How much does private school cost in North Carolina?

Average private school tuition in North Carolina is $10,400/year. With financial aid, the average family pays significantly less. 48% of families receive some form of aid.

State Voucher / ESA Available

Private School Financial Aid in North Carolina

Q: What financial aid is available for private school in North Carolina?

North Carolina has 3 financial aid programs for private school: Opportunity Scholarship: Income-based voucher at 400% FPL (~$133K/family of 4). Scholarship amount varies by income tier. Disabilities Grant: Separate grant for special needs students — up to $8,000/year, no income limit. School-based financial aid: Triangle-area and Charlotte independent schools have strong aid programs. About 48% of private school families in North Carolina receive some form of tuition reduction.

2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply

North Carolina has a state-funded voucher or ESA program, plus 2 other aid sources. Average tuition is $10,400/year and 48% of families receive some form of tuition reduction.

Avg Tuition

$10,400

per year

Aid Programs

available

Families Aided

48%

receive some aid

Avg Aid Award

$5,000

need-based

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household income to see which North Carolina 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.

North Carolina Financial Aid Programs

All available programs for private school families in 2026

Opportunity Scholarship

Income-based voucher at 400% FPL (~$133K/family of 4). Scholarship amount varies by income tier

Income limit: $133,000/year (family of 4)

$7,198

/year max

Disabilities Grant

Separate grant for special needs students — up to $8,000/year, no income limit

No income limit

$8,000

/year max

School-based financial aid

Triangle-area and Charlotte independent schools have strong aid programs

Varies

by school

The Full Picture in North Carolina

North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship has one of the broadest income limits in the country — $133K for a family of four. Lower-income families get larger awards. The Disabilities Grant adds up to $8,000 with no income test. Independent schools in the Research Triangle and Charlotte have endowment-funded aid on top of the state voucher. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Raleigh and Charlotte offer parish-funded tuition assistance.

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

How to Apply for Aid in North Carolina

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.