The South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
Is my student eligible?
- Be a resident of South Carolina;
- Be in kindergarten through 12th grade (not exceeding age 22);
- Have a household income that does not exceed 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. For priority application status, household income must not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines (~$96,450 for a family of four in 2025)
Application Dates:
- November 1st, 2025 – 2025 ESTF students can renew for the 2026-2027 school year; their siblings may also apply.
- January 15th, 2026 – Applications open for priority groups
- Siblings of current ESTF students,
- Children of active duty military,
- Students residing in a household with an income of less than 300% of the federal poverty guidelines (~$96,450 for a family of four),
- Students who attended public school in 2025.
- February 9th, 2026 – All other students earning between 300% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines (~$96,451 – $160,750 for a family of four in 2025)
Information required for application:
- Proof of guardianship (tax return with dependents listed, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of income (2023 or 2024 tax return documentation. If you don’t file taxes, you’ll need to provide other documentation of your household income)
- Proof of residency (driver’s license or state-issued ID, utility bill, etc.)

