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Facts

  • 1.25 million children from low-income families applied to Children's Scholarship Fund (CSF).
  • The four-year scholarships begin in September 1999.
  • The average income of families who applied is $22,000.
  • The average cost of K-8 private and parochial school tuition nationwide is $2,300, according to the U.S. Department of Education. The average cost of participating CSF schools is projected to be $2,100.
  • An average CSF scholarship is projected to be $1,100, depending on a family's size and income, and the school the family chooses for their children.
  • The average family contribution is expected to be approximately $1,000.
  • There are nearly 29,000 private schools in the United States. 25 percent of all schools are private.
  • CSF has awarded more than $160 million in scholarships.
  • Scholarships were awarded to families with children entering grades K-8 this fall, who were eligible according to the scale below.
  • Income Eligibility*
    (All figures represent maximum eligible incomes)
    Family Size Annual Monthly Weekly
    Two $29,295 $2,441 $563
    Three $36,855 $3,074 $709
    Four $36,855 $3,074 $709
    Five $44,415 $3,701 $854
    Six $51,975 $4,331 $1,000
    Each additional dependent + $7,560 + $630 + $145
    *Indianapolis income eligibility follows the federal Reduced Price Lunch Program guidelines.
    Minneapolis/St. Paul and Buffalo's maximum eligibility incomes are 10% lower.
  • A leading independent research company conducted a random drawing of the eligible applicant families.
  • A notification was sent by U.S. Mail on April 20 to winning families.
  • The scholarship can be used at any private school, as long as the school is legally operating. The school may be parochial, religious or independent. Scholarships may also be used, in some cases, at public schools in school districts that allow private-pay students. Students may attend schools located outside their community, including boarding schools.
  • These scholarships may be used for high school if a child STARTS receiving a scholarship in 8th grade or younger. But no NEW scholarships are awarded for students entering 9th grade or above.