Finances & Cost of STR Attendance
Many residents use a combination of the STR scholarship and student loans to cover tuition and living expenses. If you have concerns about affordability, we strongly encourage you to connect with an STR staff member. Financial capacity should not be a barrier to entering the profession, and support is available.
Program Cost
Current tuition and fee rates can be found on the University of Washington Graduate and Professional Tuition Dashboard. For the 2025-26 school year, the tuition rate for the Master in Teaching (MIT) degree with Seattle Teacher Residency is:
- WA State Resident Cost: $20,736
- Non-Resident: $37,464
Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in these estimates. All costs are subject to change based on University of Washington adjustments.
STR Financial Support
In addition to the University of Washington’s tuition Non-Resident Differential waiver and state or federal loans and grants, residents may be able to receive financial support for unmet tuition need to participate in the program.
Instructional Assistants (IAs) pursuing the Special Education pathway who retain their employment in Seattle Public Schools during the residency year will receive 50% tuition coverage from the district. Residents from the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) receive full tuition coverage from the district. Current classified staff in Seattle Public Schools (SPS) in the program remain SPS employees and continue earning their SPS salary and benefits. Learn more about teacher Class to Cert programs, including STR and the Academy for Rising Educators.
Scholarships, Grants & Loans
- Federal Student Aid TEACH Grant Program
- Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) (for undocumented and select applicants)
- Washington College Grant (WA GRANT)
Scholarship Databases
- Scholarship Junkies
- College Board BigFuture Scholarship Finder
- Teach.org Scholarship Database
- FastWeb
- Sally / Schollie
- WASC WashBoard
Scholarships for Future Educators
- Seattle School Retirees Association
- Future Female Scholars
- Center for Black Educator Development Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship
- ACTFL Future Teacher Scholarship Program
- Voya Unsung Heroes Awards
- NEA Foundation Envision Equity Grants
- NEA Foundation Student Success Grants
- Seattle Foundation Scholarships
- Study.com Scholarship for Future Teachers
- GSBA Scholarship (WA State LGBTQIA+ community members)
- College Success Foundation
Public school teachers working full-time are eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs, including:
Loan forgiveness programs are codified into law by Congress. There are many changes and legal challenges at this time around loan forgiveness, but for the most up-to-date information, visit the U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid website.
Transportation, Housing, Child Care & Health
- A car is not required to participate in STR
- Many residents successfully use public transportation or car-sharing
- Transportation access and proximity is considered when determining placement sites
- All residents receive a UW U-Pass to access public transportation as part of their student fees
STR does not provide housing, apartments or dorm accommodations. Residents are responsible for securing their own housing during the program.
- Residents are responsible for obtaining health insurance
- Many residents qualify for Washington State Health Care Authority’s Apple Health (Medicaid)
- Emergency financial aid is available through the University of Washington and the STR Resident Emergency Fund on a needs-based basis
- Instructional Assistants that maintain employment at Seattle Public Schools are still covered under their chosen SPS healthcare plan.
Applicants with children are encouraged to apply and many alumni are parents and caregivers. Resources are available from:
- Seattle Public Schools Child Care Partners (organized by school location)
- Seattle Public Schools Preschool Programs (SPP Plus)
- City of Seattle Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
- City of Seattle Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECAP)
- Seattle Housing Authority Childcare
- King County Best Starts for Kids Child Care Subsidy
- Washington State Dept. of Children, Youth & Families Child Care Finder
An Investment in Your Education & Your Future Pays Off
A Masters In Teaching (MIT) degree from the University of Washington through the Seattle Teacher Residency is an investment in your career and financial future! First-year teachers with a Master’s degree earn $87,882 (School Year 2025–26) in Seattle Public Schools.
Washington State consistently ranks among the top states nationally for teacher salaries. SPS salaries increase annually based on years of teaching experience and number of college credits earned under the Seattle Education Association collective bargaining agreement salary schedule.