Private School Financial Aid in Missouri
2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply
Missouri has no state voucher program, but 38% of private school families still get aid through tax credit scholarships and school-based financial assistance. Average tuition: $8,400/year.
Check Your Eligibility
Enter your household income to see which Missouri programs you might qualify for.
Gross income before taxes. Income limits shown for a family of 4; actual limits scale with household size.
Missouri Financial Aid Programs
All available programs for private school families in 2026
Empowerment Scholarship Accounts
Tax credit-funded ESAs for low-income students in STL and KC. Income limit: 200% FPL
Income limit: $58,000/year (family of 4)
$6,375
/year max
School-based financial aid
Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis provides significant tuition assistance across 100+ schools
Varies
by school
The Full Picture in Missouri
Missouri's tax credit scholarship is geographically limited to St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas. Families elsewhere rely on school-based aid. The Archdiocese of St. Louis operates one of the largest Catholic school systems in the country with sliding-scale tuition. Kansas City has a growing network of independent and faith-based schools with their own aid programs. Outside the two metros, private schools are mostly small Christian academies with modest tuition ($4K-$7K).
How to Apply for Aid in Missouri
Apply for state programs first
Apply through your state's scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) for tax credit scholarships. These have the biggest awards.
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.