Iowa Opens 2025-26 Education Savings Account Applications

The Iowa Department of Education will open applications for the Students First Education Savings Account (ESA) program for the 2025-26 school year on April 16 at 8 a.m. This year marks the first time that all K-12 students in Iowa are eligible for the ESA, regardless of family income, allowing parents to direct state funding towards tuition and other educational expenses at accredited nonpublic schools. Applicants must create an ESA Portal account to apply, with the submission period running until June 30 at 11:59 p.m. The program, which has previously had income restrictions, has seen significant participation, with an estimated 27,866 students utilizing it last year and costs projected to surpass $300 million this year. The application process will be available in both English and Spanish.