Indiana Expands School Choice Programs to Near Universal Eligibility

Early Friday morning, the Indiana Legislature approved a measure to expand the state’s school choice program to nearly every student in Indiana, joining four other states in passing similarly expansive legislation this year and spreading life-changing educational opportunities across the Hoosier state.

Statement from Kathy Hubbard, Board Member, American Federation for Children: 

“Indiana has been a leader in the educational choice movement for more than a decade, and with this measure, leaders showed their commitment to remaining in that role. We commend the lawmakers who continue to fight alongside families who need additional educational options. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, in particular, has been an unwavering champion for children and families in the Hoosier state, and we commend him for his consistent and principled leadership.”

Details: 

• Indiana becomes the seventh state nationwide to pass universal or near-universal school choice, joining Iowa, Utah, Arkansas, and Florida, all of whom passed universal programs in 2023, as well as Arizona and West Virginia, who passed universal programs in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
• Indiana’s voucher program is now available to any family below 400% of Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) levels, or $222,000 for a family of four.
• The various pathways previously required to participate in the program have been eliminated.
• Income eligibility for Indiana’s tax credit scholarship and ESA programs was also increased to 400% of FRL.
• Only an estimated 3.5% of Hoosier families with school-age children do not meet these income requirements.