​Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) are state tax credit programs that give thousands of low- to middle-income students access to high-quality schools of their choice.

Average tuition: $11,813

Although private schooling comes with a price tag, a great education that fits your child well isn’t necessarily out of reach. Many schools offer financial aid and the price of parochial school tuition is often much lower than the average.

Average Family Income

Students who receive an EITC or OSTC scholarship have an average family income of $41,000-$73,000. The average family receiving EITC or OSTC contributes $4,000 per year to their child’s education. Pennsylvania’s EITC and OSTC tax credit scholarships have
helped thousands of low-to middle-income families afford private school tuition.

Disproportionately serving minority students

EITC scholarships serve a population that is more racially diverse than the general population of Pennsylvania. Private schools provide a unique opportunity to ensure learning equity for Pennsylvania’s minority groups. Although only 1 out of 4 Pennsylvanians identify as a person of color, fifty percent private school students in Philadelphia are children of color. This provides diversity that is absent in most Pennsylvania public schools.

There are approximately 3,000 private/nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania. Licensed private schools are regulated by the State Board of Private Academic Schools and must abide by many of the same requirements facing public schools.