Endowed & Special Scholarships from Teachers College
Teachers College offers a variety of endowed scholarships, special scholarships, and fellowships that support students with specific academic interests, professional goals, or program affiliations. Eligibility, award amounts, application requirements, and renewability vary by opportunity.
Many endowed and special funds are administered directly by academic departments or programs. If you are interested in a department- or program-specific award, speak with your program director or academic advisor about eligibility and the process for consideration.
Endowed & Special Scholarships Administered by the Office of Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid administers several endowed and special scholarships and fellowships. Some opportunities have specific application requirements, while others are incorporated into the Teachers College admission application.
For opportunities requiring an application, information is generally made available during the academic year preceding the award year. Eligible students will receive an email from the Office of Financial Aid with application instructions and deadlines. Be sure to review all instructions carefully and submit any required materials by the stated deadline.
The Abby O'Neill Fellowship provides tuition support to Master's students preparing for careers as teachers in New York City public schools.
|
Eligibility |
Award Length |
Fellowship Benefits |
|
Up to two academic years |
|
2027–2028 Application Timeline
- Application available: September 1, 2026
- Submission deadline: February 10, 2027
- Tentative decision release: On or after March 15, 2027
Application: The Abby O'Neill Fellowship application is embedded in the Teachers College Application for Admission and does not require a separate application.
Teachers College partners with City Year to support Master's students who have demonstrated a commitment to service and education.
|
Eligibility |
Award Length |
Scholarship Benefits |
|
City Year or AmeriCorps member or alum with at least one completed term of service, or City Year staff member with at least two years of service. |
Up to one academic year; begins in Fall |
25% of the total tuition credits required for graduation |
New students beginning enrollment in the Summer or Fall may be considered for the scholarship. If selected, the scholarship begins with the student's first Fall semester.
2027–2028 Application Timeline
- Application available: September 1, 2026
- Submission deadline: February 10, 2027
- Tentative decision release: On or after March 15, 2027
Application: The City Year Scholarship application is embedded in the Teachers College Application for Admission and does not require a separate application.
The Posse Foundation Fellowship provides tuition support to eligible Posse alumni pursuing a Master's degree at Teachers College.
|
Eligibility |
Award Length |
Fellowship Benefits |
|
Posse alum enrolled full-time in a Master's degree program. |
Up to two academic years |
Tuition for courses required to complete the degree. |
New students beginning enrollment in the Summer or Fall may be considered for the fellowship. If selected, the fellowship begins with the student's first Fall semester.
2027–2028 Application Timeline
- Application available: September 1, 2026
- Submission deadline: February 10, 2027
- Tentative decision release: On or after March 15, 2027
Application: The Posse Foundation Fellowship application is embedded in the Teachers College Application for Admission and does not require a separate application.
Important Eligibility Information
Receiving certain endowed or special scholarships may affect your eligibility for other forms of institutional aid. In particular, students who receive the Abby O'Neill Fellowship or Posse Foundation Fellowship are not eligible for certain other institutional scholarships, including the Founders' Award or Teachers' Future Award.
Review the terms and conditions associated with each award carefully to understand how it may interact with other financial aid.
Endowed & Special Scholarships Administered by Other Offices
Some endowed scholarships and fellowships are administered by offices outside of Financial Aid. For eligibility requirements, application instructions, deadlines, and additional information, please contact the office or program responsible for administering the award.
The Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship supports students interested in working with underserved students in urban communities. Visit the Office of School and Community Partnerships to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
The Evalyn Edwards Milman Literacy Fellowship supports students interested in literacy or music education and provides an opportunity to gain professional experience while receiving graduate funding. Visit the Office of School and Community Partnerships to learn more and apply.
The Provost's Dissertation Research Award supports Ph.D. students whose dissertation research advances knowledge in their field. Eligible students are typically on track to receive dissertation proposal approval by the end of the academic year.
Funding may be used toward eligible educational and research-related expenses, including tuition, living costs, research, or travel. Visit the Office of the Vice Dean for Research, which administers the program, or email dissertationfellowships@tc.columbia.edu for information about eligibility and application requirements.
The Education Policy Dissertation Research Fellowship supports Doctoral students conducting research with the potential to address important education policy challenges and contribute to positive change.
Applicants should demonstrate research that:
- Has the potential to improve educational opportunity, success, or equity.
- Addresses an important education policy issue at any level of government.
- Has strong potential for publication in leading academic journals.
- Can inform policy and contribute to public understanding of societal challenges.
- Has the potential to contribute to meaningful positive change.
Visit the Education Policy Dissertation Research Fellowship program page to learn more about eligibility and application requirements.
The Enid and Lester Morse Fellowship for Digital Learning supports Ph.D. students interested in mentoring and developing new teachers through digital learning initiatives at the Center for Professional Education of Teachers (CPET).
Morse Fellows collaborate with CPET coaches, curriculum developers, and instructional specialists and may contribute to initiatives such as:
- Global Learning Alliance
- Literacy Unbound
- New Teacher Network
- Student Press Initiative
The fellowship provides up to $12,000 in funding for eligible Ph.D. students. Visit the CPET website for eligibility requirements and application information.
The Morse Fellowship for Supporting New Teachers is open to Master's and Doctoral students interested in supporting new teachers through CPET's New Teacher Network.
Fellows may:
- Collaborate with New Teacher Network coaches.
- Mentor new teachers.
- Assist with professional development programs.
- Support new teachers in high-needs schools as part of a team of coaches, curriculum developers, and instructional specialists.
This is a selective fellowship, and selected students may receive up to $12,000. Visit the CPET website for eligibility and application information.
The Postsecondary Education Applied Research (PEAR) Fellowship prepares Ph.D. students for careers in applied postsecondary education research through advanced research methods and hands-on experience.
PEAR Fellows participate in a year-long apprenticeship with a higher education institution or nonprofit organization, with work that may focus on research, policy, or practice.
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and admitted to a Teachers College Doctoral program in the Department of Education Policy & Social Analysis or Department of Organization & Leadership.
Visit the PEAR Fellowship website to learn more about eligibility, application requirements, and the fellowship experience.