How the waitlist moved
Awards were released in tier and lottery order as families opted out or switched to homeschool. Nearly 50,000 students had received awards from the waitlist by August 28, 2026, including about 4,500 Tier 3 students in the final round.
Late awards are prorated
Families awarded late had four weeks to opt in and confirm enrollment. Completing those steps after September 15 meant receiving 75% of the award.
You must reapply
Students who were not awarded must apply again in a future cycle. The Comptroller reports waitlist numbers to the Legislature, which convenes January 12, 2027 and will decide year-two funding.
Paying for school meanwhile
Ask your school about need-based aid, look at our partner scholarship for church-run schools, and watch for scholarship organizations under the federal tax credit beginning January 2027.
Next step
Take the two-minute funding check. A School Funding Advisor will map every source your family qualifies for and give you the dates.