Hope Scholarship Applications Nearly Double From Last Year 

A week after the application deadline, West Virginia’s school choice scholarship is reporting the program is close to doubling. 

State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, announced Monday that 26,617 students have applied for full funding for the Hope Scholarship Program for the 2026-2027 school year. That is up slightly from Pack’s report of 25,675 applications two weeks ago. 

The program currently reports 14,549 active participants for the 2025-2026 school year.   

Based on a full scholarship of $5,435.62 per student, Pack’s office estimated the program’s cost is currently $155 million.   

“We are so excited to welcome thousands of new families into the Hope Scholarship Program. Seeing the Education Savings Account nearly double in participation is a true indicator of the impact and popularity of the program,” Pack said. “Now our team turns their attention to helping these students get the resources they need to tailor their education towards their unique needs. Our goal is for West Virginia will continue to lead the nation in education innovation as we continue to build the program.”   

In March, existing private school and homeschool students became eligible to participate in the state’s Education Savings Account program. Previously, recipients were required to be enrolled in public school for 45 days before applying to be considered eligible.    

Families that did not apply by last week’s deadline can still receive a reduced Hope Scholarship: 

• June 16-Sept. 15: 75% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount. 

• Sept. 16-Nov. 30: 50% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount. 

• Dec. 1-Feb. 28: 25% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount. 

The estimated cost is expected to increase throughout the year as more applications are approved.  

The West Virginia Legislature and governor appropriated approximately $277 million to the Hope Scholarship Program this year. That is more than double the $120 million appropriated last year.  

Projections for the 2026-2027 school year made at the end of 2025 indicated that the Hope Scholarship would cost West Virginia just under $245 million.