Student Funding

Use of Funds

Scholarship funds may be used to pay for tuition at a special education program offered by an alternative public provider or private provider that implements the child’s IEP. Scholarships may also be used to pay for other services that are not included in the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) but that are associated with educating the child.

Funding Amount and Source

The state calculates funding using a unique, program-specific formula set out in statute. The state pays a student’s parent or custodian for education services up to $32,445 in FY2025. If transportation is listed on the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) as a related service, the parent may obtain transportation from a registered private provider that is approved by the state to provide such transportation and claim it for reimbursement through the Autism Scholarship program. Parents are responsible for covering any costs in addition to the maximum amount allowed per year. Any qualifying Ohio K–12 student that wishes to participate may receive funding.

(Last updated July 30, 2024)

Student Eligibility

Students must be ages 3 to 21, identified or diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or pervasive developmental disorder, enrolled in or eligible to enter a public school special education system, and have a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

(Last updated July 30, 2024)

EdChoice Expert Feedback

Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program helps thousands of students access schools that are the right fit for them, but policymakers could do more to expand educational opportunity. Eligibility for the vouchers is limited to students ages 3 to 21 who have an IEP and have been diagnosed with autism. Less than five percent of Ohio’s students are eligible for a scholarship and just under five percent students statewide actually use one of Ohio’s five educational choice programs (including the Cleveland Scholarship Program, the Educational Choice Scholarship Program, the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program, and the Income-Based Scholarship Program). The average voucher value is about $26,500 and may be worth up to $31,500 per year in FY2022 and $32,455 per year in FY2023 and beyond. In order to expand access to educational choice, Ohio policymakers could convert the program into an education savings account to ensure that all students have access to the education that’s the right fit for them, whether private school or a customized course of education. Ohio’s voucher program generally avoids unnecessary and counterproductive regulations. (Last updated December 18, 2023) 

Rules and Regulations

Program Guidelines

• Income Limit: None
• Prior Year Public School Requirement: None
• Enrollment Cap: None
• Scholarship (Voucher) Cap: $32,455 per year in FY23 and beyond
• Testing Mandates: None
• Special Needs Pathway: Pathway

Participant and Family Guidelines

• Click Here for the Program Administrator’s Parent Handbook
• Education Requirements: Request modification for services outside the student’s IEP
• Parent Supplemented Funds/Scholarships: Allowed
• Miscellaneous: N/A

Education Provider Guidelines

• Accreditation/Approval: Register with the state
• Employment Standards:
  • Associates degrees for teachers with less than two years of experience
  • Teachers and staff working with children must undergo background checks
  • Have properly credentialed staff
• Nondiscrimination: State (comply with state nondiscrimination codes) and federal
• Calendar/Curriculum/Attendance: Register with state for IEP
• Financial:
  • Demonstrate fiscal soundness
  • Provide the Department of Education with documentation of adequate liability, property, and casualty insurance
• Miscellaneous:
  • In operation at least one full year
  • Meet all applicable state and local health and safety codes
  • Provide regular student progress reports to parents and resident public school

(Last updated October 15, 2024)

Governing Statutes

Ohio Rev. Code §§ 3310.41 through 43

(Last updated July 30, 2024)

Legal History

No legal challenges have been filed against the program.

(Last updated July 30, 2024)