AZ · State Guide
Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Guide 2026–2027
Arizona operates the nation's first and largest universal ESA, with broad eligibility and one of the widest lists of allowable expenses.
At a glance
Amount per student
≈$7,300
Universal ESA
Application window
Rolling
Arizona ESA portal is open for 2026–2027 applications. Confirm current handbook deadlines, quarterly funding rules, and allowable expenses through ADE before spending.
Status
Active
Enacted 2011 (universal 2022)
Program Type
Universal ESA
Status
Active
Award Amount
≈$7,300
Enacted
2011 (universal 2022)
Administrator
Arizona Department of Education
Application Window
Rolling
Eligibility
All K–12 students residing in Arizona.
What the money can be used for
- Tuition
- Tutoring
- Curriculum
- Therapies
- Tech
- Transportation
Generally not allowed
- Food and groceries
- Vehicles and fuel
- Recreational sports
- Family vacations
- Compensation to a parent or sibling
See our full eligible-expenses guide for the gray areas (technology caps, transportation, religious instruction, family-member compensation).
How to apply
- Confirm eligibility. All K–12 students residing in Arizona.
- Gather documents. Proof of residency, the student’s birth certificate, the prior-year tax return (where income matters), and any IEP or 504 documentation.
- Open the application. Arizona Department of Education runs the program; applications typically open rolling.
- Submit early. Universal programs with appropriation caps reward applications during the priority window.
- Find approved providers. Start with the official Arizona approved-provider list or spending platform. Our provider directory is an editorial resource and is not a state-approved list.
Curriculum & provider considerations
Start with the official Arizona provider list, spending platform, or reimbursement rules. Our provider directory is an editorial resource and is not a state-approved list.
Curriculum and provider approval is state-specific. Before purchasing, check the official approved-provider list, marketplace, or reimbursement rules for Arizona. Some states require provider-level, product-level, service-level, or course-level approval.
Editorial notes
Arizona’s program was enacted in 2011 (universal 2022). Award amounts and eligibility thresholds are reviewed each legislative session; we re-verify each state page on a rolling cadence and date-stamp the last review. See our methodology page for details. The final word on eligibility, deadlines, and approved providers is always the state administrator — verify with the Arizona Department of Education before spending.
Get Arizona updates by email
Monthly digest of Arizona application-window reminders, eligibility changes, and approved-provider updates.
Last verified May 15, 2026 by The School Choice Index Editorial Team. Not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify with Arizona Department of Education before applying or spending.