How much is North Carolina's school voucher worth?

North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship provides up to $7,198 per student per year. The program is income-based.

Income-Based Program

Do I Qualify for North Carolina's School Voucher?

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

Opportunity Scholarship is income-based with a limit of approximately $133,000/year for a family of 4. Benefit: up to $7,198/student/year. North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship covers families up to 400% of the federal poverty level — about $133,000/year for a family of four. Lower-income families receive a larger scholarship; families above 200% FPL receive a smaller amount. The program is administered by the State Education Assistance Authority. Apply through their online portal. As of 2023, NC removed the prior public school attendance requirement.

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

Apply at https://www.ncdps.gov/about-dps/office-of-state-human-resources/opportunity-scholarship-program. North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship covers families up to 400% of the federal poverty level — about $133,000/year for a family of four. Lower-income families receive a larger scholarship; families above 200% FPL receive a smaller amount. The program is administered by the State Education Assistance Authority. Apply through their online portal. As of 2023, NC removed the prior public school attendance requirement.

2026 eligibility, income limits, and how to apply

Opportunity Scholarship is income-based. A family of 4 earning under $133,000/year likely qualifies for up to $7,198/student/year.

Max Benefit

$7,198

per student / year

Eligibility

Income-Based

See limits below

Grades

K–12

covered

Program Launch

2013 (expanded 2023)

Opportunity Scholarship

Check Your Eligibility

Enter your household size and income to check against North Carolina'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.

North Carolina Voucher Income Limits — 2026

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

Household size	Annual income limit (est.)
1 person	~$64,200/year
2 people	~$87,200/year
3 people	~$110,100/year
4 people (reference)	~$133,000/year
5 people	~$153,500/year
6 people	~$176,400/year
7 people	~$199,200/year
8+ people	~$222,100/year

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

How to Apply for North Carolina's Program

Program: Opportunity Scholarship

Deadline: Annual deadline typically in spring; apply early

North Carolina's Opportunity Scholarship covers families up to 400% of the federal poverty level — about $133,000/year for a family of four. Lower-income families receive a larger scholarship; families above 200% FPL receive a smaller amount. The program is administered by the State Education Assistance Authority. Apply through their online portal. As of 2023, NC removed the prior public school attendance requirement.

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 deadline typically in spring; apply early. Programs with fixed windows often have waitlists. Apply on the first day the portal opens.

Apply for Opportunity Scholarship →