South Carolina, September 8, 2025
News Summary
In its second year, South Carolina’s K-12 voucher program, the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, has filled all 10,000 enrollment slots, leaving over 5,500 students waitlisted. Changes to eligibility have broadened access, while funding increases are expected for future enrollment as the program continues to attract families seeking private schooling options despite ongoing legal challenges. Critics raise concerns over potential discrimination supported by voucher funds.
Columbia
South Carolina’s K-12 voucher program, officially named the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, has reached its capacity in its second year, filling all 10,000 slots available for enrollment. As demand for the program surges, approximately 5,552 students remain on a waitlist. The significant increase in participation comes as spaces doubled since the program’s initial rollout last year, leading to thousands of new applications from students already attending private schools.
Changes to the program have made it more appealing, including an expansion of eligibility to include students outside of the public school system and an increase in the income cap for eligibility to 300% of the federal poverty line. This adjustment followed a law signed in May 2025 that aimed to reform and revive the program after the South Carolina Supreme Court struck down a portion of the initial law last year due to constitutional concerns regarding the use of public money for private school benefits.
According to recent reports, about $950,000 has been spent on tuition and fees at roughly 150 private schools during the first half of the 2024-25 school year alone. Notably, approximately 80% of the participating schools are religious institutions, primarily Christian in nature. Despite the program’s success, critics voice concerns that funding is supporting schools with potentially discriminatory policies.
Current funding for participating students is set at $7,500 each, and by September 3, 70% of the vouchers issued had been utilized for private school tuition—a substantial increase from 52% this time last year. Private school leaders have noted a growth in enrollment from scholarship recipients, evidenced by an increase in students at Bob Jones Academy, rising from 16 to about 300 voucher users.
Despite the program’s achievements, challenges remain. Legal challenges to the new law are anticipated, but they are expected to differ from the litigation faced earlier. The future of the program will likely depend on forthcoming legal decisions regarding its constitutionality. Legislators have also laid out plans to expand the program to 15,000 slots for the next enrollment period, with provisions allowing for future funding increases based on demand.
Program Overview and Impacts
This initiative has seen considerable growth, with over 9,500 applicants this year coming from families not currently enrolled in public schools. Notably, 26 public school districts are participating in the program, a sign of widespread interest. The majority of students receiving scholarships are elementary-level, with kindergarteners benefiting the most. The demographic makeup of participants shows that approximately 69% of recipients are White, while about 25% are Black.
Funding Allocation and Usage
Besides tuition, funds from the program can also be utilized for other educational expenses, including tutoring services, textbooks, technology purchases, and computers. These expenditures have reached nearly $1 million at major retailers like Best Buy and Office Depot, demonstrating the program’s broad financial impact beyond just school tuition.
Conclusion
As the South Carolina K-12 voucher program enters its second year, it has hit record enrollment numbers amid substantial interest. While the future looks bright for many families seeking alternative education avenues, ongoing legal evaluations will play a crucial role in shaping the program’s long-term sustainability and success.
FAQ
What is the South Carolina K-12 voucher program?
The South Carolina K-12 voucher program, known as the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships for students to attend private schools.
How many students are currently enrolled in the program?
Currently, the program has filled all 10,000 available slots.
What is the income eligibility criteria for the vouchers?
Students whose families earn up to 300% of the federal poverty line are eligible for the scholarships.
What types of schools do participants use vouchers for?
About 80% of the participating schools are religious institutions, primarily Christian schools.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Slots | 10,000 slots filled |
| Waitlisted Students | 5,552 students |
| Income Cap | 300% of federal poverty line |
| Funding per Student | $7,500 |
| Expenditure on Tuition | $950,000 in first half of 2024-25 |
| Participating Districts | 26 public school districts |
| Demographics | 69% White, 25% Black |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Vouchers
- Wikipedia: Education Voucher
- Columbia Missourian: Missouri Voucher Payments
- Google Search: School Voucher Programs
- SC Daily Gazette: House and Senate Compromise
- Google Scholar: Education Vouchers
- ABC Columbia: SC House Passes Voucher Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Voucher System
- WPDE: SC Senate Passes Voucher Bill
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