Education Savings Accounts (ESA)
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More than 90% of CVCS students attend with help from an ESA. For the 2026-27 school year, every Iowa K-12 student is eligible for $8,148 toward tuition, fees and other qualified costs.
The ESA application window for the 2027-28 school year is expected to open April 16, 2027, at 8 a.m. and close June 30, 2027, at 11:59 p.m., following the state’s annual timeline. Dates will be confirmed by the Iowa Department of Education. -
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2026-27 Key Dates
- Oct. 15 – Nov. 15, 2026: Half-year (second semester only) ESA application window, $4,074. Opens 8 a.m. Oct. 15; closes 11:59 p.m. Nov. 15.
- Dec. 1, 2026: Spring ESA funds available.
- Feb. 1, 2027: Spring tuition and fees must be paid through the ESA portal by 11:59 p.m.
Full-year ESAs ($8,148) are split evenly: half for fall 2026, half for spring 2027
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The Students First Act
The Students First Act, signed into law on January 24, 2023, makes state funding available to support the success of every K-12 student in Iowa. The bill establishes a framework and funding for education savings accounts, which may be used by eligible families to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at accredited, non-public schools in Iowa.
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ESA Eligibility
Education Savings Account eligibility was phased in over three years and all students who are Iowa residents are eligible to apply. Eligible families will receive an amount equal to the per pupil funding allocated to public school districts for the same budget school year.
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- All K-12 students in Iowa, regardless of income ($8,148 per student for 2026-27)
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- All K-12 students in Iowa - regardless of income
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- All entering kindergarten students
- All students enrolled in a public school
- Any student enrolled in a non-public school with a household income at or below 400% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines
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- All entering kindergarten students
- All students enrolled in a public school
- Any student enrolled in a non-public school with a household income at or below 300% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
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ESAs and the Nov. 3 Election
ESAs are set by state law and funded through the state budget. Any change would require action by the Iowa Legislature and the governor, both on the ballot Nov. 3.
CVCS does not endorse candidates. We share facts and nonpartisan resources and encourage every family to vote as faithful citizens.
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Contact Us
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tlarsoncvcatholic.orgEnrollment Manager
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Sarah Smithssmithcvcatholic.orgAdvancement Director
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