How much does private school cost in Ohio?

Average private school tuition in Ohio is $8,800/year. With financial aid, the average family pays significantly less. 52% of families receive some form of aid.

State Voucher / ESA Available

Private School Financial Aid in Ohio

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

Ohio has 4 financial aid programs for private school: EdChoice Expansion Scholarship: Income-based at 450% FPL (~$115K/family of 4). Tiered benefit amounts. EdChoice Traditional Scholarship: For students zoned to low-performing public schools. No income limit. Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship: For students with IEPs. No income limit. Amount based on service plan. School-based financial aid: Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and Columbus have large tuition assistance programs. About 52% of private school families in Ohio receive some form of tuition reduction.

2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply

Ohio has a state-funded voucher or ESA program, plus 3 other aid sources. Average tuition is $8,800/year and 52% of families receive some form of tuition reduction.

Avg Tuition

$8,800

per year

Aid Programs

available

Families Aided

52%

receive some aid

Avg Aid Award

$4,800

need-based

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household income to see which Ohio 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.

Ohio Financial Aid Programs

All available programs for private school families in 2026

EdChoice Expansion Scholarship

Income-based at 450% FPL (~$115K/family of 4). Tiered benefit amounts

Income limit: $115,000/year (family of 4)

$6,165

/year max

EdChoice Traditional Scholarship

For students zoned to low-performing public schools. No income limit

No income limit

$6,165

/year max

Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship

For students with IEPs. No income limit. Amount based on service plan

No income limit

$27,000

/year max

School-based financial aid

Catholic Diocese of Cleveland and Columbus have large tuition assistance programs

Varies

by school

The Full Picture in Ohio

Ohio has one of the most complex but generous voucher systems in the country. Three programs overlap: EdChoice Expansion (income-based, broad), EdChoice Traditional (school-zone-based, no income limit), and Jon Peterson (special needs, no income limit, up to $27K). Many Ohio families qualify for at least one. Catholic Dioceses of Cleveland and Columbus have some of the largest faith-based aid programs in the Midwest. Stack a state voucher with school-based aid and most families can afford private school.

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

How to Apply for Aid in Ohio

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.