The priority application window for North Carolina’s popular Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ programs opened today and will remain open through March 2, according to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Both programs help families afford to send their kids to private schools.
Eligibility for the Opportunity Scholarship was once limited to families below a certain income threshold. In 2023, however, the General Assembly opened eligibility to all families in the state, regardless of household income. This move proved popular with families. In 2024, the NCSEAA received a record number of new applications, and lawmakers added more funding to clear the waitlist and ensure that all students who applied for scholarships could receive them.
The Opportunity Scholarship program continues to be popular with families and members of the general public. More than 104,000 students now use the program to attend private schools, and nearly 64 percent of respondents to a recent Carolina Journal poll expressed support for the program.
Here’s what you need to know as the application period gets underway.
Who
The priority application period is for new applicants only. Any student who is a resident of North Carolina and is entering kindergarten through 12th grade is eligible to participate.
If funds remain once renewal scholarships have been awarded, applications submitted during the priority period will be considered, with applicants from Tier 1 being awarded first.
What
Opportunity Scholarships can be used for tuition and fees at participating private schools. For the 2026–27 school year, awards range from $3,574 to $7,942 per student.
| Award Tier | Maximum Household Income for Family of Four | Award Amount for 2026–27 |
| 1 | $61,050 | $7,942 |
| 2 | $122,100 | $7,148 |
| 3 | $274,725 | $4,766 |
| 4 | No Income Limit | $3,574 |
Source: North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority
Where
Parents can create a MyPortal Account and submit scholarship applications online. Students must attend or plan to attend a direct payment school (one that has agreed to accept Opportunity Scholarships).
Why
More and more families are seeking to send their kids to private schools. The plurality of respondents to a recent Carolina Journal poll (44.5 percent) indicated that they would choose a private school if money was no object and they could choose any type of school for their child. The Opportunity Scholarship program helps make this possible.
When
Parents may submit an online application for each eligible child at any time during the priority application period, but all applications must be submitted before the portal closes on March 2.
How
The NCSEAA lists four steps parents must take to apply for Opportunity Scholarships.
First, parents should create an account on the NCSEAA’s website.
Next, they should submit an application for each child during the priority application period. To do so, parents should review eligibility requirements, determine their award tier by calculating household size and income, and ensure that their desired school accepts Opportunity Scholarships.
After submitting their application(s), parents should regularly check their MyPortal account for notifications and updates. Award notifications can be expected in April.
Finally, parents should be sure to complete any remaining tasks that may be required.
NCSEAA is also accepting applications for the ESA+ program
The ESA+ program helps students with disabilities afford private school tuition and fees and certain other educational expenses, including textbooks, tutoring, educational therapies, transportation expenses, and more. Students who qualify can apply to both the ESA+ and Opportunity Scholarship programs.
For more information or questions on how to apply, contact NCSEAA directly or reach out to a member of the Parent Liaison Team at Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina (PEFNC).
