Graduate Tuition & Fee Schedule 

2023-2024 Academic year

Resident and Nonresident Tuition: Fall/Spring/Summer Terms: $394 per credit hour 

Student Fees: Fall/Spring/Summer Terms: $70.30 per credit hour 

Graduate Tuition & Fees

Financial aid & scholarships

Graduate students have access to many scholarships, grant opportunities, and the Native American Tuition Waiver as part of their financial aid package. 

We would like to encourage you to apply for the scholarships that are appropriate for you as listed below. Some scholarships do require a completed FAFSA Application.

FLC also offers graduate student payment plans to cover other costs.

Learn about the federal loan and forgiveness program options for graduate students, too.

Native American Tuition Waiver*

If you are an enrolled member or the child of an enrolled member of an American Indian Tribal Nation or Alaska Native Village recognized by the US federal government, you may be eligible to attend FLC tuition-free through the Native American Tuition Waiver (NATW).

*The NATW covers only the tuition costs for graduate students. Recipients must pay fees and other educational expenses. Other expenses include, but may not be limited to, per-credit-hour fees, course-specific fees, and expenses for books and supplies. See the Tuition and Fee Schedule above.

Apply to receive the Native American Tuition Waiver two ways:

  • Provide verification of your enrollment in a U.S. federally recognized tribe by submitting a copy of your Tribal Enrollment Card, CIB or letter from your tribe verifying your enrollment. (Page 1 of the NATW form)
  • Or, complete the Affirmation of Descendancy form and provide copies of your parent's tribal enrollment documentation. (Page 2 of the NATW form)

Documentation for the Native American Tuition Waiver (NATW) must be received by the Graduate Studies Office no later than the start of the semester. The NATW cannot be applied after the deadline. Once you are admitted to a graduate program, please submit your documentation for the NATW.

Scholarships

Each Graduate Studies program has scholarship opportunities, in addition to other external scholarship opportunities. Contact the Graduate Studies office for additional questions. 

Internal and program scholarships

If you have been awarded a scholarship, please follow this required next step.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse

CLD Scholarships

Culturally Responsive Teaching Scholarships

Five scholarships valued at $1,000 are available to students who are applying to the MAE-CLD or the CLD Endorsement.

Purpose of Scholarships

These scholarships seek to motivate teachers and educators in the region to develop their culturally responsive teaching strategies and help multilingual learners to guide substantial improvements in classroom, school, or district teaching and learning outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Admitted as a MAE-CLD or CLD Endorsement student

Application Process

  1. Write a personal statement (900 to 1,100 words) discussing why you are the best candidate for the scholarship (financial need, how funds will help, leadership capacity, etc.)
  2. Email your personal statement to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write the subject line as [YOUR NAME] SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Deadline

June 1 or until all scholarship funds are awarded.

Selection Criteria

Awards will be given to applicants who demonstrate a significant capacity to leverage sustainable improvements in their classrooms, schools, or district teaching and learning environments. Award decisions will be made approximately two weeks after the application deadline. Notifications will be made by email.

Disbursement

Scholarships will be disbursed in equal amounts for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students must be enrolled in four courses per year (including Summer) to be eligible for disbursement.

Renewal Criteria

Students who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher, will be eligible to re-apply for their second academic year.

Leading in Context

Leading in Context scholarships

Innovative Teacher Leadership Scholarships

Five scholarships valued at $1,000 are available to students who are applying to the MAE-Leading in Context or Teacher Leadership Certificate program.

These scholarships seek to motivate the most inspirational teacher leaders in the region to develop their leadership knowledge and skills in order to guide substantial improvements in classroom, school, or district teaching and learning outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Admitted to the Master of Arts or Certificate program 

Application Process

Complete the following items:

  • Write a personal statement (900 to 1,100 words) discussing why you are the best candidate for the scholarship (financial need, how funds will help, leadership capacity, etc.)
  • Email your personal statement to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write the subject line as [YOUR NAME] SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Deadline

June 1 or until all scholarship funds are awarded.

Selection Criteria

Awards will be given to applicants who demonstrate a significant capacity to leverage sustainable improvements in their classrooms, schools, or district teaching and learning environments. Award decisions will be made approximately two weeks after the application deadline. Notifications will be made by email.

Disbursement

Scholarships will be disbursed in equal amounts for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students must be enrolled in two courses per term (including Summer) to be eligible for disbursement.

Renewal Criteria

Students who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher, will be eligible to re-apply for their second academic year.

Native American Educators as Leaders Scholarship

Native American Educators as Leaders Scholarship

  • Amount: Varies on funding availability
  • Number of awards: Varies
  • Criteria: Teachers or teacher candidates pursuing a master's degree in the following graduate programs at Fort Lewis College: Culturally and Linguistically Diverse, Principal Leadership, Special Education, Teacher Leadership, or Teacher Licensure
  • Disbursement: Scholarship will be disbursed in equal amounts for Fall and Spring terms
  • The NAEL Scholarship supports Native American students seeking to become teachers, administrators, and leaders in the field of education with a special emphasis on:
    • Increasing the number of teachers and administrators in schools with a sizable American Indian student population
    • Elevating the status of teaching through emphasis on quality, best practices, innovation, and professionalism
    • Creating educators as leaders through a rigorous multiculturally informed leadership program.

Scholarship application process

Email the following documents to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu with your name and the word "Scholarship" in the subject line:

  • Personal statement that 1) introduces yourself and which scholarships you are applying for and 2) discusses your need, larger purpose, and long-term goals in teaching, and the type of school (low income, charter, middle, high, rural or urban) where you teach or would like to teach

Principal Leadership

Principal Leadership scholarships

Five scholarships valued at $1,000 are available to students who are applying to the MAE-Principal Leadership or Principal Licensure.

Purpose of Scholarships

These scholarships support teachers aspiring to become educational leaders in the region as they prepare to become the next generation of strategic change leaders.

Eligibility Criteria

Admitted as a MAE-Principal Leadership or Principal Licensure student.

Application Process

  1. Write a personal statement (900 to 1,100 words) discussing why you are the best candidate for the scholarship (financial need, how funds will help, leadership capacity, etc.)
  2. Email your personal statement to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write the subject line as [YOUR NAME] SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Deadline

June 1 or until all scholarship funds are awarded.

Selection Criteria

Awards will be given to applicants who demonstrate a significant capacity to leverage sustainable improvements in their classrooms, schools, or district teaching and learning environments. Award decisions will be made approximately two weeks after the application deadline. Notifications will be made by email.

Disbursement

Scholarships will be disbursed in equal amounts for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students must be enrolled in four courses per year (including Summer) to be eligible for disbursement.

Renewal Criteria

Students who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher, will be eligible to re-apply for their second academic year.

Special Education

Special Education scholarships

Inclusion Matters Scholarships

  • Five scholarships valued at $1,000 are available to Master of Arts in Education: Special Education and Special Education Endorsement students.
  • These scholarships seek to motivate the most inspirational teacher leaders in the region to develop their leadership knowledge and skills in order to guide substantial improvements in classroom, school, or district teaching and learning outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Admitted to the Master of Arts of Education: Special Education or Special Education Endorsement program.

Application Process

  1. Write a personal statement (900 to 1,100 words) discussing why you are the best candidate for the scholarship (financial need, how funds will help, leadership capacity, etc.)
  2. Email your personal statement to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu. Write the subject line as [YOUR NAME] SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Deadline

June 1 or until all scholarship funds are awarded.

Selection Criteria

Awards will be given to applicants who demonstrate a significant capacity to leverage sustainable improvements in their classrooms, schools, or district teaching and learning environments. Award decisions will be made approximately two weeks after the application deadline. Notifications will be made by email.

Disbursement

Scholarships will be disbursed in equal amounts for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students must be enrolled all program coursework per term (including Summer) to be eligible for disbursement.

Renewal Criteria

Students who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher, will be eligible to re-apply for their second academic year.

Southwest Teacher Quality Partnership

Who is eligible for SWTQP? 

The SWTQP supports Master of Arts in Education graduate students who want to teach in underserved communities around the Four Corners Region. FLC MAE students enrolled in Secondary Math, Secondary Science, or K-12 Special Education Licensure Programs are eligible. For more eligibility information, refer to page 2. 

How does SWTQP work? 

Each SWTQP recipient will be paid a one-year living wage of $62,000. Participants will receive focused professional development and coaching. Upon completing the SWTQP Residency, graduates will commit to working in a high-needs school district in either Southwest Colorado or Northern New Mexico for three years. 

Why does SWTQP matter? 

With a lack of educators and resources for educators around the rural Four Corners, this program strives to develop high-quality teachers committed to working in these high-need districts. Designed with equity in mind, the $62,000 1-year stipend ensures graduate students can focus on their studies, MAE coursework, and field experience in regional classrooms instead of stressing finances.

SWTQP requirements for candidates 

SWTQP must:

  • Have never served as a teacher of record.
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution.
  • Have a clear background check.
  • Pass the appropriate Praxis exam for your Colorado licensure.
  • Be eligible for admission to the FLC graduate program.
  • Agree to work full-time as a math, science, or special education teacher in a Three Rivers SWTQP-affiliated high-need school for a period of three years immediately after completing the residency.
  • Secondary math or science candidates must complete 800 hours of school-based experience, complete coursework (including content methods), and meet all requirements for a Colorado teaching license in math or science.
  • Special education MAE candidates must complete 37 credits and meet all requirements to earn an endorsement as a K-12 Special Education Generalist. 

The Southwest Teacher Quality Partnership includes the award-winning Fort Lewis College School of Education. The FLC School of Education is proud to serve the Four Corners Region with teacher preparation programs structured to meet the needs of rural, underserved communities. From faculty who know students by name to extra technical support when needed, FLC Master of Arts in Education students have all they need to find success in the classroom and beyond.

Eligible school districts

  • New Mexico: Bloomfield schools Central consolidated schools Clovis schools Cuba independent schools Dulce schools Espanola schools Farmington schools Grants-Cibola County schools Las Vegas City Mesa Vista schools Pecos independent schools Peñasco independent schools Pojoaque schools Questa independent schools Raton schools Santa Rosa consolidated schools Springer Municipal schools West Las Vegas schools 
  • Colorado: All Durango 9-R schools & Charter schools Alamosa schools Archuleta County schools Mancos schools Monte Vista schools North Conejos schools South Conejos schools Sierra Grande schools Additional Districts: Districts must meet specific criteria as identified by the United States Department of Education. Additional districts may be considered if resident positions cannot be filled in eligible districts.

Teacher Licensure

You may apply for and be awarded more than one scholarship. Students who are awarded a Make a Difference Scholarship will be placed in a Title I school for student teaching.

Teacher Licensure scholarships

Robert M. Barr & Roberta Armstrong Barr Scholarships

  • Amount: Up to $3,000/year scholarships
  • Number of Awards: Varies
  • Criteria:  Colorado resident who has financial need and 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Disbursement: Scholarships will be disbursed in equal amounts for Fall and Spring terms.

Make a Difference Scholarships

  • Amount: $1,000/year scholarships
  • Number of Awards: five $1,000/year scholarships
  • Criteria: Student teaching placement will be in a Title I school where 50% or more students qualify for free and reduced lunch.
  • Priority Application Deadline:  June 1 (application is available until all funds are allocated)
  • Disbursement: Scholarships will be disbursed in equal amounts for Fall and Spring terms. Candidates need to reapply each year. Candidates who have a 3.0 GPA and are teaching in a Title I school may reapply for funding in the second year.

NOYCE: STEM K-12 Teaching Scholarship

  • Amount: up to $10,000 during licensure year
  • Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline and interest in K-12 teaching
  • Must have passed PRAXIS exam
  • Must be admitted to MAE: Teacher Licensure program
  • Two years of teaching in a high need district are required after completion of the program
  • Visit NOYCE Scholarship website for application requirements and deadline

Scholarship application process

Email the following to gradstudies@fortlewis.edu with your name and the word "scholarship" in the subject line:

  • Personal statement formally introducing yourself and scholarships of interest. Please include information such as need, larger purpose, long-term goals in teaching, and the type of school (low income, charter, middle, high, rural or urban) where you would like to teach. 

Teacher Licensure: Southwest Teacher Quality Partnership (living wage)

Southwest Teacher Quality Partnership (SWTQP)

  • Master of Arts in Education: Teacher Licensure
  • Master of Arts in Education: Special Education

Who is eligible for SWTQP?

The SWTQP supports committed educators who want to serve in underserved communities around the Four Corners. FLC Masters of Education students enrolled in Secondary Math, Secondary Science, or K-12 Special Education licensure programs are eligible. 

How does SWTQP work?

Each SWTQP recipient will be paid a one year living wage of $62,000. Participants also receive focused professional development and coaching. Upon earning their FLC MAE, graduates will commit to working in a high-needs school district located in either southwest Colorado or northern New Mexico for three years.

SWTQP requirements for candidates:

  • Have never served as a teacher of record.
  • Posses a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited institution.
  • Have a clear background check.
  • Pass the appropriate Praxis exam for your Colorado license.
  • Be eligible for admission to the FLC graduate program.
  • Agree to work full-time as a math, science, or special education teacher in a Three Rivers TQP affiliated high-need school for a period of three years immediately after completing the residency.
  • Secondary math or science candidates must complete 800 hours of school-based experience and complete coursework (including content methods) and meet all requirements for a Colorado teaching license in math or science.
  • Special education MAE candidates must complete 37 credits and meet all requirements to earn an endorsement as a K-12 Special Education Generalist.

Eligible School Districts

Colorado:

  • Alamosa schools
  • Archuleta County schools
  • Durango 9-R Schools and Charter Schools
  • Ignacio schools
  • Mancos schools
  • Monte Vista Schools
  • North Conejos schools
  • South Conejos schools
  • Sierra Grande schools

New Mexico:

  • Bloomfield schools
  • Central Consolidated schools
  • Clovis schools
  • Cuba Independent schools
  • Dulce schools
  • Española schools
  • Farmington schools
  • Grants-Cibola County schools
  • Las Vegas City schools
  • Mesa Vista schools
  • Pecos Independent schools
  • Peñasco Independent schools
  • Pojoaque schools
  • Questa Independent schools
  • Raton schools
  • Santa Rosa Consolidated schools
  • Springer Municipal schools
  • West Las Vegas schools

Additional Districts:

Districts must meet specific criteria as identified by the United States Department of Education. Additional districts may be considered if resident positions cannot be filled in eligible districts.

Contact:
Jill Choate
jnchoate@fortlewis.edu
970-247-7276

External scholarships


Federal Financial Aid

Federal unsubsidized Stafford loans and federal Graduate Plus loans are available. 
Visit the Financial Aid site for more information.

Financial aid & scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend applying early.

Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs

  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Forgives the remaining balance on Federal Direct Loans after 120 qualifying payments (10 years).
  • Teacher Loan Forgiveness – Forgives up to $17,500 of Direct or FFEL Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loans after 5 complete and consecutive years of teaching at a qualifying school.
  • Perkins Loan Cancellation – Forgives up to 100% of Federal Perkins Loans for those teaching full-time at a low-income school, or teaching certain subjects.