Every way to pay for school in Austin
Here are the 10 sources a Austin-area family can combine for private, church, Catholic, homeschool and pre-K education, with who qualifies for each and when to apply.
Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA)
Texas's education savings account pays $10,474 for 2026-27 toward an Austin-area student's tuition and approved costs at a private school that has joined the program.
Who qualifies →IEP · Up to $30,000TEFA with an IEP (up to $30,000)
If your child has a current IEP on file with the Texas Education Agency, TEFA adds a district-specific special-education amount to the base award, with a ceiling of $30,000 at a participating private school.
Who qualifies →Homeschool · $2,000TEFA Homeschool / Other ($2,000)
Students in TEFA who aren't enrolled at a participating private school, usually homeschoolers, get a $2,000 account that is funded in full on July 1.
Who qualifies →Ages 3-5 · $10,474TEFA Pre-K & Kindergarten
TEFA pays the full $10,474 at an approved pre-K or kindergarten provider. For 3- and 4-year-olds, the child must meet one of the criteria Texas uses for free public pre-K.
Who qualifies →New · Jan 2027Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (2027)
From January 1, 2027, people in participating states can give up to $1,700 to a scholarship granting organization and claim a dollar-for-dollar federal credit. Texas said on December 10, 2025 that it would opt in.
Who qualifies →Catholic schoolsDiocese of Austin: Beacon of Hope & Catholic School Aid
Beacon of Hope is the need-based scholarship for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin, funded by the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Austin. The diocese's schools office lists it alongside TEFA and several smaller aid programs.
Who qualifies →Income-based · Ages 0-12Child Care Assistance (Workforce Solutions Capital Area & Rural Capital Area)
Texas's child care scholarships help working and student parents pay a licensed provider. Travis County families apply through Workforce Solutions Capital Area, and Williamson, Hays, Bastrop and Caldwell families through Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area.
Who qualifies →High school · College creditAustin Community College Dual Credit
ACC opens dual credit to public, charter, private and homeschool high school students who live in its service area. For eligible courses, ACC waives tuition and general fees, and TEFA can cover the books and other costs.
Who qualifies →At the schoolSchool-Based Tuition Assistance
Austin-area private schools run their own need-based aid, sibling and parishioner rates and employee discounts, and every one of those can be combined with TEFA.
Who qualifies →Partner fund · No income capEdu Fund Partner Scholarship
A private partner that supports church-run and community schools offers help to families enrolling at partner schools, aimed at tuition the award leaves behind and at families still on the waitlist.
Who qualifies →Dates to know
- TodayAdd your child to the Comptroller's interest list for 2027-28 at educationfreedom.texas.gov. The state hasn't announced when year two applications open.
- Jan 1, 2027Federal scholarship tax credit takes effect. Texas announced on December 10, 2025 that it intends to take part.
- Jan 1 - Mar 1The window Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin have used for the Beacon of Hope scholarship, applied for through FACTS Grant & Aid. Confirm this year's dates with your school.
- Jan 12, 2027The 90th Legislature opens in Austin and will decide how much money TEFA gets for 2027-28.
- Feb 1, 2027Half of each 2026-27 private-school award lands in the account. Two quarter-payments already arrived on July 1 and October 1.
- Feb 1 - Mar 31Folds of Honor tuition scholarships for military dependents, listed by the Diocese of Austin's Catholic schools office.
- Year-roundPrivate schools, microschools, pre-K centers, tutors and therapists can apply to become TEFA providers on a rolling basis.
IEP amounts by district TEFA calculator What's left after TEFA
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