Do you want to send your child to a private school? See which states have school vouchers (2023)

It sounds like a pipe dream to have the state pay your child's private school bill, but it's becoming more common as more states across the country are introducing school voucher programs. But can your family really afford the private school fees despite financial support from the government?

Let's take a closer look at how voucher programs work, what these educational funds cover, and the eligibility requirements associated with using public funds to attend a private school.

What are school bonds?

A school voucher program provides funds normally earmarked for public education for individual students or families who wish to attend a private or religious school. In some states, private school vouchers can also be used to reimburse homeschool costs.

Public schools and charter schools are part of the public education system and are funded by taxpayer money. Private school choice programs offer an alternative for low-income students who want to invest some of this public money in private education.

How do school vouchers work?

Figuring out how coupons are used in your state can be a confusing task, as states offer different amounts to coupon recipients under different conditions. Please note that some states also have regulations that it cannot be used in private religious schools.

Depending on the state, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) also exist along with or instead of school checking programs. These accounts transfer public funds to a government-issued debit card. Families can then use the card to help pay for private schools, online learning, tutoring, community college, and other educational services and materials.

Some states offer scholarships for private schools that use alternative sources of funding. Instead of being funded directly by the state, these scholarships are paid for with tax credits from private donors, which are then repaid with a tax credit.

Who is entitled to school vouchers?

Who is eligible to use school vouchers depends on the state in which you live. For example, some states offer coupons if you are in a school district with low-performing schools. Other states restrict vouchers to students with special needs or other disadvantaged students.

In the case of tuition tax credits, some states structure scholarship programs based on student coursework or test scores.

Do the vouchers cover the cost of private school tuition?

Regardless of the eligibility requirements or the structure of the coupon program, one thing is clear. School voucher programs rarely cover the full cost of attending private schools.

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of attending one of the 22,440 private K-12 schools in the United States is$12,350 per year, with religious schools offering significantly lower tuition than non-denominational schools. This puts the private school tuition at a whopping 18% of theMedian Household Income, according to the US Census Bureau.

Do you want to make up the cost difference between public and private schools? Consult our adviceprivate paying school, including creating a 529 savings plan.

States that offer voucher programs to pay for private schools

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia currently offer some type of school voucher program. Five of these voucher programs are only for students with special needs. Additionally, three of New England's state voucher programs limit eligibility to small towns without public schools.

That leaves just seven states where low-income students qualify for traditional school voucher programs. However theCoupon Status ListIt is expected to expand rapidly next year as more education choice laws take effect. Funding is variable and is often awarded based on family needs and income.

States that offer education savings accounts to cover private and religious schools

While not many states offer traditional school voucher programs, many more have scholarship programs with tax credits or Flexible Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help families cover private school costs.

5 hidden costs of attending private schools

Before taking advantage of coupons in your state, consider some of the other costs of attending a private school. While government support can help you cover some costs, private schools have other prices.

1. Transport

Most private schools consider it your responsibility to get your child to school. This includes not only the cost of gas, but also the time you plan for daily work with the rideshare.

2. School uniforms

Many private schools eliminate dress code concerns by requiring students to wear uniforms. However, some parents argue that the cost of school uniforms is affordable compared to purchasing an equivalent amount of children's clothing.

3. Computers and other devices

Unlike public schools, which give students free devices, many private schools assume students can access their own computers or tablets at home.

4. Books

Public school teachers have almost entirely moved their resources online to keep books cheap or free, but private schools are more likely to rely on traditional books. And in some cases, the cost of these textbooks is passed on to the parents.

5. Excursions

Field trips are rare in public schools and are generally limited to nearby trips where the activities are free. Those who attend private schools are more likely to afford longer and more expensive excursions to more expensive destinations.

And of course, if you decide to go to one of these luxurious boarding schools, you will foot the bill for food and accommodation.

Do you want to reduce the cost of school supplies? use ourBack-to-School-Budget-Leitfadento help you plan and save on your student's biggest expenses.

Frequently asked questions about the school voucher (FAQ)

Kaz Weida is a Senior Writer for The Penny Hoarder covering saving money and budgeting. As a journalist, he has written on a wide variety of topics over the past decade, including finance, health, politics, education, and technology.