What financial aid is available for private school in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C. has 2 financial aid programs for private school: DC Opportunity Scholarship Program: Federal voucher for low-income DC families. ~$8,500 (K-8) / $12,000 (9-12). Funding renewed periodically. School-based financial aid: DC's independent schools have the highest per-student aid budgets in the country. About 46% of private school families in Washington, D.C. receive some form of tuition reduction.

How much does private school cost in Washington, D.C.?

Average private school tuition in Washington, D.C. is $28,400/year. With financial aid, the average family pays significantly less. 46% of families receive some form of aid.

School-Based Aid Only

Private School Financial Aid in Washington, D.C.

2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply

Washington, D.C. has no state voucher program, but 46% of private school families still get aid through school-based financial assistance. Average tuition: $28,400/year.

Avg Tuition

$28,400

per year

Aid Programs

available

Families Aided

46%

receive some aid

Avg Aid Award

$12,600

need-based

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household income to see which Washington, D.C. 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.

Washington, D.C. Financial Aid Programs

All available programs for private school families in 2026

DC Opportunity Scholarship Program

Federal voucher for low-income DC families. ~$8,500 (K-8) / $12,000 (9-12). Funding renewed periodically

Income limit: $58,000/year (family of 4)

$12,000

/year max

School-based financial aid

DC's independent schools have the highest per-student aid budgets in the country

Varies

by school

The Full Picture in Washington, D.C.

DC has the highest average private school tuition in the country ($28,400) but also the highest average aid ($12,600). Its independent schools (Sidwell Friends, St. Albans, Georgetown Day) have massive endowments and meet full demonstrated need. Catholic Archdiocese of Washington provides tuition assistance at its schools. The DC Opportunity Scholarship Program is a federal voucher for low-income families — check if current funding cycle is active. DC is a tale of two markets: elite independents with $50K+ sticker prices and generous aid, and affordable Catholic and charter-adjacent schools under $10K.

How to Apply for Aid in Washington, D.C.

Apply for state programs first

Washington, D.C. 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.