As a student, you apply for the program based on the criteria for selection. Once you graduate, you teach in a mutually-agreed upon high-need area of education in Oklahoma and we foot the bill for up to $20,000 of your qualifying student loans. Sound too good to be true? Learn more below.
Become a Debt-Free Teacher
Join a college that is so invested in your future, that we help you pay for your education through our exclusive Debt-Free Teachers program.
How it Works
How to Sign Up
1. Have a current FAFSA on file with Financial Aid Services. Find FAFSA information.
2. Email the JRCoE Undergraduate Advising Office for details about the program and your specific eligibility.
3. Submit your APPLICATION to the Undergraduate Advising Office, located in Ellsworth Collings Hall, Room 137, by July 1.
4. If approved for entrance into the program (you will receive notification via email or mail), you must then set a meeting with the director of JRCoE undergraduate advising.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
All students seeking their initial teacher preparation degree. This includes incoming freshmen, undergraduate students, graduate students and transfer students.
Upon acceptance, Debt Free Teacher recipients will be expected to:
- Maintain 3.0 GPA at OU
- Have a qualified co-signor
- Maintain progress toward and completion of teacher preparation program
- Maintain full-time student standing at the University of Oklahoma
- Graduate in good standing with the College
What qualifications do I need to meet to be eligible for this program?
- All qualifications for Lew Wentz loans.
- All qualifications for admission to the teacher education program
What You Need to Know
Still need more information? Here is everything you need to know about our Debt Free Teachers program.
Lew Wentz Oklahoma Teacher Debt Forgiveness Loan
In order to provide Oklahoma schoolchildren with the best possible education, the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education has established a debt forgiveness program, a merit and need based assistance initiative directed toward outstanding students in the College with significant debt associated with their education. This program provides loan funds to postsecondary students who are completing or plan to complete coursework that is needed to begin a career in teaching, and who will serve for at least four years as a full-time, highly qualified teacher in a high-need field.
