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For families

Can the scholarship pay for this?

Type an expense. We'll tell you whether the law allows it, and whether CEN funds it at partner schools.

A word or two is enough, like "uniforms" or "bus pass".

Or pick one

Four possible answers

  • Covered by law, funded by CEN
  • Covered by law, not funded by CEN
  • Depends on your state
  • Not covered

(Source: §530(b)(3)(A))

Method

How the answer works

  1. Step 01

    The law sets the list

    Scholarships can pay for K-12 education expenses as §530(b)(3)(A) defines them, the same list Coverdell accounts use.

  2. Step 02

    CEN funds tuition and fees

    At partner schools, CEN scholarships go to tuition and fees. Some things the law allows are outside what we fund.

  3. Step 03

    Some answers depend on your state

    Where a state adds its own rules, the answer can change. The tool says so when it does.

Help

Questions, answered

  • How much will we receive?

    It depends on your school's fund and the number of eligible families. Your school and CEN set award amounts each cycle.

  • Is the scholarship taxable?

    No. It's excluded from your income under federal law. (Source: §139K)

  • Can my child also receive a state voucher or scholarship?

    Often, yes. The federal scholarship is a separate program, so a family can have both. Treasury expects states to stop two awards paying for the same cost, so together they can't cover more than the cost. Your state page has the details for where you live. (Source: Treasury guidance preview, June 2026)

  • Can the scholarship cover this school year?

    Only costs from January 1, 2027 onward can be covered, so spring 2027 at the earliest, and only once your school's window has opened.

Every family question is on the FAQ page.

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