How much is Mississippi's school voucher worth?

Mississippi's Education Scholarship Account (ESA) provides up to $6,500 per student per year. The program is income-based.

Income-Based Program

Do I Qualify for Mississippi's School Voucher?

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

Education Scholarship Account (ESA) is income-based with a limit of approximately $65,000/year for a family of 4. Benefit: up to $6,500/student/year. Mississippi's ESA was initially for students with disabilities but expanded in 2024. Current eligibility includes students with documented disabilities and, in some districts, students zoned to persistently low-performing schools. Income limits apply — families below 250% FPL have priority. The program is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education. Contact them directly for current enrollment status.

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

Apply at https://www.mdek12.org/. Mississippi's ESA was initially for students with disabilities but expanded in 2024. Current eligibility includes students with documented disabilities and, in some districts, students zoned to persistently low-performing schools. Income limits apply — families below 250% FPL have priority. The program is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education. Contact them directly for current enrollment status.

2026 eligibility, income limits, and how to apply

Education Scholarship Account (ESA) is income-based. A family of 4 earning under $65,000/year likely qualifies for up to $6,500/student/year.

Max Benefit

$6,500

per student / year

Eligibility

Income-Based

See limits below

Grades

K–12

covered

Program Launch

2024

Education Scholarship

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household size and income to check against Mississippi's 2026 limit.

Number of school-age children (K–12)

Annual household income ($)

Gross income before taxes. Income limit shown is for a family of 4; limits scale with household size.

Mississippi Voucher Income Limits — 2026

Approximate limits by household size. Exact limits set by the state program.

Household size	Annual income limit (est.)
1 person	~$31,400/year
2 people	~$42,600/year
3 people	~$53,800/year
4 people (reference)	~$65,000/year
5 people	~$75,000/year
6 people	~$86,200/year
7 people	~$97,400/year
8+ people	~$108,600/year

Estimates based on Mississippi program income limit scaled by federal poverty level ratios. Check the official program for exact thresholds.

How to Apply for Mississippi's Program

Program: Education Scholarship Account (ESA)

Deadline: Annual enrollment cycle; check MDOE for current dates

Mississippi's ESA was initially for students with disabilities but expanded in 2024. Current eligibility includes students with documented disabilities and, in some districts, students zoned to persistently low-performing schools. Income limits apply — families below 250% FPL have priority. The program is administered by the Mississippi Department of Education. Contact them directly for current enrollment status.

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

Annual enrollment cycle; check MDOE for current dates. Programs with fixed windows often have waitlists. Apply on the first day the portal opens.

Apply for Education Scholarship Account (ESA) →