Last verified: October 2026
What does the Ohio EdChoice scholarship pay for?
Tuition only, paid to a participating chartered nonpublic school, up to $6,166 for K-8 or $8,408 for 9-12 in 2026-27, or the school's tuition if that is lower. Registration, materials and similar fees remain the family's responsibility.
Can a Columbus private school charge more than the EdChoice amount?
Yes, except to low-income families. A school can bill the difference between its tuition and the award, but a household at or below 200% of poverty that has its income verified does not have to pay tuition the scholarship leaves uncovered.
Is there an Ohio scholarship account for homeschool or tutoring costs?
Not at the moment. Ohio's Afterschool Child Enrichment (ACE) account has ended; DEW set October 15, 2025 as the final claim deadline. EdChoice cannot be used for home education. Students with an IEP can use a Jon Peterson or Autism Scholarship with an approved business provider while the parent home-educates.
| Cost | EdChoice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition at a participating chartered school | Covered | Paid to the school, up to $6,166 (K-8) or $8,408 (9-12) for 2026-27, or the school's tuition if it is lower. |
| Tuition above the award, household at or below 200% of poverty | Family cannot be charged | A family with verified low-income status does not have to pay tuition the scholarship leaves uncovered. |
| Tuition above the award, household above 200% of poverty | Family may owe it | The school can bill the difference; school aid, SGO awards and parish help are the usual answers. |
| Registration, book, material and activity fees | Not covered | DEW's fact sheets say families may still have to pay registration, material and similar fees. |
| Uniforms, meals and transportation | Not covered | EdChoice is tuition-only. Chartered schools are eligible for state pupil transportation services, which is separate from the scholarship. |
| Before- and after-school care | Not covered | Look at publicly funded child care or the Child Care Choice Voucher if the program is a participating provider. |
| Preschool | Not covered | EdChoice starts at kindergarten; the Jon Peterson Scholarship is the exception for children with an IEP, from age 3. |
| Homeschool curriculum, tutoring or enrichment | Not covered | Ohio's afterschool enrichment account (ACE) has ended, and EdChoice cannot be used for home education. |
| A non-chartered (NCNP) school | Not covered | Scholarship students enroll at chartered nonpublic schools; NCNP schools are outside the program. |
| College Credit Plus courses | Funded separately | The state pays CCP tuition at public colleges when the parent's funding request is approved, without touching EdChoice. |