NC private school vouchers more than double after lawmakers remove income limits
RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) – New data from North Carolina education officials shows Opportunity Scholarship applications surged after state lawmakers removed income caps and are likely to hit new highs for the upcoming school year.
Applications hit a record high for the 2024-25 school year. The program more than doubled after the elimination of income limits, going from 32,549 to 79,775 recipients in a single year.
Critics of the grants argue the lack of income caps allows for wealthy families to benefit from a program designed for students from lower-income households.
According to data from the State Education Assistance Authority, 42% of recipients fall into the top two tiers of earners. Families with higher household income levels were previously ineligible for the scholarship.
Families who earn less than $57,720 annually fall into Tier 1. Tier 2 includes those who make between $57,720 and $115,440 each year. Households with annual earnings between $115,440 and $259,750. Tier 4 includes people who make more than $259,750.
In Mecklenburg County, 52% of Opportunity Scholarships for the '24-25 school year fall into Tiers 3 and 4.
Households can receive $3,458 to $7,686 yearly to offset the cost of private school tuition, depending on family income. Families can use the money for tuition, books, transportation fees, and equipment or other items the school requires students to have.
The North Carolina State Board of Education voted 9-2 in February to request a moratorium on new funding for Opportunity Scholarships. They request lawmakers reinvest the funds into traditional public schools.
Education experts anticipate another surge in applicants for the upcoming year as White House Administrators continue to promote school choice options.
Opportunity Scholarships began in North Carolina in 2014. The bill which established the grants stated it aims to 'reduce the socioeconomic achievement gap.'
Critics say the award notifications go out to families beginning April 1.
The priority application period is Feb. 6 through March 6, but families can still apply. Those who submit an application after March 6 will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis with funds remaining after priority and renewal applications.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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