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State-by-State ESA Guide: Programs, Amounts & Logistics

Verified ESA programs across the US — official funding amounts, eligibility, application timelines, and administration details.

April 1, 202611 min read
State-by-State ESA Guide: Programs, Amounts & Logistics

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.

The ESA Landscape in 2026

More than a dozen states have active ESA or ESA-style programs. This guide uses verified details from official sources. Always confirm with your state.

Arizona: Empowerment Scholarship Account

  • Launched 2011. Universal since 2022-2023 (ARS 15-2401.01).
  • Funding: 90% of charter school equivalent per ARS 15-2402(C). Varies by grade/disability.
  • Year-round applications (July 1 - June 30). Award letters within 30 days.
  • ADE + State Treasurer via ClassWallet. Cannot file homeschool affidavit simultaneously.

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Texas: Education Freedom Account (TEFA)

  • SB 2 (2025). $1 billion appropriation.
  • $10,474 private school; $2,000 homeschool; up to $30,000 for disabilities with IEP.
  • Universal. Priority: disabilities at or below 500% FPL.
  • Portal opened Feb 4, 2026. Comptroller/Odyssey/ClassWallet.

Florida: Family Empowerment Scholarship

  • FES-EO: ~$7,400-$10,000 (varies by county/grade). Universal since 2023.
  • FES-UA (disabilities): ~$10,000 base, up to $34,000. $50,000 cap.
  • PEP (homeschool): ~$8,000. Admin: Step Up For Students, 1 (877) 735-7837.

West Virginia: Hope Scholarship

  • $5,267.38 for 2025-26; $5,435.62 for 2026-27.
  • Universal effective July 2026. Prorated by application date (100/75/50/25%).
  • Two installments: Aug 15 and Jan 15. Enacted 2021 (HB 3035). 681-999-HOPE.

Iowa: Students First ESA

  • $7,988 for 2025-26. Universal (phased from 2023).
  • Private school only — no homeschoolers. Half fall, half spring.
  • Enacted 2023 (SF 391).

Arkansas: Education Freedom Account

  • ~$6,994 for 2025-26 (90% of prior-year per-pupil). Quarterly.
  • Disbursements: Aug 21, Oct 28, Feb 3, Apr 14. Universal since 2025-26.
  • Enacted 2023 (LEARNS Act).

Utah: Fits All Scholarship

  • $8,000 private; $4,000 homeschool 5-11; $6,000 homeschool 12-18.
  • Capped at ~$82.5M (~10,000 students). Priority by income/prior use.
  • Extracurricular and PE each capped at 20%. Enacted 2023 (HB 215).

Other Active Programs

  • Indiana: Up to $20,000 disabilities; $8,000 siblings. Income-limited. $10M total.
  • North Carolina: Opportunity Scholarship $3,500-$7,700 ($625M). ESA+ $9,000-$17,000.
  • Tennessee: $7,295. Cap: 20,000 (10,000 reserved). $447M total.
  • South Carolina: $7,500 ($7,634 for 2026-27). 300% FPL (expanding to 500%). 10,000 cap.
  • New Hampshire: Education Freedom Accounts (350% FPL income limit).
  • Missouri: MOScholars (IEPs, foster, low-income).

Can I Use ESA Funds Across State Lines?

Generally no. Arizona requires schools "located in this state" with a narrow tribal reservation exception (adjacent state within 2 miles). Online services may qualify regardless of provider location.

ESA Center is building state-specific tools. Join our waitlist for updates.

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.

Sources & Official References

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