The Indiana Choice Scholarship is a state-funded voucher program providing families approximately $6,500 annually to attend participating private schools—notably, it's designed for private school tuition, not homeschool expenses.
What is the Indiana Choice Scholarship?
The Indiana Choice Scholarship Program is the largest school voucher program in the United States, providing state funds for students to attend participating private schools. The average award for 2024-25 was $6,536 per student, calculated as either 90% of the student's local public school funding or the full private school tuition—whichever is less. Nearly $500 million flowed through the program in 2024-25, serving over 76,000 students at 373 participating schools. It's substantial funding, but understanding eligibility matters—especially for homeschool families.
Key Takeaways
- Average scholarship award is approximately $6,500 per student annually
- Beginning July 2026, all Indiana families will be eligible regardless of income
- The scholarship is for private school tuition only—not homeschool expenses
- Homeschoolers are not eligible for Choice Scholarships; different programs exist for home education
- Over 76,000 students and 373 private schools participate in the program
Important Clarification for Homeschoolers
Here's what often gets lost in school choice discussions: the Indiana Choice Scholarship is specifically designed for attending participating private schools. If you're homeschooling, this program doesn't apply to you. You can't use Choice Scholarship funds for curriculum, tutoring, or homeschool expenses. The voucher pays private school tuition directly. Homeschoolers in Indiana should look at other options—the INESA (Indiana Education Scholarship Account) program, for instance, serves students with special needs and their siblings, and can be used for approved educational expenses beyond private school tuition.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
- Indiana residency
Must have legal settlement in Indiana
- Age requirement
Student must be 5-21 years old (or under 22 as of October 1)
- Income threshold (until July 2026)
Household income up to 400% of federal Free/Reduced Lunch threshold
- Acceptance at Choice school
Must be accepted and enrolled at a participating private school
- Universal eligibility (July 2026+)
All Indiana families eligible regardless of income
Major Change Coming in 2026
In May 2025, Governor Mike Braun signed House Bill 1001, removing all income eligibility requirements from the Choice Scholarship program. Starting July 2026, any Indiana family can apply regardless of household income—making Indiana the 17th state to pass universal private school choice. This represents a significant expansion that will likely increase program participation substantially. The change affects eligibility only for private school attendance, not homeschool applicability.
Application Process
The Bottom Line
The Indiana Choice Scholarship provides significant funding—averaging $6,500 per student—but only for private school tuition. If you're considering homeschooling in Indiana, this particular program won't help with your educational expenses. Look into INESA for special needs students or explore other options. For families choosing between private school and other options, the 2026 universal eligibility expansion makes the Choice Scholarship worth considering regardless of income.
