How much is Iowa's school voucher worth?

Iowa's Students First ESA provides up to $7,598 per student per year. The program is universal — all K–12 students qualify regardless of income.

Universal Program — No Income Limit

Do I Qualify for Iowa's School Voucher?

Q: Do I qualify for Iowa's school voucher program?

Students First ESA is a universal program — no income limit. Benefit: $7,598/student/year. Iowa's Students First ESA is universal — no income requirement. The $7,598/yr benefit tracks 88% of the state per-pupil spending rate. Funds go to an Education Savings Account and can be used for private school tuition at approved Iowa schools. Apply through the Iowa Department of Education. Schools must be state-accredited to accept ESA students.

Q: How do I apply for Iowa's school voucher?

Apply at https://educate.iowa.gov/. Iowa's Students First ESA is universal — no income requirement. The $7,598/yr benefit tracks 88% of the state per-pupil spending rate. Funds go to an Education Savings Account and can be used for private school tuition at approved Iowa schools. Apply through the Iowa Department of Education. Schools must be state-accredited to accept ESA students.

2026 eligibility, income limits, and how to apply

Students First ESA is a universal program. No income test. Any Iowa K–12 student can apply for $7,598/year per student.

Max Benefit

$7,598

per student / year

Eligibility

Universal

No income test

Grades

K–12

covered

Program Launch

2023

Students First

Check Your Eligibility

Iowa's program is universal. Enter your family details to see estimated benefit.

Number of school-age children (K–12)

How to Apply for Iowa's Program

Program: Students First ESA

Deadline: Applications accepted year-round

Iowa's Students First ESA is universal — no income requirement. The $7,598/yr benefit tracks 88% of the state per-pupil spending rate. Funds go to an Education Savings Account and can be used for private school tuition at approved Iowa schools. Apply through the Iowa Department of Education. Schools must be state-accredited to accept ESA students.

Confirm your school is approved

Private schools must be accredited and registered with the state program to accept voucher or ESA students. Contact the school directly or check the program's approved school list.

Gather documents

Typically: child's birth certificate, proof of state residency, income documentation (recent tax return or pay stubs), and current school enrollment records.

Apply before the window closes

Applications accepted year-round. Programs with fixed windows often have waitlists. Apply on the first day the portal opens.

Apply for Students First ESA →