Where do I apply to be a Students First vendor?

Start from the official Iowa program page: https://iowa-vendors.withodyssey.com/registration/

How long does approval take?

Each program needs its own application and its own vendor portal. Odyssey says you'll hear back on an application within 2 to 4 weeks.

How do Students First vendors get paid?

Approved vendors are paid by ACH through Stripe. Connect a Stripe account under Payment Set Up in the vendor portal before your first order. Payment runs on net-30 terms, and the 30 days don't start until you enter a tracking number (products) or a receipt or confirmation number (services). If your system doesn't generate one, Odyssey says to enter the date and time you delivered the service.

How to become a Students First vendor in Iowa

Iowa's education savings account program, administered by Odyssey. Check that your services fall into the program's eligible categories, then apply through the Iowa vendor portal.

Official application Build my document checklist What funds can pay for

Checked against official sources on Oct 8, 2026

Run by

Odyssey, for the state

Application decision

2 to 4 weeks2

Payment terms

Net 30 after you confirm delivery8

Provider types

One application

Who can apply

Odyssey directs vendors to confirm their services are on Iowa's eligible-expense list, then apply through the Iowa vendor registration.1

Getting approved and listed

Each program needs its own application and its own vendor portal. Odyssey says you'll hear back on an application within 2 to 4 weeks.2
Every offering is reviewed separately. Use a specific title ("6-Week Middle School Math Tutoring", not "Tutoring") and list sessions, length, delivery method and credentials in the description.3
Prices must sit within a reasonable margin of the blended market price. Build shipping into the listed price; tax is added at checkout.4
Marketplace purchases can't be cancelled by families. Service orders are cancelled only if the vendor authorizes it.5

How you get paid

1Approved vendors are paid by ACH through Stripe. Connect a Stripe account under Payment Set Up in the vendor portal before your first order.6
2When a family orders, confirm (or cancel) the order in the vendor portal. After confirming, contact the family within 48 hours.7
3Payment runs on net-30 terms, and the 30 days don't start until you enter a tracking number (products) or a receipt or confirmation number (services). If your system doesn't generate one, Odyssey says to enter the date and time you delivered the service.8
4Don't send families invoices or receipts for Marketplace orders. Odyssey records every transaction and says invoice, receipt and tracking numbers are managed only in the vendor portal.6
5Odyssey doesn't issue vendors a 1099. Keep your own records of Marketplace income.9

Work out when an order will pay

Sources

1.How Can I Become an Iowa Vendor, Odyssey help center, updated Feb 14, 2025
2.The Vendor Experience, Odyssey help center, updated Nov 13, 2025
3.General Requirements for Service and Product Offerings, Odyssey help center, updated Nov 18, 2025
4.Marketplace Price Policy, Odyssey help center, updated Jul 9, 2025
5.Understanding Refunds Returns and Cancellations, Odyssey help center, updated Jan 23, 2026
6.How Do Vendors Get Paid, Odyssey help center, updated Aug 18, 2026
7.Vendor Application Lifecycle, Odyssey help center, updated Jul 2, 2026
8.How to Fulfill an Order, Odyssey help center, updated Aug 28, 2025
9.Do Vendors Receive a 1099, Odyssey help center, updated Feb 12, 2025

Spot something out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it against the source.

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith (public domain)

Track every Students First order in one place

The ChoicePaid dashboard (early access) shows what's confirmed, what's waiting on a receipt or tracking number, and when each payout is due, across every program you're in.

Join early access