Education Savings Accounts

The Students First Act, introduced by Governor Reynolds and signed into law on January 24, 2023, makes state funding available to support the success of every K-12 student in Iowa. Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) provide funds for eligible families from the State of Iowa. Eligibility is spread over three years until becoming available to every child for the 2025/2026 school year.

2023-24 School Year, $7,635 per student
-All kindergarten students
-All public school students who transfer to a private school
-All private school students with a household income at or below 300% of federal poverty level

2024-25 School Year, funding per student equal to the state student rate
-All kindergarten students
-All public school students who transfer to a private school
-All private school students with a household income at or below 400% of federal poverty level
-All students who have previously received an ESA (regardless of income)

2025-26 School Year, funding per student equal to the state student rate
-All K-12 students in Iowa (regardless of income, grade or transfer status)

The application process is in development now and details, including the application start date, will be provided soon. Applications will be due on June 30, 2023, for the 2023-2024 school year. Applications are valid for one year; families must apply annually to remain eligible for the program.

Sign up for notifications of ESA details on the Iowa Department of Education website.

Household Size300% of Federal Poverty Level400% of Federal Poverty Level
2$59,160$78,880
3$74,580$99,440
4$90,000$120,000
5$105,420$140,560
6$120,840$161,120
7$136,260$181,680
8$151,680$202,240
Each Add’l Person+ $15,420+ $20,560