The Iowa Students First Education Savings Account (ESA) helps families pay for tuition and other approved educational expenses at accredited private schools throughout Iowa.
Scholarship Amount
- Up to $8,148 per eligible student for the 2026–2027 school year
- The amount is tied to Iowa’s annual per-pupil public school funding and may change each year.
Who is Eligible?
Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, the program became universal.
Eligible students must:
- Be an Iowa resident
- Be enrolled in an Iowa accredited nonpublic (private) school
- Submit an approved annual ESA application
- Complete required tuition payment verification by the program deadline
There are no household income limits.
What Can the ESA Be Used For?
ESA funds must first be used for:
- Private school tuition
- Required school fees
If funds remain, they may also be used for other qualified educational expenses, including:
- Textbooks
- Curriculum
- Tutoring
- Educational therapies
- Approved online courses
- Educational software
- Certain services for students with disabilities
- Standardized testing and AP exam fees
Funds cannot be used for items such as transportation, uniforms, meals, or general school supplies like notebooks and pencils.
How to Apply
Families apply annually through Iowa’s ESA portal administered by Odyssey.
For the 2026–2027 school year:
- Applications Open: April 16, 2026
- Applications Close: June 30, 2026
Returning families must reapply each year.
Important Notes
- ESA funds are distributed in two installments (summer and winter).
- Unused funds roll over from year to year while the student remains eligible.
- Funds remain available until the student graduates from high school or turns 20 years old.
Learn More
Iowa Department of Education — Students First ESA Program:
https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/education-savings-accounts