Arizona's universal school choice program is estimated to see significant growth over the next fiscal year to 100,000 students with a price tag of $900 million. Opponents of the program say its cost will bankrupt the state but others say the expense will be offset.
In complying with state law, the Arizona Department of Education offered the Joint Legislative Budget Committee its annual estimate on what it would need to fund empowerment scholarship accounts for the upcoming fiscal year. With nearly 58,000 students already enrolled in the program, ADE projects the program will grow to 100,000 students in fiscal year 2024 at a cost of $900 million.
Started in 2012 but recently expanded, the ESA program was the first universal school choice option in America. It allows parents to take 90% of the state funding meant for their student's public school education and spend it on private school tuition or other approved expenses. The average scholarship amount is $10,000, according to state data.