CHECKED 2026-10-07 · 2026-2027
Ohio Private School Scholarships: EdChoice and What Families Pay
Status checked October 7, 2026: 2026–27 EdChoice Expansion applications are open through June 30, 2027, but applications submitted after October 14, 2026 are prorated under the state fact sheet. Complete the school’s admission process first; the participating school submits the scholarship application. Official 2026–27 fact sheet
Ohio offers two versions of its EdChoice voucher, plus separate programs for students with disabilities. In both EdChoice versions, the private school, not the family, submits the scholarship application. Your first step is getting your child accepted at a participating school.
EdChoice Expansion
Who is eligible. Ohio K–12 students who meet the program’s requirements and do not qualify for the separate Cleveland Scholarship program. There is no general maximum household-income cutoff for Expansion eligibility, but income affects the amount. Families in the Cleveland Municipal School District should check the Cleveland route rather than assuming Expansion is their program.
Award amount for 2026–27. Families with household income at or below 450% of the federal poverty level receive the full scholarship:
| Grade level | Annual maximum at or below 450% FPL |
|---|---|
| K–8 | $6,166 |
| 9–12 | $8,408 |
Above the full-award income threshold, the award is reduced under the state’s calculation. Use the current income guidelines and award estimator rather than last year’s dollar-income example or a fixed-band shortcut. The final award also depends on eligible tuition and any applicable proration.
Low-income status. Families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level qualify for low-income status. Ohio law bars participating schools from charging those families tuition above the scholarship amount.
Income verification. New applicants generally complete income verification unless household income is already on file. Verification is optional for ordinary renewals, but families seeking low-income status must submit income each year. Follow the current household and income instructions; ask the department how a change in circumstances affects your application. Do not omit required information.
Tuition only. EdChoice applies to tuition. School fees remain the family's responsibility.
Traditional EdChoice
Traditional EdChoice uses designated-school and other statutory eligibility routes rather than Expansion’s income-based award structure. Being near a listed school is not enough: ask the participating school to check the applicable criteria, residence and enrollment history against the current state fact sheet. Compare the routes for your child before choosing. Official Traditional EdChoice resources
2026–27 deadlines
The 2026–27 EdChoice application window opened February 1, 2026, and remains open through June 30, 2027. Timing still matters: according to the state's 2026–27 fact sheet, Expansion applications submitted after October 14, 2026 are awarded at a prorated amount. If you have not applied, ask your school to submit a complete application on or before October 14 where possible. A later submission can mean a smaller award; confirm the actual amount before relying on it for tuition.
Renewing students must renew every year through their school.
Ohio programs for students with disabilities
Ohio also has Jon Peterson Special Needs and Autism Scholarship programs, with separate eligibility, evaluation/IEP, provider and award rules. A diagnosis or a school’s marketing description does not by itself establish eligibility. Use the official program links available from Ohio’s scholarship resources and compare permitted services and costs before choosing a program.
What the family may still pay
EdChoice covers tuition rather than all school expenses. Ask for registration, materials, transportation, lunch and activity charges separately. Families approved for low-income status have special tuition protections, but fees may remain. Do not describe a school as “free with EdChoice” without checking those charges and the student’s actual status.
Ask the school how it treats its own aid, outside scholarships, partial-year enrollment and refunds. Keep the award letter and tuition agreement together so you can reconcile the balance and payment schedule.
Other ways to pay
School aid and qualified savings may help with remaining expenses; coordinate tax benefits and do not count one expense twice. See how to pay for private school.
Official sources and updates
Checked October 7, 2026. Program rules and application status can change. Confirm the current requirements before applying or committing to a school.
- Official FY27 EdChoice Expansion fact sheet
- Traditional EdChoice and other state scholarship resources
This guide provides general educational information. It does not determine admission, scholarship eligibility, an award, or an individual tax result.