Education funding in Utah
4 programs in Utah, 2 open to homeschoolers. Each links to the program’s official sources.
Utah Fits All Scholarship Program
Homeschoolers can qualify Last updated October 17, 2026 Track it in My Homeschool
Yes. For program year 2026-27, home-based students receive $4,000 (ages 5-11 as of September 1) or $6,000 (ages 12-18); private school students receive $8,000.
Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship (students with disabilities)
Homeschoolers can qualify From official sources October 7, 2026 Applications open
Yes. The scholarship can pay homeschooling expenses, including curriculum and instructional materials, for a child with a documented disability who is not enrolled in a public or charter school when the scholarship is awarded (a child may apply while still enrolled but must withdraw before funds are awarded). For 2026-27 the administrator's board approved a maximum of $8,000 a year for homeschool students in grades K-12. Homeschool students cannot get preschool awards.
Dates and status: Applications are open for the 2026-27 school year. The August 5, 2026 FAQ lists 2026-27 maximum annual amounts of $8,000 (homeschool K-12) and $12,175 (private school K-12); an earlier May 29, 2026 notice listed homeschool K-6 at $6,000 and 7-12 at $8,000. 2026 S.B. 54 (effective May 6, 2026) removed the income-based eligibility limits. A student can hold only one of Carson Smith, Carson Smith Opportunity, or Utah Fits All at a time.
Carson Smith Scholarship (students with disabilities, private school)
Not open to homeschoolers From official sources October 7, 2026 Applications open
No. The scholarship is tuition help for a student with an IEP who has been admitted to an eligible private school; it is not described for home school use. A student can be in only one of Carson Smith, the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship, or the Utah Fits All Scholarship at a time.
Dates and status: USBE has posted a funding schedule for the 2026-2027 school year. Parent applications are due quarterly, around August 15, October 15, January 15 and March 15 (dates are approximate and may change). Awards are based on the level of service in the student's IEP or assessment.
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (state participation)
Program doesn’t say whether homeschoolers qualify From official sources October 7, 2026 Not open yet
Not settled yet. Federal rules define eligible costs by reference to Coverdell account expenses tied to enrollment or attendance at a school 'as determined under State law,' and neither the IRS notice nor the October 2026 proposed rules address whether homeschool expenses qualify.
Dates and status: Utah appears on the IRS list of participating states for 2027 (as of September 14, 2026). Donor credits of up to $1,700 begin January 1, 2027. A state can complete its election by submitting its scholarship organization list by February 15, 2027.