North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship (Opportunity Scholarship)
Award amounts: NCSEAA, Opportunity Scholarship Income Guidelines 2026–2027, January 2026. School list: NCSEAA, Opportunity Scholarship 2024–25 Annual Report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee, as of Oct 15, 2025. Funding depends on eligibility, approval and available funds.
Opportunity Scholarship is North Carolina’s voucher program, the program most families call the North Carolina school voucher. The published 2026–27 figure is $3,574–$7,942 per student. Award tier set by household income and size
Who runs it and how to apply
Opportunity Scholarship is run by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA). Families apply through the official site, k12.ncseaa.edu/opportunity-scholarship/. Check the official site for the current application window.
What schools must do to take part
Participating schools are North Carolina nonpublic schools that meet the program's requirements; NCSEAA reports each year which schools received scholarship funds and which were found ineligible.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the North Carolina school voucher for private school?
$3,574–$7,942 per student for the 2026–27 school year at an approved private school.
Is Opportunity Scholarship a school voucher?
Yes. Opportunity Scholarship is a voucher program that pays toward tuition at participating private schools.
Does every applicant get Opportunity Scholarship funding?
Not automatically. Families of any income can apply (incomes above the Tier 3 limit, or not reported, fall in Tier 4), and each award depends on approval and the funds the legislature provides. Funding depends on eligibility, approval and available funds.
Which Christian schools accept the North Carolina school voucher?
Schools must be approved by the program. This site lists 377 Christian and Catholic schools confirmed on the official participating list (as of October 15, 2025).
How is cost after funding calculated?
The tuition the school publishes, minus the award, which depends on household income and size, never below zero. Fees such as registration, books and transportation may apply on top.
Schools that accept the Opportunity Scholarship voucher, by city
Cities with fewer than 3 participating schools are on the North Carolina city list.