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Iowa Students First for families

Iowa's Students First ESA pays private school tuition first, then other approved expenses, for students at accredited nonpublic schools.

Checked against the program's own sources on Jun 2, 2026. Each fact links to its source.

How much does Iowa Students First pay?

  • $8,148 per student for 2026-27.1
  • Funds pay tuition and fees first each semester. Anything left can be spent on eligible expenses in the Odyssey Marketplace, and unused money rolls over to the next year.1

Who qualifies for Iowa Students First?

  • Students at least 5 by September 15, 2026 with a parent who lives in Iowa, who enroll in and attend an Iowa-accredited nonpublic school for 2026-27.2

What can Iowa Students First pay for?

  • Tuition and fees at the student's accredited nonpublic school, then other eligible expenses.1

See the full list of Iowa Students First eligible expenses

When can you apply for Iowa Students First?

  • Applications for 2026-27 opened April 16, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Applying for the ESA is separate from enrolling at the school.3

How do you apply for Iowa Students First?

Families apply through the program itself, not through ChoicePaid.

How to apply (Odyssey)

Track your award for free

One budget across every provider, with receipts and reimbursement packets.

Are you a provider?

How to get approved and paid by Iowa Students First.

Sources

  1. 1. How Much Funding Will Eligible Families Receive for the Iowa Students First ESA, support.withodyssey.com, checked Jun 2, 2026
  2. 2. Who Is Eligible for the Iowa Students First ESA, support.withodyssey.com, checked Jun 2, 2026
  3. 3. How to Apply for the Iowa Students First ESA, support.withodyssey.com, checked Jun 2, 2026

ChoicePaid isn't affiliated with Iowa Students First or its administrator. This page is a summary, not legal or tax advice.