Ohio EdChoice: Amounts, Rules and Schools

How EdChoice works

What you get	$6,166 for grades K-8, $8,408 for grades 9-12. Families at or below 450% of the poverty level ($148,500 for a family of four) get the full amount. Above that it is scaled down.
Who qualifies	Nearly every Ohio K-12 student outside the Cleveland district qualifies through EdChoice or EdChoice Expansion.
How full it is	About 143,500 students: 42,607 on traditional EdChoice and 100,941 on Expansion.
When to apply	Opened February 1, 2026. Apply before October 14, 2026 to avoid a reduced award. The school submits the application.
How the money moves	The state pays the school.
What it covers	Tuition only. Schools cannot bill families at or below 200% of the poverty level for the difference.

Worth knowing: A county judge ruled the program unconstitutional in June 2025. That ruling is on hold during the appeal, and the program is operating for 2026-27.

We read this on 2026-09-20 from: Ohio DEW, FY27 EdChoice fact sheet; Statehouse News Bureau, 2026-05-13. Rules change when the legislature meets, so check the official program site before you count on a number.

Run your own numbers

What would you pay?

Yearly tuition the school quoted Fees, books, uniforms EdChoice award Children

EdChoice pays between $6,166 and $8,408 depending on your household. We start with the lower figure. Change it if you know yours. An award can never be more than the school actually charges. This is arithmetic, not a quote.

Which schools take it

Ohio offers a searchable provider directory but no download we can check. We do not mark Ohio schools.

Browse Ohio private schools The state’s own list

Private schools in Millersburg (111)
Private schools in Fredericksburg (96)
Private schools in Dundee (94)
Private schools in Columbus (87)
Private schools in Cincinnati (83)
Private schools in Apple Creek (82)
Private schools in Sugarcreek (82)
Private schools in Cleveland (81)
Private schools in Worthington (77)
Private schools in Dalton (74)
Private schools in Parma (72)
Private schools in Shaker Heights (69)
Private schools in Baltic (68)
Private schools in Gahanna (68)
Private schools in Cleveland Heights (66)
Private schools in Holmesville (65)
Private schools in Orrville (65)
Private schools in Beachwood (61)

Get one email when applications open

Most programs open once a year, and several ran out of money or seats in 2026. Pick your state and we will email you the day the next window opens, with the official link. That is the only email you get.

One email per application window. No calls, no sharing your details.

Questions parents ask

How much does EdChoice pay in Ohio?

$6,166 for grades K-8, $8,408 for grades 9-12. Families at or below 450% of the poverty level ($148,500 for a family of four) get the full amount. Above that it is scaled down.

Who is eligible?

Nearly every Ohio K-12 student outside the Cleveland district qualifies through EdChoice or EdChoice Expansion.

Does it cover the full cost of private school?

Not always. The award is a set amount and every school sets its own price. Ask each school for tuition plus fees, then subtract the award. The calculator on this page does the sum for you.

How do I know a school accepts EdChoice?

Ohio offers a searchable provider directory but no download we can check. We do not mark Ohio schools.

When do I apply?

Opened February 1, 2026. Apply before October 14, 2026 to avoid a reduced award. The school submits the application.

Ohio EdChoice Scholarship