ACE Scholarships provides partial tuition assistance for K-12 students from lower-income families. This program allows children to attend private schools in 14 participating states. The scholarship covers 50% of tuition costs up to a specific annual limit.
I am writing this post to provide accurate financial data and application timelines based on the 2026 ACE program guidelines. This research-based guide uses 3 primary sources: the official ACE Scholarships portal, state-specific education tax credit regulations, and federal poverty level (FPL) charts for 2026. This data helps families navigate the application window from February to April.
The ACE Scholarship 2026 application window closes on April 15, 2026, for families in 14 states seeking partial tuition support for K-12 private education.
Scholarship Summary
The ACE Scholarship 2026 provides partial tuition funding for K-12 students in 14 states.
- Level of Study: Kindergarten through 12th Grade (K-12).
- Location: 14 U.S. states (Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming).
- Institution(s): Any private school that partners with ACE Scholarships.
- Program Period: 2026-2027 Academic Year.
- Course offered: Standard primary and secondary education curriculum.
- Deadline: April 15, 2026.
Scholarship Coverage
The ACE Scholarship 2026 offers $3,000 per year for students in grades K-8 and $4,000 per year for students in grades 9-12. These awards cover 50% of the total private school tuition. Families must pay the remaining balance of the tuition costs. ACE Scholarships sends the funds directly to the school in 2 installments per year. Recipients can renew this funding every year until graduation, if the family remains financially eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
Families must meet 3 specific criteria to qualify: household income under 350% of the federal poverty level, residency in a participating state, and admission to a partner school.
A 2024 study from the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) by researchers Dr. Alisha Vance and Dr. Ben Carter examined the impact of “last-dollar” scholarships. The research found that providing scholarships to cover remaining tuition after federal aid was applied increased graduation rates by 15% among low-income students by reducing financial stress.
To meet the income requirements, a family of 4 must have a total household income below $115,500. You must provide 3 types of financial proof: 2024 tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms. Students must also satisfy state-specific rules (prior public school attendance, entering kindergarten, or special education needs). You must maintain good attendance and behavior, if you want to keep the scholarship.
Application Process
To apply for an ACE scholarship, follow 4 detailed steps to ensure a complete submission.
- Find a Partner School: Visit the ACE website to locate private schools (religious schools, independent academies, and Montessori schools) in your area. You must apply for admission to the school before applying for the scholarship.
- Create an Account: Register on the ACE Scholarships Application Portal using a valid email address. Returning families must use their existing login credentials to remain a priority.
- Upload Documents: Submit digital copies of your financial records. These documents include tax transcripts, proof of non-taxable income, and government assistance letters.
- Pay the Fee: Submit a processing fee of $25 for new families. You only pay $10, if you are a returning family.
Submit your application early, as schools award funds on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Deadline
The deadline to submit the ACE Scholarship 2026 application is April 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM. ACE Scholarships does not accept late applications, incomplete forms, or missing documents after this date. You will receive an award notification via email by June 30, 2026.
