Expanding Access to a Catholic Education – Starting 2027

Empowering parents through the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

Coming in 2027, the new federal tax credit scholarship program will expand K-12 educational opportunities to benefit millions of students throughout the nations for years to come. Learn more about how it works!

Catholic Communities Can Help – Scale of Impact is Unlimited

There are over 50 million Catholic adults in the U.S. and Catholic schools serve millions of families and students across the country. Starting in 2027, your community can help make them affordable for MORE families through the federal tax credit scholarship program.

Example of Impact

100,000 Catholic Households x 10% of taxpayers =

$17 Million

Which could support 4,250 eligible students based on a $4,000 scholarship.

Why Faith Communities Matter

Religious schools strengthen neighborhoods, provide values-based education and serve diverse families. This program empowers your community to expand that mission.

Today, nearly 75% of private schools in the U.S. remain religiously affiliated, with Catholic schools accounting for roughly half of that group, according to the most recent federal data from the 2020–21 school year. However, Catholic school enrollment has declined over time.

1.5M+
National K-12 Enrollment

16,000+
Parishes

190+
Dioceses and Archdioceses

5,800+
Catholic Schools

Take Action

To ensure families are able to benefit from this program in 2027, Catholic communities must begin to activate and organize. Check whether your governor has opted in, and if not, urge them to seize this chance to expand educational opportunity.

Select a state to learn more about opportunities for students K-12.

29 States Have Opted-In

Intent to Opt-in

Despite making up a significant share of the private school landscape, Catholic school enrollment has declined over time, falling to 33.2% from 39.4% of all private school students since 2009.

Beginning in 2027, this tax credit has the potential to generate billions of dollars in private scholarships that could expand educational opportunities in all 50 states.

Federal Tax Credit Scholarship
Program Explainer

Key Provisions & Impact

$1,700 Federal
Tax Credit

Taxpayers can claim a 100% non-refundable federal tax credit for donations to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).

State Opt In Required

Governors of every state must opt-in to the federal tax credit scholarship program in order for students in that state to benefit.

Flexible Use of Scholarships

Scholarships can be
used for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, technology, and educational supplies, among other eligible uses.

Scholarship Eligibility

Eligibility up to 300% of
regional median income – more than 90% of
households – are eligible to receive scholarships

Get Involved

The Catholic Community shares a lot of information across numerous publications, organizations and community groups. Help us spread the word about the federal scholarship tax credit by utilizing these prepared resources. Be sure to check back regularly for additional resource materials

RESOURCES

Catholic Pamphlet

Scholarship Tax Credit Catholic Pamphlet Download

Catholic Newsletter Sample

The new federal tax credit scholarship program presents a significant opportunity to expand educational access for families and strengthen the mission of Catholic schools. Funded entirely through private donations, the program provides scholarships that can be used for tuition, tutoring, and other essential educational supports, at no cost to the state.
With state participation, Catholic schools and the families they serve could benefit from increased resources that help make a faith-based education more accessible and sustainable. At a time when many families are seeking options that align with their values and meet their children’s individual needs, this program offers a practical, community-driven way to support student success and preserve the vital role of Catholic education.

LEARN MORE

Catholic Church Bulletin Sample

The new federal tax credit scholarship program offers a meaningful opportunity to expand access for Catholic schools and the families they serve could benefit from additional resources to support tuition, tutoring, and other essential educational needs.

LEARN MORE