The Hidden Costs of Becoming a Teacher (Beyond Tuition)

Becoming a teacher is one of the most fulfilling professional choices you can make, especially if you’re changing careers. It empowers you to make a lasting impact on young people and shape the future of your community.

There is plenty to think about during the planning stages of this journey, but many people put the cost of tuition at the center of their focus. While this is the most notable expense in the process of becoming a teacher, it isn’t the only one. From licensing exams to classroom supplies, these smaller expenses can add up quickly, so being financially prepared is just as important as being academically prepared. When you know what expenses to expect, you can build a realistic budget and confidently navigate your certification journey without having to stress about hidden costs popping up along the way. Here are some of the costs you can anticipate to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Exam and Licensing Fees You’ll Likely Pay 

Before you ever step foot in a classroom as a certified teacher, you have to prove you are ready. This usually involves a series of standardized tests that measure your instructional knowledge and content-area expertise. Unlike college finals, though, these exams come with a price tag.

Depending on your state and the specific subject you plan to teach, you may need to take several different assessments, such as: 

• Praxis Core & Subject Assessments: Many states require the Praxis tests. The Praxis Core — covering reading, writing, and math — typically costs around $90 per subtest or roughly $150 if you take the combined test that includes all three areas. Costs for the Praxis II subject assessments can range from $50-$209 depending on the test, according to Study.com. If you are getting certified in multiple subjects, you will need to pay for each individual exam.

• edTPA: The Education Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) is an exam used in many states that requires you to submit a planning, instruction, and assessment portfolio. The standard cost for epTPA is $300.

• State-Specific Exams: Some states have their own proprietary exams for teacher certification. The costs for these tests can be as low as $59 (Missouri) or as high as $300 (California), depending on the state and the tests required.

Budgeting for the best-case scenario is great, but it’s also wise to be prepare for obstacles in your certification journey. Some candidates need to retake a section of their licensing exams, which requires paying an additional fee. (A 2021 study from the National Council on Teacher Quality reported that about 55% of teacher licensure candidates fail at least a portion of their exams on the first try. In contrast, Moreland University candidates have an 89% first-attempt pass rate on the Praxis exam.)

There can also be hidden administrative charges outside of the costs of taking the actual tests, like fees to change your testing date or to have your scores sent to multiple recipients. 

If possible, set aside an extra $200–$300 in your “testing fund” just in case. If you pass everything on the first try, you can use that extra money for your classroom setup or teaching supplies! 

Student Teaching Without a Paycheck 

Most traditional and alternative pathways to teacher certification typically require a clinical experience (also called student teaching). Essentially a full-time internship, this placement gives you hands-on experience in a real classroom for about 12 weeks as you plan lessons, grade papers, and handle other teaching tasks — sometimes without any financial compensation.

For career changers who are used to a steady paycheck, this can be a shock, especially if you have to quit your existing job or significantly reduce your hours while also providing your own transportation to and from your placement school and potentially needing to purchase new professional work attire before having a salary to pay for it.

However, it is worth noting that not all pathways are unpaid. Some alternative certification programs offer “intern certificates” or residency models that allow you to work as a paid teacher of record while you complete your certification requirements. Moreland’s 9-month TEACH-NOW Teacher Preparation Certificate Program allows teachers who already have a temporary or provisional certification to complete their clinical learning experience in their current classrooms while retaining their salaries, and aspiring teachers can receive support in finding schools where they can complete their clinical practice.

Program Fees, Tech Fees, and Materials 

When you look at the sticker price of an educator preparation program (EPP), be sure to check the fine print for hidden costs, which may include:

• Application Fees: Most colleges and programs charge a non-refundable fee just to apply. This fee can be as high as $100, depending on the school and program.
• Technology Fees: Online and hybrid programs sometimes charge specific technology or “platform” fees to cover the cost of their learning management systems.
• Curriculum Materials: While university textbooks are a known cost, some programs require subscriptions to specific online courseware, video analysis platforms, or digital library services. 

To make sure your budget is as accurate as possible, always ask an admissions counselor for a comprehensive breakdown of mandatory fees beyond standard tuition.

It’s free to apply to Moreland University, and there are no additional fees for technology, textbooks, or other learning materials.

Required Clearances and Background Checks 

Because teachers work with children, safety is a top priority. Every state and school district requires rigorous background checks before its educators are allowed to enter a classroom for fieldwork or employment. These costs almost always fall on the applicant:

• Fingerprinting: Many states and districts require their employees to be fingerprinted at a designated agency, which typically costs between $20-$100.
• Background Checks: State and federal background checks may have separate processing fees. 
• Health Testing and Vaccinations: While requirements vary across states and districts, most new educators have to undergo a health screening or receive at least one vaccination prior to entering the classroom. Many schools require a tuberculosis (TB) test, for example. This out-of-pocket cost can be as low as $25 or closer to $350, depending on several factors, such as the type of test, your insurance plan, or if you get tested at an urgent care clinic.

Supplies You’ll Need Before Your First Job 

Once you land your first teaching job, there are several new costs you may face. According to the Learning Policy Institute, 95% of public school teachers spend an average of $470 their own money on classroom supplies without being reimbursed. This can include items like decorations, organization bins, and bulletin board materials, as well as extra pencils, paper, and notebooks for students.

Wardrobe updates may also be a significant expense, especially for career changers moving from a corporate or casual work environment to a classroom that might require new clothes that balance a professional look with the comfort needed to stand and move around in all day.

The Cost of Time: Opportunity Loss 

When calculating the cost of becoming a teacher, it’s also important to factor in the cost of time spent learning the foundational skills to succeed and of earning your certification. 

Those who pursue the traditional route to becoming a teacher by earning a bachelor’s degree in education from a university should consider the four-year commitment where they could potentially be out of the full-time workforce. Some accelerated alternative certification programs can be completed in significantly less time, however. Candidates who already have their bachelor’s degrees in any subject can complete their EPP coursework (a requirement for educator certification) and earn their teaching license entirely online in as little as 9 months through TEACH-NOW. Comparing the timeline of different programs can reveal thousands of dollars in difference when you consider how quickly you can start earning a salary in your new teaching career.

Financial Strategies to Cover Hidden Costs 

While adding hidden costs onto the sticker price of becoming a teacher can be intimidating, but don’t let it discourage you. People successfully make this exact transition every day by being dedicated and strategic, and using one or more of the strategies below to help make their teaching dreams come true:

1. Choose Alternative Certification: If you already have a bachelor’s degree, look for alternative certification programs. They are often faster, more cost effective, and more flexible than returning to university for a second degree.
2. Look for Scholarships and Tuition Discounts: Look for scholarships and grants that can help with any costs: books, testing fees or even tuition.

3. Ask About Reimbursements: With the ongoing teacher shortage, some school districts are so eager to hire that they will reimburse new educators for licensing exams or background checks once you are hired. It never hurts to ask during the interview process!

FAQs 

Are student teaching and fieldwork always unpaid? 

No, student teaching (often called clinical experience) and fieldwork are not always unpaid. While traditional student teaching typically does not offer any financial incentives, many alternative certification programs allow you to seek employment as a full-time teacher while you are earning your license. In these models, you are empowered to earn a salary and benefits while completing your licensure requirements.

Can I get financial aid for background checks or exams? 

Federal financial aid typically covers tuition and mandatory fees billed by the school. Third-party costs like background checks and state exams are usually not covered directly. However, if you receive a refund check from your student loans, you can use those funds to pay for these expenses.

How much do supplies cost for a first-year teacher? 

It varies widely, but a DonorsChoose survey of more than 2,500 public school teachers revealed that the average teacher spent $610 on supplies in the 2023-2024 school year.

To keep your first-year teaching supply costs low, we recommend looking for community “buy nothing” groups on social media, asking retiring teachers for their old supplies, or using platforms like DonorsChoose and GoFundMe to find support for classroom needs.

Are there online certification programs with fewer hidden costs? 

Online programs can save you money on commuting and housing, but you will still need to complete state testing and background checks. The key is to find a program with transparent pricing so you aren’t surprised by hidden fees.

Can I keep my job while doing an alternative teacher program? 

Yes, one of the biggest benefits of alternative certification programs is that you can keep your job while completing them! Many programs are designed for working professionals, offering asynchronous coursework that you can complete on evenings and weekends, so you can keep your current income and balance your existing responsibilities until you are ready to transition into the classroom.

Making the Investment in Your Teaching Future 

There is a cost to anything worth doing, and teaching is no exception. By understanding the full financial picture — from tuition and exam fees to classroom supplies — you can make a plan that works for your wallet.

Don’t let the hidden costs blindside you. With a little foresight and the right certification program, you can navigate these hurdles and focus on what really matters: getting into the classroom and changing lives.