Private School Tuition Assistance Options in 2027

Private school tuition assistance can come from several sources, including school-based aid, traditional scholarships, state opportunities, and scholarships funded through the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC).

For families, the challenge is often knowing where to start. Each type of assistance has its own eligibility rules, application process, funding source, and timeline. Understanding the differences can help you focus on the options that may fit your child and your family.

What Is Private School Tuition Assistance?

Private school tuition assistance is financial support that helps families cover some of the cost of attending a private K–12 school.

There is no single form of tuition assistance. Funding may come directly from a school, a nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organization, a state initiative, or another scholarship source.

Eligibility also varies. Some assistance is based on household income. Other scholarships may consider where a student lives, the school they attend, available funding, or other requirements.

The amount a family receives can vary as well. There is no universal award amount for private school tuition assistance.

That means families should compare several options rather than assuming one source will cover every expense.

4 Types of Help Paying Private School Tuition

1. School-Based Tuition Assistance

Many private schools offer their own tuition assistance to help make enrollment more affordable.

This aid is typically managed by the school or through a financial aid service working with the school. Families may be asked to provide income and household information so the school can evaluate financial need.

The amount available varies from school to school. Funding may also change from one school year to the next.

If you are considering a particular school, ask:

• Does the school offer need-based tuition assistance?
• What income or eligibility requirements apply?
• When is the application deadline?
• Does a family need to reapply each year?
• How is the assistance amount determined?

Applying early can matter because some schools have limited financial aid budgets.

School-based assistance is also worth exploring even if you plan to apply for scholarships elsewhere. Each source of funding has its own rules, so families should ask the school how outside scholarships are handled.

2. Traditional K–12 Scholarships

Traditional scholarships can provide another way to reduce private school tuition.

These scholarships are often funded through private donations and administered by nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations like ACE Scholarships. Each organization establishes its own eligibility requirements, application process, and available funding.

ACE Scholarships has helped families access K–12 educational opportunities for more than 25 years. Its privately funded scholarships are designed to help lower-income families pursue educational opportunities that best fit their children’s needs.

For families trying to afford private school, traditional scholarships can make the difference between a school being out of reach and becoming a realistic option.

However, scholarship availability is not the same everywhere. Families should review the specific requirements for their state, school, and scholarship provider before applying.

3. State Scholarship and Tax-Credit Opportunities

Some states offer their own forms of K–12 education assistance.

Depending on the state, those opportunities may include scholarship tax credits or other state-supported scholarship initiatives. Eligibility rules and funding structures vary significantly.

A state opportunity may consider factors such as:

• Household income
• Student eligibility
• School eligibility
• State residency
• Available funding

Families should check current information for their state rather than assuming rules are the same across the country.

State policies can also change. That makes current, state-specific information especially important when planning for an upcoming school year.

If your state offers a scholarship or tax-credit opportunity, compare its requirements with school-based assistance and traditional scholarships. One path may fit your family better than another.

4. Scholarships Funded Through the Education Freedom Tax Credit

The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) creates a new way to fund K–12 scholarships beginning January 1, 2027.

Here is the most important distinction for families: The EFTC tax credit allows eligible taxpayers to make qualified contributions to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) like ACE. Students and families may receive scholarships funded through those contributions.

In other words, a family receiving a scholarship does not claim the federal tax credit simply because a child has tuition expenses.

EFTC-funded scholarships may support qualified K–12 educational expenses, including tuition, tutoring, special-needs services, books, supplies, and other resources qualifying students may need.

That means the EFTC is broader than private school tuition alone.

The goal is to help more families access educational opportunities that support the learning environment their child needs.

EFTC scholarships are available only for eligible students in states participating in the initiative.

Federal law also includes an income requirement. An eligible student’s household income for the calendar year before the scholarship application cannot exceed 300% of area median gross income, subject to applicable federal requirements.

Because state participation can change, families should check current information before making plans based on EFTC funding.

How Private School Tuition Assistance Options Compare

Option	Where Funding Comes From	Eligibility	Availability
School tuition assistance	Individual private school	Set by the school	School-specific
Traditional scholarships	Private scholarship funding	Set by the scholarship provider	Depends on provider and location
State opportunities	State-specific funding structures	Set by state requirements	Depends on state
EFTC-funded scholarships	Qualified taxpayer contributions to SGOs	Federal requirements and applicable scholarship rules	Participating states

No single option is best for every family.

A school may offer generous assistance but have an early deadline. A traditional scholarship may only serve families in certain locations. A state opportunity may have different income rules. EFTC-funded scholarships add another potential source of support in participating states.

The right approach is to look at the complete picture.

Can Tuition Assistance Make Private School Affordable?

Tuition assistance can help families afford private school by reducing the portion of tuition they need to cover themselves.

How much it helps depends on the cost of the school and the assistance available to the student.

For example, two schools with similar tuition prices could have very different costs after financial assistance. One may offer significant school-based aid, while another may participate in outside scholarship opportunities.

That is why the published tuition price should not always be the end of your search.

Ask each school what financial support may be available. Then compare that information with traditional scholarships, state opportunities, and EFTC-funded scholarships that may apply to your family.

You may discover that a school that initially seemed financially out of reach deserves a closer look.

How to Find the Right Assistance for Your Family

Finding financial assistance does not have to begin with tax rules or complicated paperwork. Start with your child.

1. Look for educational opportunities that may fit your child

Consider your child’s academic needs, interests, learning style, and the environment where they may thrive. The best fit will look different for every student.

2. Ask each school about financial assistance

Once you identify potential schools, ask about tuition assistance, scholarship opportunities, application deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Do this early. Some funding may be limited.

3. Check additional scholarship opportunities

Look beyond the school itself. Traditional scholarships, state opportunities, and EFTC-funded scholarships may provide additional paths to educational support.

Requirements vary, so use current information for your location and circumstances.

ACE Can Help You Understand Your Options

Families should be able to explore educational options without having to become experts in every scholarship system first.

As a leading national Scholarship Granting Organization for more than 25 years, ACE Scholarships has helped connect families with K-12 educational opportunities that may otherwise have felt out of reach, working alongside schools, communities, and partners who believe a child’s future shouldn’t be limited by circumstance.

The goal is simple: help more families find educational opportunities where their children can learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Start With Schools That Fit Your Child

Finding the right educational environment comes first. Explore schools and scholarship opportunities available to families like yours. Find opportunities in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private School Tuition Assistance

What is private school tuition assistance?

Private school tuition assistance is financial support that helps families pay some of the cost of private K–12 education. It can include school-based financial aid, traditional scholarships, state opportunities and EFTC-funded scholarships.

How can I afford private school tuition?

Start by asking schools about their financial assistance options. Then check traditional scholarships, state opportunities, and EFTC-funded scholarships that may be available where you live. Eligibility and funding amounts vary.

Does household income affect private school tuition assistance?

Often, yes. Many need-based scholarships and school financial aid options consider household income. The specific income requirements depend on the assistance source. EFTC scholarship eligibility includes a federal household income requirement tied to area median gross income.

How much private school tuition assistance can I receive?

There is no universal award amount. Assistance depends on the school, scholarship provider, eligibility requirements, available funding and other applicable rules.

Can the EFTC help pay private school tuition?

Yes. In participating states, EFTC-funded scholarships may be used for qualifying K–12 educational expenses, including eligible tuition expenses, subject to federal and applicable scholarship requirements.

Is the EFTC only for private school students?

No. Qualifying EFTC scholarships can support eligible K–12 students in a range of educational opportunities. Eligible expenses may include tuition as well as tutoring, special-needs services, books, supplies and other qualifying educational expenses.