How Much ESA Money Do You Get & Who Qualifies?
Verified ESA funding amounts and eligibility requirements by state — based on actual state statutes and program documents.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. ESA program rules, funding amounts, and eligibility requirements vary by state and change frequently. Always verify current details with your state's official ESA program office before making decisions. ESA Center is not affiliated with any state ESA program.
ESA Funding Varies Dramatically by State
ESA funding is set by each state's legislature using different formulas. Arizona uses 90% of the charter school funding formula. Texas set a flat $10,474. West Virginia uses statewide average per-pupil net state aid from the prior year.
Verified ESA Funding by State (2025-2026)
- Arizona — 90% of charter school base support per ARS 15-2402(C). Varies by grade level and disability category.
- Texas — $10,474 private school; $2,000 homeschool; up to $30,000 for students with IEPs. Source: Texas Comptroller.
- West Virginia — $5,267.38 for 2025-26; $5,435.62 for 2026-27. Source: WV State Treasurer.
- Florida — ~$7,400-$10,000 FES-EO (varies by county/grade). FES-UA for disabilities: up to $34,000. Source: Step Up For Students.
- Iowa — $7,988 for 2025-26. Private school only. Source: Iowa DOE.
- Arkansas — ~$6,994 for 2025-26 (90% of prior-year per-pupil). Quarterly. Source: Arkansas DESE.
- Utah — $8,000 private school; $4,000 homeschool ages 5-11; $6,000 ages 12-18. ~10,000 student cap. Source: Utah DOE.
- Indiana — Up to $20,000 for disabilities; $8,000 siblings. Income-limited. Source: Indiana Treasurer.
- South Carolina — $7,500 for 2025-26; $7,634 for 2026-27. 300% FPL limit (expanding to 500%). Source: SC DOE.
- Tennessee — $7,295 for 2025-26. 20,000 enrollment cap. Source: Tennessee DOE.
- North Carolina — Opportunity Scholarship: $3,500-$7,700 income-tiered. ESA+: $9,000-$17,000 for disabilities. Source: NC SEAA.
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Funding amounts change each legislative session. Always verify with your state's official ESA program office.
Who Qualifies: Arizona as a Case Study
Arizona expanded to universal eligibility in 2022-2023 under ARS 15-2401.01. Any Arizona resident eligible to enroll in public school K-12 now qualifies. The original priority categories (disabilities, D/F schools, military families, tribal lands) still exist and may determine higher funding.
Original Priority Categories (ARS 15-2401)
- Disability under Section 504
- Disability under ARS 15-731 or 15-761
- D or F-rated school attendance
- Active-duty military or killed in line of duty
- Juvenile court wards or permanency through adoption/guardianship
- Siblings of ESA recipients
- Indian reservation residents
- Children of legally blind or deaf/hard of hearing parents
Universal vs. Restricted Programs
Arizona, Texas, West Virginia (July 2026), Iowa, Arkansas, and Utah offer universal or near-universal eligibility. Indiana, NC ESA+, and South Carolina have income limits or disability restrictions.
Do Kids Have to Leave Public School?
In Arizona, yes — ARS 15-2402 requires parents to "not enroll the qualified student in a school district or charter school." But ESA students can still purchase individual classes and extracurricular programs from public schools.
How to Apply
Arizona: year-round (July 1 - June 30), award letters within 30 days. Texas: portal opened Feb 4, 2026 (deadline March 31). West Virginia: new students open March 2, prorated by date. Missing your window can mean months of waiting or reduced funding.
Sign up for ESA Center's waitlist to get notified when your state's application window opens.
Get Early Access to ESA Center
Our AI-powered tool checks your expense descriptions before you submit — catching issues that lead to denials. Join the waitlist for early access.