U.S. Treasury Releases Final Guidelines on Federal Scholarship Program

Harrisburg, Pa., October 1, 2026—Today, the U.S. Treasury released the final guidelines for the federal scholarship tax credit.

The program allows individuals to donate up to $1,700 a year and married couples up to $3,400 to a scholarship-granting organization and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Starting in 2027, the scholarships will be awarded in states that have opted in. So far, 31 states have opted in or announced their intention to participate.

This includes Democrat governors, such as Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who said he would be “crazy not to” opt in and called his decision a “no-brainer.” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, another Democrat, has also stated that she intends to opt in because of “its potential to help New York students and schools.” 

Today’s final guidelines elaborate on details the Treasury Department shared in June.

In Pennsylvania, about 1.8 million students, in both public and private schools, will be eligible for scholarships through this new program. 

Andrew Lewis, president and CEO of the Commonwealth Foundation, issued the following statement:

“The final guidelines confirm what we’ve always known about the federal scholarship tax credit: This program will offer millions of dollars in additional resources to millions of Pennsylvania students.

“Whether it’s for tutoring, special education services, after-school programming, books or supplies, and more, these scholarships will help fill educational gaps in life-changing ways.

“Gov. Josh Shapiro has yet to opt in, previously stating that he’s waiting for final guidelines to make his decision. As is the rest of Pennsylvania, we’re anxiously awaiting Gov. Shapiro’s decision now that there’s nothing left to deliberate.

“The guidelines are here. The details are final. No more excuses.

“It cannot be overstated: This program is a no-brainer. Gov. Shapiro must opt Pennsylvania in. Our students are counting on it.”

For media inquiries, please contact Giana DePaul at gmd@commonwealthfoundation.org or (25) 859-0384.