AACTE Announces New Member Benefit That Expands Financing Options for Future Educators

New member benefit provides private loan options to help education students bridge funding gaps and complete their degrees

(April 16, 2026, Washington, D.C.) — AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education) announced today a new strategic partnership with College Ave, a leading provider of private student loans, aiming to expand financing options for students pursuing careers in education.

The new member benefit offers students at AACTE member institutions access to private loan options built to help lower the total cost of borrowing when filling small funding gaps after federal aid, scholarships, and grants.

This exclusive member benefit demonstrates AACTE’s dedication to strengthening the educator workforce by removing financial barriers that can prevent talented individuals from completing their preparation programs and entering the profession.

“Preparing the next generation of educators requires removing barriers that stand between talented individuals and the classroom,” said AACTE President and CEO Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D. “Today, many students pursuing education degrees face a growing financial gap. With federal loan limits that often fall short of covering the full cost of completing a degree — and with the recent termination of Graduate PLUS loans — future educators are increasingly forced to find additional resources simply to finish their programs. This partnership provides AACTE members access to private loan options designed specifically for supplemental borrowing, helping aspiring educators secure the final funding they need to graduate and enter a profession our nation urgently needs.”

The financing options available through this partnership are intended to supplement — not replace — federal financial aid, providing students and families with flexible borrowing solutions when federal loans and other aid sources do not fully cover the cost of completing an undergraduate or graduate degree in education.

College Ave shares AACTE’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting student success.

“We are honored to partner with AACTE and support its mission to strengthen the educator workforce,” said Brian Reed, Head of Partnerships at College Ave. “Our goal is to simplify the student loan process and provide flexible, transparent options that help students and families confidently finance their education and focus on building meaningful careers.”

Through the partnership, students attending AACTE member institutions will have access to a range of private student loan solutions featuring competitive, discounted rates, flexible repayment options, and digital tools designed to help borrowers make informed financial decisions.

By helping future educators access responsible financing options when needed, the partnership supports AACTE’s broader mission to ensure a strong and sustainable pipeline of teachers, counselors, and school leaders for communities across the nation.

About AACTE

Established in 1948, AACTE is the leading voice in educator preparation. AACTE’s member institutions and programs prepare the greatest number of professional educators in the United States and its territories, including teachers, counselors, administrators, and college faculty. These professional educators are prepared for careers in PK-12 classrooms, colleges and universities, state and governmental agencies, policy institutes, and non-profit organizations. Learn more at aacte.org.

About College Ave

College Ave started with a big vision and a simple mission – take the stress out of paying for college so students can focus on preparing for a bright future. Today, College Ave is a leading financial services company that combines best-in-class technology with deep industry expertise to deliver practical, personal solutions – giving young adults confidence for the road ahead. We keep it simple: competitive rates, straightforward products, and support you can count on from start to finish. Visit: collegeave.com.