Mental Health Critical Need Reimbursement Program
Delaware Higher Education Office (Delaware Department of Education)
Pays up to 6 credits a year of coursework for Delaware public school employees training to become licensed mental health professionals, in exchange for 3 years of school service.
- How much
- Up to 6 credits per academic year; capped at tuition and fees of Delaware's highest-cost public institution; may be prorated
- Who qualifies
- Full-time Delaware public school employee
- Enrolled in a Board-approved program leading to mental health licensure; signed 3-year Delaware school work commitment.
- For grad students, adults going back to school
- For professional counseling, chemical dependency, marriage and family therapy students
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; one window each May for the academic year's coursework (May 3-28, 2027 for 2026-27).
- How to apply
- After completing Fall 2026 and/or Spring 2027 coursework, apply online during the May 3-28, 2027 window (4:30pm) with proof of completion and a passing grade
- What you'll need
- state application + transcript
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (education.delaware.gov) and page 2
The details
State reimbursement program (14 Del. C. § 3436) for full-time Delaware public school employees enrolled in a program approved by the Board of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals leading to licensure as a Professional Counselor, Associate Counselor, Chemical Dependency Professional, Marriage & Family Therapist/Associate, or Art Therapist/Associate Art Therapist. Reimburses up to 6 credits per academic year of completed credit-bearing coursework (2.0/C or better), paid to the college; may be prorated and won't exceed tuition and fees at Delaware's highest-cost public institution. Recipients sign an agreement to keep working in a Delaware school for at least 3 years after earning the license or certification.
More money from Delaware
- Charles L. Hebner Memorial Scholarship$1,250/year
- Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP)$1,000/year (undergraduate and graduate awards)
- B. Bradford Barnes Memorial ScholarshipFull tuition, required fees, room, board, and books at the University of Delaware
- Career-Based ScholarshipAmount announced by July 1, 2027 (varies with funding and applicant pool)
- Delaware State Inspire ScholarshipFull tuition for up to 8 semesters
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
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