What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?

Education savings accounts (ESAs) in K-12 education establish for parents a publicly funded, government-authorized savings account with restricted, but multiple uses for educational purposes. Parents may use the funds to pay for expenses including: school tuition, tutoring, online education programs, therapies for students with special needs, textbooks or other instructional materials, and sometimes, save for college.

How ESAs Work

Education Savings Accounts Programs

Check out the list below for quick links to those program details, which include approved expense types, family eligibility tests, participation numbers, funding amounts and more.

Choice Comparison Tool

This user-friendly platform is designed to help you navigate the diverse landscape of Education Savings Accounts across different states. Whether you’re a parent, student, educator, or policy enthusiast, our tool offers a comprehensive comparison of ESA programs by state and by specific features.

With this tool, you can compare state programs, analyze program features, and make informed decisions.

Get Started Here!

Fast Facts

Do you know which was America’s first ESA program? Which is the biggest? Find out more below.

Number of Students Using ESAs

488,736

States With ESA Programs

There are 21 ESA programs in 18 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida (2), Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee (3), Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Fast Facts
  1. ESAs gained national prominence in 2011, when Arizona created the nation’s first such program.
  2. Florida has the largest ESA program in terms of participation: 220,974 enrollees in 2024–25.
  3. Arizona, Florida, Utah, Arkansas, Texas, and Iowa have the most expansive ESA programs in terms of statewide eligibility: 100 percent of students.
  4. ESAs were essentially declared constitutional by the Arizona Supreme Court in 2014, when it deemed those challenging the program were unable to show harm.