North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship / ESA+ Guide 2026–2027

Eligibility

Opportunity Scholarship: all K–12 students; income-tiered award; new applications accepted monthly. ESA+ (for students with disabilities): new applications closed for 2026–2027.

What the money can be used for

• Tuition and required fees at a participating nonpublic school

Generally not allowed

• Anything other than tuition and required fees at a participating school

See our full eligible-expenses guide for the gray areas (technology caps, transportation, religious instruction, family-member compensation).

How to apply

1. Confirm eligibility. Opportunity Scholarship: all K–12 students; income-tiered award; new applications accepted monthly. ESA+ (for students with disabilities): new applications closed for 2026–2027.
2. Gather documents. Use the current official checklist from NC State Education Assistance Authority for the exact proof of residency, guardianship, enrollment, income, or other documentation that applies to your eligibility category.
3. Open the application. Opportunity Scholarship: 2026–2027 priority window closed March 2. Open for new students on a monthly basis as funds are available. Income-tiered awards approx. $3,000–$7,000. ESA+: new applications closed for 2026–2027 — check NCSEAA for next cycle.
4. Follow the official calendar. Deadlines, priority rules, and funding availability vary by program and year — confirm the current calendar with the administrator before relying on it.

Editorial notes

North Carolina’s program was enacted in 2013 (universal 2024). 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 NC State Education Assistance Authority before spending.