What financial aid is available for private school in Arkansas?

Arkansas has 2 financial aid programs for private school: LEARNS Act Education Freedom Account: Universal ESA — ~$6,672/student/year, no income limit. School-based tuition assistance: Individual schools set aid based on family income and enrollment. About 50% of private school families in Arkansas receive some form of tuition reduction.

How much does private school cost in Arkansas?

Average private school tuition in Arkansas is $7,600/year. With financial aid, the average family pays significantly less. 50% of families receive some form of aid.

State Voucher / ESA Available

Private School Financial Aid in Arkansas

2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply

Arkansas has a state-funded voucher or ESA program, plus 1 other aid source. Average tuition is $7,600/year and 50% of families receive some form of tuition reduction.

Avg Tuition

$7,600

per year

Aid Programs

available

Families Aided

50%

receive some aid

Avg Aid Award

$4,100

need-based

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household income to see which Arkansas programs you might qualify for.

Annual household income ($)

School-age children

Gross income before taxes. Income limits shown for a family of 4; actual limits scale with household size.

Arkansas Financial Aid Programs

All available programs for private school families in 2026

LEARNS Act Education Freedom Account

Universal ESA — ~$6,672/student/year, no income limit

No income limit

$6,672

/year max

School-based tuition assistance

Individual schools set aid based on family income and enrollment

Varies

by school

The Full Picture in Arkansas

Arkansas's ESA covers most of the average private school tuition in the state. At $6,672 against a $7,600 average, families often owe under $1,000 after the ESA alone. Schools with their own aid programs can close the gap entirely for lower-income families.

Want voucher-specific details? See our Arkansas school voucher eligibility page for income thresholds by household size, application links, and enrollment deadlines.

How to Apply for Aid in Arkansas

Apply for state programs first

Start with the state voucher/ESA. It's the biggest single award. Then apply for tax credit scholarships if available.

Apply for school-based aid at every school

Most schools use TADS, FACTS, or SSS for financial aid assessment. Apply by January-February for the following school year. School aid stacks with state programs.

Check private scholarship organizations

Local nonprofits, community foundations, and religious organizations often provide additional scholarships. Search "[your city] private school scholarships" for local options.