Trump Administration Launches Universal School Choice via Federal Tax Credits

$10 billion in federal tax credits available in Year 1, growing to an estimated $125.8 billion over 10 years

27 states have announced intent to opt in to the federal scholarship tax credit program as of early 2026

4.7 million K–12 students were enrolled in private schools in fall 2021, representing about 9% of all K–12 students

A Brookings analysis finds the tax credit program is structured to disproportionately benefit high-income donors and underserve rural communities

Across 17 random-assignment studies, 11 found vouchers improved test scores, 4 found no effect, and 2 found negative effects — but recent large state programs show some of the steepest learning losses on record