Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program: How It Works & Who’s Eligible
Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship Program provides families with the ability to use state-funded scholarships to attend participating private schools. The program has two components: the Traditional EdChoice Scholarship and the EdChoice Expansion Scholarship. Recent legislative changes have made EdChoice Expansion essentially universal, dramatically widening access to families across the state.
Traditional EdChoice Scholarship
How It Works
Traditional EdChoice is designed for students assigned to low-performing public schools, known as “EdChoice-designated” buildings. These schools are identified based on state performance metrics.
Who’s Eligible
Students qualify if they:
- Are assigned to or currently attending a low-performing public school.
- Attend a community (charter) school but would otherwise be assigned to a designated school.
- Newly enroll in Ohio and would be assigned to such a school.
- Have a sibling who received a Traditional EdChoice Scholarship.
- Are foster children, in guardianship, or experiencing homelessness.
Scholarship Value
- K–8: $6,166
- 9–12: $8,408 (or tuition, whichever is less)
EdChoice Expansion: Now Universal
What Changed in 2024
Previously, EdChoice Expansion was limited by household income. But in Ohio’s 2023–2024 budget, lawmakers removed the income cap, making scholarships available to all Ohio families regardless of income.
- Families at or below 450% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) receive the full scholarship.
- Families above 450% FPL still qualify, but the award is reduced on a sliding scale—down to about $650 (K–8) or $950 (9–12) for the highest earners.
- In short: every Ohio student outside Cleveland is eligible for some level of EdChoice Expansion.
Scholarship Amounts
- K–8: up to $6,166
- 9–12: up to $8,408
Growth in Participation
The universal expansion sparked enormous growth:
- From 23,000+ students in 2023 to 88,000+ in 2024 (a 283% jump).
- The state expects another 15% increase in 2025–2026.
Application Process
- Families must first apply to and be accepted by a participating private school.
- The private school then submits the EdChoice application through the state’s online system.
- Application window: Feb 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026.
- Income verification is only required if families want to establish eligibility for the full award (≤450% FPL).
Legal Challenges
In June 2025, a state judge ruled Ohio’s universal voucher system unconstitutional, claiming it undermines the “common school system” required by the Ohio Constitution. However:
- The ruling was stayed, meaning the program continues while the state appeals.
- Over 300 school districts are part of the lawsuit challenging the program.
For now, families can still apply and receive EdChoice Expansion scholarships while the courts decide its fate.
At-a-Glance: Traditional vs. Universal EdChoice
| Feature | Traditional EdChoice | EdChoice Expansion (Universal) |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Assigned to low-performing public schools, foster/homeless, sibling rule, etc. | All Ohio K–12 students (outside Cleveland) |
| Income Limits | None | None (income only affects award size) |
| Max Scholarship | $6,166 (K–8); $8,408 (9–12) | $6,166 (K–8); $8,408 (9–12) |
| Award Reduction | None | Sliding scale above 450% FPL |
| Status | Active | Active, but under legal challenge |
Final Thoughts
Ohio’s EdChoice program has shifted from a limited, income-based option to a nearly universal scholarship system. Whether tied to a low-performing public school (Traditional EdChoice) or simply looking for more educational choice (Expansion), families now have broader access to private education support.
While its long-term future may be shaped by ongoing court battles, for now, EdChoice remains a powerful tool for Ohio families seeking educational alternatives.