FAQ

Who is eligible for the Indiana Choice Scholarship?
 

To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

 

1. Be a resident of Indiana.

2. Be accepted and enrolled at a participating Choice school in Indiana.

   1. You can find an up to date list of participating Choice schools on the Indiana Department of Education website.​

3. Be between the ages of 5 and 22 no later than October 1 of the current school year.

4. Meet the income requirements.

 

Where can I apply?

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Only approved Choice schools may submit applications. Your application will be submitted by the approved Choice school after you have applied to that school and been accepted through their regular school admissions process.

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When can I apply?

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There are two application periods for the Indiana Choice Scholarship. First period student applications are for the entire upcoming school year. Second period applications are for students enrolling in a Choice school after the period one deadline, for a scholarship to be used for the second half of the school year. The second period award amount is half the amount the student would qualify for in the first period.

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The 2024-2025 Indiana Choice Scholarship student applications may be submitted between March 1, 2024, through September 1, 2024, for period one applications and between November 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, for the second application period.

What is the income requirement to receive an Indiana Choice Scholarship?

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Qualifying families can earn up to (but not exceed) 400% of the Federal Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program (FRL). For example, a family of four can earn up to $230,880.00 in the 2024–25 school year. In Northwest Indiana, 99% of families are financially eligible for the scholarship. Add $39,812.00 for each family member above 10.

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What qualifies as income?

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The total household income may include several types of income including wages earned from work, welfare/child support/alimony, retirement/disability benefits, and more. For a full list please visit the Indiana Department of Education website.

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Are preschool students eligible to receive an Indiana Choice Scholarship?

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No, preschool students cannot currently receive a Choice Scholarship. However, students who received an Early Education Grant to attend pre-K at an eligible Choice school at which they intend to enroll for kindergarten and are from families that meet the income requirement are eligible to apply for a Choice Scholarship that could potentially kick in before first grade.

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Are kindergarten students eligible to receive the Indiana Choice Scholarship?

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Yes, as part of the 2023 program expansion, kindergarten students are now eligible to apply for and receive an Indiana Choice Scholarship.

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Is the Indiana Choice Scholarship application separate from the school enrollment application process?

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Yes, the applications are technically separate, but the school at which your child is enrolled is responsible for submitting the Choice Scholarship application on behalf of your child. Once you have applied and are accepted to a Choice school, the school will then begin the process of submitting your application for the Choice Scholarship. Only an approved Choice school may submit a Choice Scholarship student application.

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Can I apply for the Indiana Choice Scholarship at multiple schools at once?

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No, a student can only have one Indiana Choice Scholarship application submitted to one school at a time. You may, however, apply for admission to several schools at once. Once you are accepted and enrolled at the school of your choice, you can proceed with the Indiana Choice Scholarship application through that school.

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If an Indiana Choice Scholarship application has already been submitted, and a parent/guardian wishes to apply at a different school, the parent/guardian must withdraw the student's application at the original Choice school and submit an alternate application at the preferred Choice school.

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What should I do before I start my application?

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Before starting your application, make sure you have researched Choice schools in your area to ensure you have found the school that is the right fit for your child and family. Next, check to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for the Indiana Choice Scholarship. You can also use the calculator at NWIChoiceScholar.org to see how much your child may qualify for.

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Who receives my application and how is it evaluated?

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The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), Office of School Finance, reviews Choice Scholarship applications and determines who is awarded scholarships.

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When will I hear back about my application?

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Once your Indiana Choice Scholarship application has been submitted, the Choice school will then review your materials and issue an award letter or a denial letter. If you receive an award letter, the initial amount listed is an estimated award amount. The actual amount will be updated and issued later on in the school year when all necessary information becomes available.

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What if my child is already enrolled in a Choice school but is not currently receiving an Indiana Choice Scholarship?

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You can still apply for the Indiana Choice Scholarship as long as you are currently enrolled at a participating Choice school and meet the income eligibility requirements.

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What if my child is already receiving other scholarship support or tuition assistance?

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Students may continue to receive free or reduced lunch, as well as curricular materials assistance, so long as they qualify for such assistance and those costs are not already included in the tuition fees and amounts covered by the Indiana Choice Scholarship.

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Is this opportunity only available to Catholic families and students?

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No, you do not need to be Catholic to qualify for the Indiana Choice Scholarship and attend a Catholic school. The Choice schools affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Gary welcome all students and families, regardless of religion, ethnicity, race, or income.

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What if I’m not sure if my child is eligible for the Indiana Choice Scholarship?

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You can check your eligibility using the NWI Choice Scholar calculator, powered by Big Shoulders Fund, on the homepage of this website or directly here.

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Where can I find more information about the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program? 

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For more information, visit the Indiana Department of Education.