Choice Scholarship Program

All Indiana students between ages 5 and 21 are now eligible for a scholarship. In previous years, children were income-eligible if their families earned up to 400% of the amount required for the individual to qualify for the federal Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRL). _(Last updated May 5, 2025)_

Funds can be used to pay for tuition and fees for eligible students at participating schools approved by the department. Multiple accrediting agencies are currently recognized for the purpose of participating in the Choice Scholarship Program, and the State Board of Education can also accredit schools for participation. Special education services may also be covered for students with disabilities if the choice school is selected as the special education service provider. _(Last updated October 4, 2024)_

Vouchers are worth up to 90% of the state per-student spending amount for the sending school district. Families can supplement vouchers with additional funds. Students eligible to receive additional district-allocated special education funds are also eligible to use those funds for special education services at a voucher-accepting school. Any qualifying Indiana K–12 student that wishes to participate may receive funding. _(Last updated October 4, 2024)_

On March 26, 2013, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled in _Meredith v. Pence,_ a landmark 5-0 decision, that the Choice Scholarship Program does not violate the state constitution and that constitutional prohibitions against government funding of religious entities does not apply to entities providing primary and secondary education. The case began July 1, 2011, when teachers’ union officials and others challenged Indiana’s voucher program in state court, alleging the Indiana Constitution prohibits funding of religious schools. In _Meredith v. Daniels_ , 49D07-1107-PL-025402 (2012) a Marion County Superior Court denied a motion for preliminary injunction, then granted summary judgment January 13, 2012, in favor of the program. On direct appeal to the Indiana Supreme Court, the justices opined, “First, the voucher program expenditures do not directly benefit religious schools but rather directly benefit lower-income families with school-children by providing an opportunity for such children to attend non-public schools if desired. Second, the prohibition against government expenditures to benefit religious or theological institutions does not apply to institutions and programs providing primary and secondary education.” _Meredith v. Pence_ , 984 N.E.2d 1213 (Ind. 2013). _(Last Updated December 6, 2023)_