How much is South Carolina's school voucher worth?

South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund provides up to $7,000 per student per year. The program is income-based.

Income-Based Program

Do I Qualify for South Carolina's School Voucher?

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

Education Scholarship Trust Fund is income-based with a limit of approximately $58,000/year for a family of 4. Benefit: up to $7,000/student/year. South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund is income-based at 200% of the federal poverty level — about $58,000/year for a family of four. The scholarship can be used at approved private schools or for homeschool expenses. Apply through the South Carolina Department of Education. The program launched in the 2024–25 school year with a limited number of slots — apply early.

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

Apply at https://ed.sc.gov/. South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund is income-based at 200% of the federal poverty level — about $58,000/year for a family of four. The scholarship can be used at approved private schools or for homeschool expenses. Apply through the South Carolina Department of Education. The program launched in the 2024–25 school year with a limited number of slots — apply early.

2026 eligibility, income limits, and how to apply

Education Scholarship Trust Fund is income-based. A family of 4 earning under $58,000/year likely qualifies for up to $7,000/student/year.

Max Benefit

$7,000

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 South 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.

South 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	~$28,000/year
2 people	~$38,000/year
3 people	~$48,000/year
4 people (reference)	~$58,000/year
5 people	~$66,900/year
6 people	~$76,900/year
7 people	~$86,900/year
8+ people	~$96,900/year

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

How to Apply for South Carolina's Program

Program: Education Scholarship Trust Fund

Deadline: Annual application cycle; spring deadline

South Carolina's Education Scholarship Trust Fund is income-based at 200% of the federal poverty level — about $58,000/year for a family of four. The scholarship can be used at approved private schools or for homeschool expenses. Apply through the South Carolina Department of Education. The program launched in the 2024–25 school year with a limited number of slots — apply early.

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 application cycle; spring deadline. Programs with fixed windows often have waitlists. Apply on the first day the portal opens.

Apply for Education Scholarship Trust Fund →