Photo by Arthur Krijgsman
Backpacks are packed, class schedules are set, and Iowa students are returning to school. For families with an approved Students First Education Savings Account, however, one administrative step still needs attention.
For the 2026–27 school year, each participating student receives $8,148. Half is available for the fall semester, with the remaining half scheduled for release on December 1.
Starting classes does not automatically complete the ESA process. Families must confirm and pay tuition and fees through the ESA portal by 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2026. Missing that deadline will make the student ineligible to receive and retain ESA funds for the school year.
Here is what families should check now.
1. Look for the school’s tuition and fee charge
Accredited nonpublic schools submit tuition and eligible fees through the ESA portal. Parents then review and confirm the payment.
If you do not see a charge yet, contact your school. The school may still be preparing its submission, but checking now gives everyone time to resolve a missing charge or incorrect amount.
Do not wait until September 30 to investigate.
2. Review the charge before approving it
Before confirming payment, make sure the charge is connected to the correct student and school. Review the tuition and fee amounts and ask the school about anything you do not recognize.
Each student’s ESA is separate. Funds awarded to one child cannot be transferred to a sibling’s account, even when both children attend the same school.
3. Complete payment by September 30
Seeing funds or a tuition charge in the portal does not mean payment is complete. A parent or guardian must confirm and pay the fall tuition and fees through the portal.
The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2026.
After completing the transaction, save the confirmation for your records and check that the payment appears as completed. That small follow-up can prevent confusion later.
4. Know how remaining funds may be used
ESA funds must pay tuition and fees first. After those charges are paid, remaining funds may be used through the ESA marketplace for approved educational expenses connected to that student.
Review the state’s eligible-expense guidance before making a purchase. Something can be useful for school without qualifying as an approved ESA expense.
Unused money may remain available in a future year when the student again participates in the ESA program.
Save the next three dates
- September 30, 2026: Fall tuition and fee payment deadline
- December 1, 2026: Spring ESA funds become available
- February 1, 2027: Spring tuition and fee payment deadline
The first weeks of school fill up quickly. Log in now, look for the tuition charge, and contact your school if anything appears incorrect or incomplete.
The first day of class should be the beginning of a school year—not the beginning of a last-minute search for a missing ESA payment.
For official program requirements, eligible-expense guidance, and assistance, visit the Iowa Department of Education’s Students First ESA page.