Ohio
Ohio Private School Vouchers Exceed $1.1 Billion as Family Demand Surges
For the second year in a row, Ohio spent more than a billion dollars on private school vouchers, this time for the 2026 fiscal year. The total amount for Ohio’s five private school voucher programs was $1.173 billion, according to…
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Key points
- Ohio spent $1.173 billion on private school scholarship programs in fiscal year 2026, marking the second consecutive year voucher spending surpassed $1 billion.
- Nonpublic school enrollment rose to 185,584 students in fiscal year 2026, while public school enrollment fell for the fifth straight year.
- An Appellate Court ruled the EdChoice voucher program unconstitutional, but the state is appealing to the Ohio Supreme Court with payments remaining active.
NewsWK — Families across Ohio increasingly use state-backed scholarship programs to customize their children’s education. Specifically, official state figures show Ohio spent $1.173 billion on private school vouchers in fiscal year 2026. Consequently, voucher investments topped $1 billion for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, public school enrollment dropped across the state. At the same time, private school attendance steadily climbed.
How much did Ohio spend on private school vouchers in fiscal year 2026? Ohio Private School Vouchers
Ohio invested $1.173 billion across five distinct state scholarship programs during fiscal year 2026. Notably, this total came in slightly below a $1.18 billion state estimate. The nonpartisan Ohio Legislative Service Commission prepared that initial projection. Furthermore, rising parent participation continues driving overall Ohio school voucher spending each year.
In total, five separate scholarship pathways make up the broader voucher ecosystem. Moreover, each initiative serves specific student needs. These range from low-income assistance to specialized support services.
- Educational Choice Expansion: Awarded over 105,000 scholarships totaling $532.8 million. This averages $5,114 per student.
- Traditional EdChoice: Provided more than 42,000 scholarships totaling $284.6 million. This averages $6,807 per student.
- Autism Scholarship Program: Delivered over 6,000 scholarships totaling $186.7 million. This averages $30,318 per student.
- Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship: Issued more than 9,000 scholarships totaling $114.2 million. This averages $13,511 per student.
- Cleveland Scholarship: Distributed over 8,000 scholarships totaling $55.09 million. This averages $6,875 per student.
What does expanded school choice mean for Ohio families?
Parents choose schools that best match their children’s unique needs. Consequently, thousands of students transitioned into nonpublic options. Meanwhile, public district enrollment experienced a gradual, multi-year decline.
Under current rules, K-8 students receive up to $6,166 annually. Similarly, high school students qualify for up to $8,408. Additionally, demand for nonpublic options grew alongside budget allocations over the past five fiscal years:
- Fiscal Year 2021: $444.5 million spent for 167,395 nonpublic students.
- Fiscal Year 2022: $554.5 million spent for 169,807 nonpublic students.
- Fiscal Year 2023: $610.2 million spent for 173,156 nonpublic students.
- Fiscal Year 2024: $970.7 million spent for 181,244 nonpublic students.
- Fiscal Year 2025: $1.09 billion spent for 185,584 nonpublic students.
- Fiscal Year 2026: $1.173 billion spent.
In contrast, public school enrollment dropped from 1,672,198 in the 2021-22 academic year. By 2025-26, that figure fell to 1,629,346. Consequently, teachers union leaders criticized the trend. They also raised concerns about the overall Ohio public school funding balance.
Why is the Ohio EdChoice expansion driving growth?
The Ohio EdChoice expansion broadened eligibility three years ago. Specifically, it opened access to families earning up to 450% of the federal poverty line. Therefore, this policy shift created near-universal access for households statewide, mostly for wealthy families. Together, they secured state-funded private education opportunities.
Labor leaders argue that expanding state voucher programs redirects resources away from traditional district facilities.
For example, Ohio Education Association President Jeff Wensing voiced concern regarding public tax dollars. “I think our policymakers… diverting more than $1.1 billion a year, maybe $1.2 to private schools probably isn’t the best decision,” Wensing stated.
How does the Ohio private school voucher ruling affect future funding?
A recent Ohio private school voucher ruling declared the EdChoice program unconstitutional. A State Appellate Court issued this decision. However, the ruling does not immediately halt voucher payments. Instead, state officials expect the law to remain intact during a swift legal challenge. The State Supreme Court will ultimately decide the case.
Accordingly, Interim Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson announced plans to appeal the adverse ruling. He will take the case to the Conservative-led High Court. Currently, the State Supreme Court maintains a 6-1 Republican majority. Therefore, supporters expect the voucher system will ultimately survive legal challenges.
For now, scholarship payments remain active for participating families. Furthermore, state leaders stress that parents can continue using allocated funds. Meanwhile, judges will review the constitutional arguments.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
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