Tuition & ESAs

Choosing Christian education for your family is a faith-filled commitment that establishes a trusting partnership and ultimately has a profound impact on your child. The 2026-27 Tuition and Fee Schedule positions PC to deliver our mission, invest in exceptional student support and focus on strategic priorities for the future.

Many families who desire to send their children to Pella Christian also have questions about financial assistance. We want every qualified, mission-aligned family to be given the opportunity to attend Pella Christian Schools and we have a variety scholarship, grant programs and savings opportunities available.

If you have questions or would like to discuss financials for your family, contact admissions@pceagles.org.

Financial Quick Links

26-27 Tuition & Fee Schedule

Apply for K-12 Iowa ESA (Odyssey Login) (open April 16 – June 30)

Apply for K-12 TAP Financial Aid (open March 1 – April 30)

Apply for K-12 STO Financial Aid (open March 1 – April 30)

Financial Savings Opportunities

Many opportunities exist to help reduce tuition costs, including tax savings and Iowa ESAs. Below are tuition savings opportunities available for all families, regardless of income.

The Students First Act makes state funding available to support the success of every K-12 student in Iowa. ESAs provide funds for eligible families from the State of Iowa.

All Pella Christian K-12 students are eligible, regardless of income, grade or transfer status. The amount allocated for the 25/26 school year is $7,988 per student. The amount for the 26/27 school year will be announced in the spring by the State of Iowa.

The ESA application opens each spring. Applications are due on June 30, 2026 for the 2026-2027 school year. Applications are valid for one year; families must apply annually to remain eligible for the program.

Log in or create an Odyssey/ESA Account here to apply for an Iowa Education Savings Account.

Iowa 529 accounts can be used to fund K-12 tuition paid to an accredited State of Iowa school. A 529 Plan is an after-tax investment account that grows tax free if distributions are used for qualified educational expenses. Pella Christian Schools are accredited State of Iowa schools and our K-12 tuition is a qualified 529 account expense. The State of Iowa guidelines state that the maximum 529 distribution per K-12 student is $20,000 per calendar year and payment can only be applied towards tuition. If you participate in the Iowa 529 educational savings plan, please have qualified distributions made and sent directly to Pella Christian Schools. 

Visit the Iowa 529 website here:  www.isave529.com

The Tuition Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP) is a program in which you purchase and use gift cards instead of cash or credit cards at places you normally shop, locally and nationally. The businesses involved gives a percentage of that purchase back to the school as a reduction in your tuition the following year.

This program is run by Pella Christian Grade School. Contact the PCGS office at trip@pceagles.org or 641-628-2414 for enrollment instructions.

Who can participate?

  • A family with children currently enrolled at PCGS or PCHS
  • A family who plans to have children at PCGS or PCHS someday
  • A grandparent who wants to help their children reduce their tuition payment
  • A supporter PCGS or PCHS who wants to help the General Tuition Fund to lower tuition for everyone
  • Anyone may participate in the TRIP program.

How often do I have to use it?
As frequently or infrequently as you choose.  Of course, the more you use it, the more beneficial it is to you or the school.

Families can claim a credit of up to $500 for tuition and textbook payments on their State of Iowa income tax return. Use your tuition statement as proof of payment. Please ask your accountant for more information on your specific tax situation and eligibility.

Financial Assistance Opportunities

Pella Christian desires every qualified, mission-aligned family to be given the opportunity to attend Pella Christian Schools. Below are financial assistance options based on family income eligibility.

Preschool financial assistance may be available to qualifying families through your county’s Early Childhood Iowa. Families must meet income guidelines to qualify. Assistance is determined by your county’s Early Childhood Iowa Program in August. Pella Christian has no control over the JMP process or scholarship determinations.

Scholarship guidelines from JMP:

  • Families must reside in Jasper, Marion, or Poweshiek counties.
  • Three year olds will be served first, and if funds remain, four year olds will be served. Children eligible to enroll in kindergarten may not be supported unless there are extenuating circumstances.
  • PC extended care tuition will no longer be supported by JMP scholarships.
  • All JMP scholarships are limited to families at or below 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines. Please see chart below.
  • Families that have income below 160% FPG must first apply for Child Care Assistance before seeking a JMP scholarship. This new requirement is designed to maximize the use of the federal funds available to Iowa. You can learn more and apply for Child Care Assistance here. Please see chart below.
  • Additional guidelines are listed below in the application.

Completed applications should be sent directly to:

JMP Early Childhood Area
Attn: Amy Blanchard
PO Box 344
Grinnell, IA 50122

If you have questions about the JMP Preschool Scholarship Program, please contact Amy Blanchard, JMP ECI Director, at 641-236-1561 or amy@greaterpcf.org.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD160% OF FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL (2026)200% OF FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL (2026)
2$34,624$43,280
3$43,712$54,640
4$52,800$66,000
5$61,888$77,360
6$70,976$88,720
7$80,064$100,080
8$89,152$111,440
Each Add’l Person+ $9,088+ $11,360
JMP Scholarship Guidelines and Application

What is this? 
Families who are in need of additional assistance to pay their tuition obligation are eligible to apply for assistance through this fund. Application for these funds opens March 1.  The priority deadline is April 30 with the awards being made during the summer.  However, families are welcome to apply for financial support at anytime throughout the year as we are aware of circumstances that can arise at anytime that might create a financial need.

How do we apply? 
Application for tuition assistance is made through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Go to FACTS APPLICATION FOR TAP  to fill out the application and attach all the supporting documentation needed. There is no fee to apply. Priority deadline is April 30. For questions about or assistance with this form, please contact the school office.

What is the amount of the scholarship? 
The PC finance committee reviews the application and financial information and makes the determination of the award. Families are welcome to visit with a finance committee member to discuss their unique financial situation.

Pella Christian K-12 students are eligible to apply for needs-based scholarships from Legacy of Grace School Tuition Organization.

Families may be eligible for assistance through this state-funded tax credit program if their income as shown on line 9 of their IRS Form 1040 for the 2025 tax year is not more than four times the poverty rate (based on the size of their family). Below is a chart that shows qualifying level for families.

Household Size400% of Federal Poverty Level (2026)
2$86,560
3$109,280
4$132,000
5$154,720
6$177,440
7$200,160
8$222,880
Each Add’l Person+ $22,720

*STO qualifying levels are based upon 400% of 2026 Federal Poverty Levels as required by Iowa law.

**Family size includes parent(s)/guardian(s) plus total number of dependents claimed on 2025 tax return.

How do we apply? 
Families apply by filling out the STO application form. Go to FACTS APPLICATION FOR STO  to fill out the application and attach all the supporting documentation needed. There is no fee to apply. Priority deadline is April 30. For questions about or assistance with this form, please contact the school office.