Last verified: October 2026
Can a student use both the CHOOSE Act and an Accountability Act scholarship?
No. The CHOOSE Act's definition of an eligible student excludes anyone receiving scholarship funds or a tax credit under the Alabama Accountability Act of 2013. The Diocese of Birmingham repeats the rule on its ESA page.
When is the ESA the better choice?
The ESA usually wins when tuition is near or under $7,000, when the family wants money for textbooks, tutoring or therapy as well, or when household income is above 250% of poverty. From 2027-28 it carries no income test at all.
When might the SGO scholarship be better?
An SGO award can be larger, up to $10,000, at a school whose tuition is well above $7,000 and whose SGO partner has money that year. It also covers students with an IEP or 504 plan regardless of income. Ask the school and the SGO for the actual figure before deciding.
How do the applications differ?
The ESA is one statewide application on ClassWallet with an annual window (last cycle closed March 31). SGO scholarships are applied for with each SGO, are first-completed, first-served, and depend on donations that run on the calendar tax year.
CHOOSE Act ESA vs Accountability Act scholarship
| CHOOSE Act ESA | Accountability Act scholarship |
|---|---|
| $7,000 (school) / $2,000 (home) | Up to $10,000, set by the SGO |
| 2027-28: any income | Income at or below 250% of poverty, or IEP/504 |
| Statewide application, annual window | Apply to an SGO; first-come |
| Tuition, fees, textbooks, tutoring, therapies, tests | Tuition |