How much does private school cost in Wisconsin?

Average private school tuition in Wisconsin is $8,600/year. With financial aid, the average family pays significantly less. 50% of families receive some form of aid.

State Voucher / ESA Available

Private School Financial Aid in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin has 3 financial aid programs for private school: Milwaukee / Racine Parental Choice: Voucher for Milwaukee and Racine families below 220% FPL. $8,399/year (K-8). Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (Statewide): Statewide voucher for families below 220% FPL. $8,399/year (K-8). Wisconsin tuition tax deduction: Deduct up to $4,000/child ($10,000/child for grades 9-12) from state taxable income. About 50% of private school families in Wisconsin receive some form of tuition reduction.

2026 programs, income limits, and how to apply

Wisconsin has a state-funded voucher or ESA program, plus 2 other aid sources. Average tuition is $8,600/year and 50% of families receive some form of tuition reduction.

Avg Tuition

$8,600

per year

Aid Programs

available

Families Aided

50%

receive some aid

Avg Aid Award

$5,800

need-based

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household income to see which Wisconsin 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.

Wisconsin Financial Aid Programs

All available programs for private school families in 2026

Milwaukee / Racine Parental Choice

Voucher for Milwaukee and Racine families below 220% FPL. $8,399/year (K-8)

Income limit: $53,000/year (family of 4)

$8,399

/year max

Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (Statewide)

Statewide voucher for families below 220% FPL. $8,399/year (K-8)

Income limit: $53,000/year (family of 4)

$8,399

/year max

Wisconsin tuition tax deduction

Deduct up to $4,000/child ($10,000/child for grades 9-12) from state taxable income

$10,000

/year max

The Full Picture in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a pioneer — the Milwaukee voucher launched in 1990. Today there are three programs: Milwaukee, Racine, and Statewide. All are income-based at 220% FPL (~$53K/family of 4). The $8,399 voucher covers almost all of the $8,600 average tuition. For families above the income limit, the tuition tax deduction helps — up to $4,000/child (K-8) or $10,000/child (9-12). Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee has one of the largest Catholic school systems in the country with its own aid.

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

How to Apply for Aid in Wisconsin

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.

Claim your state tax deduction

Wisconsin allows a state tax deduction up to $4,000/child for private school tuition.