Scholarships for Private Schools: The Complete K-12 Guide

Private school tuition can be a significant expense, but families don’t always have to cover the full cost themselves. Scholarships for private schools can come from the school, a local organization or a state program. Starting in 2027, eligible families will also have a new potential source of scholarship assistance through the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC).

The challenge is knowing where to look for aid. Some scholarships are based on financial need and may be particularly helpful for low- and middle-income families. Others are tied to academic achievement, a particular talent, a community affiliation or other criteria. Some are available only in certain states, while others are available more broadly.

This guide explains the major types of K-12 scholarships for private school, who typically offers them, who may qualify and where to start looking if you’re trying to make private school more affordable. For other ways to reduce the cost of private school, see our guide to how to pay for private school.

Looking for a Scholarship at a Private School Near You? Start With the School

Many private schools offer scholarships directly to students, usually through their admissions or financial aid office.

Some schools offer scholarships based on academic achievement, a specific talent or another accomplishment. Others offer financial aid based on a family’s financial need. And some schools offer both. If you’re considering a particular private school, ask its admissions or financial aid office what types of assistance are available and what the eligibility requirements are.

Because each school sets its own eligibility requirements and deadlines, there is no national directory for these scholarships. Ask the school directly, and ask early. Scholarship deadlines may come before the general admissions deadline.

Employers, Nonprofits and Other Groups Can Help With Tuition

Scholarships aren’t limited to programs offered by private schools. Nonprofits, religious organizations, civic groups and, in some cases, employers may offer scholarships to help families pay for private school.

These scholarships can have very different eligibility requirements. Some are based on financial need, while others are available to students who meet a particular academic, community, religious or other criterion. Local scholarships may also be smaller than school-based or state programs, but they can still help reduce what a family pays out of pocket.

Check Your State: Vouchers, Tax Credits, ESAs or Other Aid

States offer a range of programs that can help families pay for private school, although the options vary considerably from one state to another.

Some states have tax-credit scholarship programs. Others offer education savings accounts (ESAs), vouchers or other forms of financial assistance for families choosing private schools.

Eligibility varies as well. Some programs are available to a broad range of families, while others have income, geographic or other requirements. Not every state offers the same programs, and rules can change.

If your state has a scholarship or school choice program, check the current eligibility requirements and application deadlines before assuming you qualify.

EFTC: A New Federal Tax Credit Arrives in 2027

Starting in 2027, eligible taxpayers can receive a federal tax credit for certain contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations, or SGOs. SGOs use those contributions to fund scholarships for eligible K-12 students.

The dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit is worth up to $1,700 for individuals, or up to $3,400 for married couples filing jointly. Scholarships are available in states that choose to participate.

For families looking for help paying for private school, the EFTC is a new scholarship option to understand. Eligibility includes household income requirements, along with other requirements. Our guide to who can receive an EFTC scholarship explains who may qualify and how the tax credit works.

Can Low- and Middle-Income Families Qualify for K-12 Tuition Scholarships?

Yes, but it depends on the scholarship. Many private schools offer need-based financial aid, and some state and community scholarship programs also consider household income when determining eligibility.

Other scholarships have different requirements. They may be based on academic achievement, a student’s interests, community involvement, religious affiliation or any number of other criteria. That means a family that doesn’t qualify for one scholarship may still have options elsewhere.

Starting in 2027, the Education Freedom Tax Credit will create another potential source of scholarships for eligible K-12 students from low- and middle-income families in participating states. Our guide to EFTC eligibility explains the income and other requirements.

The best way to understand your options is to check the eligibility requirements for each scholarship or financial aid program you’re considering.

Not sure whether your family may qualify? Use AFC Scholarship Fund’s eligibility calculator to get a quick estimate based on your household and student information.

How Scholarship Options for K-12 Private Schools Compare

Each type of private school scholarship works a little differently. Here’s how the four main options compare.

School-based scholarships and financial aid can help pay for tuition and, at some schools, fees or other school costs. Eligibility depends on the school: Some awards are need-based, while others are merit-based and tied to academics, talent or other criteria. To find them, contact the school’s admissions or financial aid office.

Community scholarships can help cover tuition or other education expenses. Each organization sets its own requirements, which may consider financial need, achievement, interests or community ties. Look to local nonprofits, religious organizations, civic groups and employers.

State programs, including tax-credit scholarships, ESAs and vouchers, can help pay for private school tuition and, in some programs, other approved education expenses. Eligibility varies by state and may include income, residency or other requirements. Check with your state’s education department or an approved scholarship organization.

EFTC scholarships, available starting in 2027, can help cover tuition and other qualified K-12 education expenses. Students in participating states may qualify if they meet household income and other program requirements. These scholarships are awarded through Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) in participating states.

Looking for Financial Aid for Your Child? Where to Start

If you’re looking for a scholarship, start with the options most directly connected to your family and work outward from there.

• Ask the school. Find out what tuition scholarships and financial aid the school offers, along with any outside scholarships it recommends.
• Search your community. Check local nonprofits, religious organizations, civic groups and employers for any help with tuition. These opportunities are often local and may not be widely advertised.
• Check your state. Look for current scholarship and private school choice programs, and verify the eligibility requirements.
• Learn about the EFTC. If your state participates, review the federal eligibility requirements and watch for participating SGOs as the tax credit gets underway.
• Start early. Scholarship deadlines can come well before the school year begins, so don’t wait until you’re ready to enroll to start looking.