South Carolina Education Scholarship Trust Fund Program
We do not administer or manage any programs. For help, visit the official program website.
Summary
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.
Student Funding
Funding Type: Education Savings Account (ESA)
The program provides $6,000 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 to 10,000 scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year and up to 15,000 scholarships for 2026-2027 and subsequent years.
Student Eligibility
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, starting in 2024 at no more than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL) and increasing to no more than 400% FPL in 2026 and beyond.
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.
Rules & Requirements
- Income Level: Have a household income as follows:
- School Year 2025-2026 – does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- School year 2026-2027 and subsequent school years – does not exceed 400% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- 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.
Using Your 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.
How to 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.
For other South Carolina School Choice Programs: Refer to our South Carolina State Summary.