Everything you need to know about Utah’s Education Savings Account (ESA)

Utah offers scholarship options that make it easier for families to create personalized K–12 education paths. These programs use Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) — state-funded accounts that can be used for private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, and more. Utah's statewide ESA program is called the Utah Fits All (UFA) Scholarship.

Whether you're exploring alternatives to your local public school, supporting a child with specific learning needs, or building a home education plan, these scholarships can help fund the learning path that best suits your learner.

What is an Education Savings Account (ESA)?

An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a flexible education fund that families can use for approved learning expenses, like private school tuition, curriculum, tutoring, or online programs.

In Utah, ESA funding is offered through two key scholarship programs: the Utah Fits All (UFA) Scholarship and the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship. Both provide flexible funds that families can use for a wide range of approved educational needs.

What scholarships are available in Utah?

Utah offers multiple scholarship programs that provide ESA funding. Each is built to support different student needs — from income-based eligibility to flexibility in educational models.

Here are the two ESA programs available to families in Utah:

Utah Fits All Scholarship Program

The Utah Fits All Scholarship is a universal school-choice program launched in 2023. Beginning in the 2024–25 school year, it offers state-funded scholarships of up to $8,000 per eligible K–12 student in Utah. As of May 16, 2025, Odyssey serves as the program administrator, managing all fund distribution and the marketplace where families spend their scholarship dollars.

Eligibility

• Residency: The student must be a Utah resident
• Grade Level: Eligible for students entering kindergarten through 12th grade
• Public School Status: Students cannot be enrolled full-time in a public school or SOEP program
• Restrictions: Students cannot receive the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship during the same school year

Rules and regulations

• Unused funds do not roll over
• Students may not receive multiple state ESA scholarships simultaneously

Use of funds

• Tuition and fees for private or microschool programs
• Curriculum, online tools, and instructional materials
• Tutoring and academic enrichment services
• Special education services and therapies
• Educational technology and assistive devices
• Transportation costs (up to $750 per year)
• Individual public school classes and extracurriculars

Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship

The 2024 Utah Legislature merged the Carson Smith and Special Needs Opportunity scholarships into a single program, now administered by the Children First Education Fund. Students currently receiving the legacy Carson Smith scholarship may remain in that program under existing terms, but no new students will be accepted into the legacy version.

Eligibility

Must have a qualifying disability under IDEA, verified by one of the following within the last 36 months:

• Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Assessment Team Member Record (ATMR)
• Multidisciplinary Team Evaluation (MDT)

Rules and regulations

• Cannot be combined with other public education scholarships in the same school year

Use of funds

• Private school tuition and fees
• Educational books, supplies, and curriculum
• Tutoring and academic support services
• Special education therapies and treatments
• Assistive technology and adaptive learning tools

Learn more from the official Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship page or review the application guide for details.

How to use your Utah Fits All funds on Outschool

Outschool is an approved provider on the Utah Fits All Odyssey marketplace. Families shop for Outschool credit bundles directly in Odyssey and use those credits to enroll in state-approved classes.

Here's how it works:

1. Log in to your UFA Odyssey account
2. Search for Outschool in the marketplace
3. Select a program-funded credit bundle: available in $50 (100 credits), $100 (200 credits), $200 (400 credits), or $500 (1,000 credits)
4. Complete your order — credits appear in your Outschool account within three business days

If you're new to Outschool, create an account at outschool.com using the same email connected to your Odyssey account. If you already have an Outschool account, make sure the email linked to your UFA scholarship is set as your primary or secondary email in your account settings.

With Outschool, you get:

• Live, small-group classes led by experienced teachers
• Complete curricula and interest-based learning options
• Flexible scheduling that fits your routine
• Support for homeschooling, private school, or hybrid learning
• Classes that meet Utah scholarship guidelines

The Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship does not use Odyssey. For questions about how Carson Smith funds are distributed or reimbursed, contact the Children First Education Fund directly.

Frequently asked questions about Utah's scholarship programs

This section covers some of the most common questions families have about using Utah's scholarship programs, especially when applying them to platforms like Outschool.

How can I make the most of my scholarship funds?

A few practical suggestions to help your family stretch the scholarship dollars:

• Explore learning options: prioritize core subjects like math, reading, writing, and science, or customize learning based on your child's interests
• Mix learning formats: blend live classes, self-paced lessons, and hands-on projects to support different learning styles
• Plan spending in stages: UFA funds are disbursed quarterly, so pacing purchases prevents overspending early in the year
• Track everything: keep a folder or spreadsheet of purchases, enrollments, and receipts
• Tap into community wisdom: connect with other Utah families for provider tips and class ideas that qualify under your program

Can I use one scholarship for multiple children on Outschool?

No. Each child must apply for and receive their own scholarship. Funds are awarded per student and cannot be shared. That said, parents can manage multiple learner accounts through Outschool and Odyssey.

How do I handle refunds for classes purchased with scholarship funds?

For UFA, refunds are handled through Odyssey and may take up to 14 business days. If you're using the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship, check with the Children First Education Fund for refund instructions.

Are there limits on the number of classes I can enroll my child in using the scholarship?

There's no official class cap under either program. Just make sure your total spending stays within your awarded amount and follows approved use guidelines.

What happens to unused funds?

• Utah Fits All: Funds must be used within the academic year. Any unused balance is returned to the program and does not roll over.
• Carson Smith Opportunity: Scholarships are awarded in three-year terms. If your child remains eligible, funds may be available in subsequent years within that term. Contact the Children First Education Fund directly for clarification on rollover rules.

Making the most of Utah's education savings account

Utah's scholarship programs empower families to design an education that meets their child's unique needs — whether through homeschooling, private school, or a flexible combination of both. These funds make it possible to invest in high-quality resources, trusted teachers, and specialized support.

Outschool is proud to support families using both the Utah Fits All and Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarships with classes that meet state guidelines and inspire meaningful learning. Browse classes on Outschool and start building a learning plan your child will love.