For many families, pursuing a Christian education is a financial decision, not a question of desire. The desire is there. The tuition is the barrier. The Christian Education Network exists to remove that barrier, so families are not turned away by cost. CEN SGO is the program that manages the funds and administers the scholarships, and starting with the 2027 tax year, a new federal tax credit is going to fuel it.
This article is for parents weighing whether a Christian school is within reach. The short answer is that it may be closer than you think.
How the scholarships are funded
The money behind these scholarships comes from donors who redirect part of what they already owe in federal taxes. The Education Freedom tax credit lets a donor send a portion of their tax bill to a Christian school for scholarships instead of paying it to the federal government. They give to a scholarship granting organization, an SGO, and CEN SGO disburses at least 90 percent of what it receives as scholarships.
What this means for you is that there is now a dedicated stream of scholarship dollars that can be directed to Christian schools, and your family may qualify to receive it.
Who qualifies
Some parents may think that scholarships are only for families who meet very stringent eligibility requirements.
With the new Education Freedom Tax Credit most families will qualify. To receive a scholarship, families must live in a state that has opted-in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit. Their child must attend a school that has an SGO (scholarship granting organization). Families must have an income at or below 300 percent of Area Median Gross Income, which is 90% or more of families in the US.
The practical takeaway is to apply rather than rule yourself out. Many families will find that they meet the eligibility requirements.
How a scholarship reaches your family
A donor designates a CEN SGO member school to receive their tax credit donation. The dollars raised for that school help fund scholarships for families who qualify.
For families, the steps are simple. You choose a CEN SGO member school, you enroll, and you apply for a scholarship. Families earning up to 300% of AMGI are eligible.
What changes in 2027
The federal credit is effective for the 2027 tax year. The donor giving window has not opened yet, so scholarship dollars will not begin accruing until January. Many Christian schools already run scholarship programs today, so it is worth asking your school what help is available now and what will grow once the federal program is live.
Frequently asked questions
Does our family make too much to qualify?
More than 90% of families will be financially eligible. Eligibility is 300 percent or less of Area Median Gross Income. The limit depends on where you live, so everyone should apply.
How do we apply for a scholarship?
Find a CEN SGO member school in your area. If your local Christian school is not a CEN SGO member, have them create an account on our website. Each school has runs its own application timeline, and the school can walk you through it.
Is this money I have to pay back?
No. A scholarship is not a loan. It is an award to be used toward tuition at a participating Christian school for families who qualify.
To see how the donor side works, read What is an SGO, and how does the federal tax credit work and Where your gift goes, and how a scholarship reaches a family. If a grandparent or family friend wants to help, point them to For grandparents: investing in a child’s future and faith at no extra cost.
Take the next step
If a Christian education feels out of reach, CEN SGO may be your solution. Find a participating school and ask about scholarships, and sign up to hear when the 2027 program opens.
Sources:
- EdChoice, A Parent’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Scholarships
- NCEA, Understanding the New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
- IRS, Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC)
