association. Promising doctoral students attending a U.S. university are eligible. They must:
- have at least three years of preK-12 teaching experience
- be IRA members
- have declared a major in reading education or literacy
- display research competence
Their dissertation must be devoted to finding strategies that improve classroom reading instruction.
Contact
Steve A. Stahl Research Grant
P.O. Box 8139
Newark, DE 19714
(800) 336-7323
research@reading.org
Scholarship Link
20. TOEFL Graduate Student Research Grant
Deadline: March 31st
The Educational Testing Service has developed the TOEFL Graduate Student Research Grant. This grant provides $5,000 to scholars enrolled in accredited master’s or doctoral programs. The focus is on programs in:
- language education
- literacy
- applied linguistics
- educational testing
Funded research must address topics related to the language development of ESL students. Applications must include:
- a cover letter and research abstract
- a budget
- project schedule
- resume
- two letters of recommendation
Contact
TOEFL Graduate Student Research Grant
660 Rosedale Road
Princeton, NJ 08541
(609) 921-9000
TOEFLYS@ets.org
Scholarship Link
Is earning a doctorate in education worth it?
Even when you find a great college deal, it’s tough to locate enough capital to cover your:
- tuition
- fees
- books
- housing
- research costs
Earning doctoral degrees is a rigorous academic journey typically requiring full-time devotion, causing your income to temporarily shrink. Since you’re likely already strapped with student loan debt from your undergraduate and graduate years, it’s best to minimize your borrowing. Grants are excellent sources of financial aid that can provide thousands of dollars at no cost.
What other sorts of grants or scholarships should I look for?
Well, grants for doctoral degrees are typically given based on your research. For example, an organization that strives to advance outcomes in Native American education performance might fund research into that topic. Especially if the person doing that research is also Native American. Research topics might cover anything from the effect of a public health crisis on students to the impact of sexual orientation on the educational experience.
One could even research the potential affect of different kinds of role models on educational outcomes. The matter of public health and its effect on education is one of great interest to the world. You might also research something like traditional education vs. liberal arts education at the grade school level.
Researching the importance of different subjects is also fair game. Maybe you want to see if introducing political science or more classes covering the federal government at the high school level makes a difference in how civic minded high school graduates are. Should we increase social sciences education? There are any number of research topics, and the more current your research topic is the more likely you will get your research funded.
What are the most common ways to pay for your doctorate degree?
It’s not uncommon for students in PhD programs to teach at the university where they enrolled in their program. Often this provides them with free or steeply discounted tuition. Federal student aid is pretty scarce for students in PhD programs. Generally it’s only available if you are researching an area the federal government is interested in. Unfortunately education research doesn’t get as much funding as:
- social science
- physical sciences
- environmental research
It’s still better funded than:
- social work
- international relations
- business administration
- public policy
Business administration likely gets the least federal funding. So the bottom line is the most common ways to pay for your PhD degree is to secure funding for your research, a fellowship ideally, or to teach at the college where you are earning your degree.
What can I do with my doctorate in education?
Most go into academia, which is research and teaching in college. Some go into administration at either the college or grade school levels. Typically a Ph.D. will qualify you to be a school district superintendent, though it is not always necessary. Or the headmaster of a private school. Principal is always on the table, though generally a Ph.D. is not required for that position. Basically, a doctorate is a terminal degree. A doctorate plus experience qualifies you for anything you might want to do in education. You could decide to go the political route and try to shape policy at the state or federal level. You could work in any number of positions at colleges, universities, or K-12 schools throughout the country. Really it just depends on what you want to do.