Last verified: October 2026
What is a school voucher worth in Charlotte for 2026-27?
A Charlotte student can get $3,574 to $7,942 toward private school tuition and required fees for 2026-27, depending on household income. The money goes from NCSEAA to the school, half each semester.
Mecklenburg families used the program heavily in 2025-26: 11,391 students and $57.6 million, according to NCSEAA figures reported by Axios Charlotte. In 2020-21 the county had 1,067 recipients.
Is there an income limit on Charlotte vouchers?
No. Since the 2024-25 school year every income level qualifies, and Tier 4 needs no income documentation. Income only sets the amount and the order in which new students are funded when money is short.
For a household of four, the lines fall at $61,050 for Tier 1, $122,100 for Tier 2 and $274,725 for Tier 3. Larger households get higher lines; a family of six stays in Tier 2 up to $164,132.
Does the voucher work at every Charlotte private school?
No; it works only at schools on NCSEAA's Direct Payment list, which showed 134 schools in the four counties for 2026-27. Several large independent schools were not on it.
Being on the list also means the school accepts the program's rules for scholarship students, including NCSEAA's designated tests in grades 3 and 8 and the ACT in grade 11, and a ban on extra fees charged because a student holds a scholarship.
When is the next chance to apply?
The 2027-28 application must open by February 1, 2027 under state law, and applications in by March 1 get priority. The 2026-27 window ran February 2 to March 2, 2026.
Applying does not enroll a child anywhere; families also go through each school's admissions. Once awarded, the student must be enrolled and attending a Direct Payment School by October 1 for the fall payment.
What are the four 2026-27 tiers?
| Tier | Household income | Maximum award |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Household income at or under the federal free or reduced-price lunch line | $7,942 |
| Tier 2 | Above the lunch line, up to 200% of it | $7,148 |
| Tier 3 | Above 200% of the lunch line, up to 450% of it | $4,766 |
| Tier 4 | Income above the Tier 3 limit, or not reported — no income cap | $3,574 |
Opportunity Scholarship vs ESA+
| Opportunity Scholarship | ESA+ |
|---|---|
| Any K-12 student | K-12 students with a special education eligibility determination |
| $3,574-$7,942 by income | $9,000 or $17,000 by disability |
| Tuition and required fees only | Tuition plus therapy, tutoring, curriculum and technology |
| Direct Payment School required | Private school or home school |