South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help or official support, visit the state’s program website. Program information verified using official state information.
How does this program work?
The South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program is a targeted education savings account (ESA) program. It provides scholarships to qualifying families to support a customized, flexible education for their children, covering a range of educational expenses such as tutoring, educational therapies for students with disabilities, and textbooks, curriculum, and other instructional materials. The South Carolina Department of Education and ClassWallet manage the program.
Why this matters to families in South Carolina:
The South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund program expands access to other educational resources so parents can select additional resources that best match their child’s individual learning or developmental needs. It gives families more control over their child’s education path.
Award amounts for 2025-2026
ESA
The program provides $7,634 scholarships per eligible student to cover various educational expenses. The funds are initially provided in quarterly installments and can roll over to the following school year if unused.
The program will provide up 15,000 scholarships.
Who is eligible for this program?
Eligible students must be South Carolina residents and meet one of the following criteria: have attended a South Carolina public school during the previous school year, be under the age of five by September 1 of the previous school year but turn five by September 1 of the current school year, or have received a scholarship in the previous school year.
Household income determines ESA scholarships. Use the Pre-qualification Tool on the South Carolina Department of Education site to see if your family qualifies.
Students currently enrolled in a public charter school, homeschool students, and students participating in the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children’s Fund program are not eligible for this scholarship program.
How can families use the funds?
Families can use the scholarships from the South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program for:
- educational services such as tutoring services approved by the Department of Education
- educational therapies for students with disabilities
- textbooks, curriculum, and other instructional materials
- transportation fees up to $750 per school year
- other educational expenses as approved by the Department of Education
The program distributes funds quarterly into a digital wallet on ClassWallet. Payments are made by you directly using the digital wallet to the educational service providers which must be on the approved list by the South Carolina Department of Education to participate in the program.
What are the program rules and requirements?
- Income Level: Use the Pre-qualification Tool on the South Carolina Department of Education site to see if your income qualifies.
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of South Carolina.
- Educational Status: Students entering K-12 grades who are starting school in South Carolina or previously attended a public school.
- School Requirements: Funds can be used at approved education service providers so check your provider is approved to participate in the program.
- Other South Carolina School Choice Programs: Students currently enrolled in a public charter school, homeschool students, and students participating in the Educational Credit for Exceptional Needs Children’s Fund program are not eligible for this scholarship program.
How do families apply?
- Check Eligibility: Ensure the household and student meets the income and residency requirements. Review the Participant Guide for more information.
- Gather Documentation: Collect required documents, including proof of guardianship, income and residency.
- Choose Education Service Providers: Ensure your service provider is on the approved list of providers so funds can be used for them.
- Complete the Application: Follow the application process on the Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program site during the open enrollment period.
- Submit: Review and submit the application along with any necessary documentation.
Where can families learn more?
For other South Carolina School Choice Programs: Refer to our South Carolina State Summary.