Private School Financial Aid in California
2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply
California has no state voucher program, but 42% of private school families still get aid through school-based financial assistance. Average tuition: $15,300/year.
Check Your Eligibility
Enter your household income to see which California programs you might qualify for.
Gross income before taxes. Income limits shown for a family of 4; actual limits scale with household size.
California Financial Aid Programs
All available programs for private school families in 2026
School-based financial aid
California's top independent schools meet 80-100% of demonstrated need. Catholic schools offer parish and diocese-level aid.
Varies
by school
BASIC Fund
Bay Area nonprofit providing K-8 scholarships for low-income families
Income limit: $55,000/year (family of 4)
$3,500
/year max
The Full Picture in California
California has no state voucher or tax credit program. All aid comes from the schools themselves and private scholarship organizations. The gap is real: average tuition is $15,300 and average aid is $7,200. Independent schools (CAIS members) have the biggest aid budgets. Catholic schools are cheaper ($8K-$12K) and offer parish subsidies. Apply for aid at every school. Start in January for the following fall.
How to Apply for Aid in California
Apply for state programs first
California has no state-funded program. Skip to step 2.
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.