Iowa gives every family state education funds they can put toward Maharishi School, no matter what they earn. It's called the Education Savings Account (ESA), but it's really just a voucher. Here's how it works, what it covers, and how to get it.
The Quick Answer
How much does the Iowa ESA give you? $8,148 per student, per year, with no income limit. It can be used here for grades K–12, and for many families it changes the whole conversation.
How It Works
Iowa's Students First Act makes state education funding available for K–12 students, about the per-student amount the state spends in public schools: $8,148 a year.
They call it a savings account, but it's really just a voucher. Nothing to deposit, nothing to pay back, nothing to manage. It's free money toward tuition, and it's income-blind: no matter what you earn, you qualify. An easy yes.
You apply for it through the state. Once you're approved, the funds go toward tuition here.
What It Covers
For Kindergarten, the ESA covers tuition in full. For Grades 1–12, it covers a substantial part, and our financial aid can help with the rest. Many families qualify for meaningful additional assistance — just submit a financial aid application.
The state ESA application opens at 12:01 AM on April 16 and closes at midnight on June 30. That's the only window — there's no applying before it, and none after. Miss it, and the form disappears until next year. You apply once a year, and Iowa residency must be established by the June 30 deadline. Mark the date.
Preschool Families
The ESA covers Kindergarten through Grade 12, not preschool. If your child is in Preschool (Toddler–PreK), other funding may help: Iowa Health & Human Services (HHS) childcare assistance, and Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) grants (up to $1,800 per year for ages 3–5; income-based HHS grants of $2,400–$5,800). We're glad to point you to the right place.
How to Get It
01
Apply for the ESA
A short application on the Iowa Department of Education site, during the April 16 – June 30 window.
02
Apply to Maharishi School
Start your application any time — it takes just a few minutes.
03
We handle the rest
Once approved, the funds are applied to tuition here, and we'll walk you through it.
Common Questions
Does Iowa's ESA cover private school tuition?
Yes — for K–12 students at Maharishi School. It covers Kindergarten in full and a substantial part of Grades 1–12.
Is there an income limit?
No. Since 2025–26, the ESA is income-blind — every eligible Iowa family qualifies, regardless of income.
We're new to Iowa — can we qualify?
Yes, as long as Iowa residency is established by the June 30 application deadline.
Does preschool qualify?
No — the ESA is Kindergarten through Grade 12. Preschool families may qualify for HHS or ECI grants instead.
Do we apply every year?
Yes. The state requires a new ESA application each school year.
How many of my children can qualify?
All of your K–12 students. You submit one application per family and include everyone; funding is awarded per student.
The voucher makes a Maharishi School education more within reach than most families expect. The first step is a small one.