New National Poll Reveals Strong Bipartisan Support for Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

Ensuring every K-12 student has access to the educational resources they need is a shared goal for many families, educators, and policymakers. A new national poll, commissioned by the Invest in Education Coalition and conducted by Morning Consult, sheds light on a significant consensus: there is broad, bipartisan support for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program (FSTC).

This program, slated to take effect in 2027, offers a promising avenue for increasing private contributions to K-12 education, potentially providing billions of dollars in new funding for student scholarships. The findings from this poll suggest that voters across the political spectrum recognize the value of expanding educational opportunities beyond traditional school budgets.

Understanding the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program (FSTC) is designed to allow individual taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit for contributions made to qualified scholarship granting organizations. These private contributions, in turn, will fund scholarships that eligible K-12 students can utilize for a variety of qualified educational expenses.

According to the Invest in Education Coalition, a crucial aspect of the FSTC is its potential to benefit a wide range of students, including those attending public schools. For public school students, these scholarships could help families access vital additional educational services such as tutoring, after-school programs, educational technology, learning materials, and other academic supports. This particular detail resonated strongly with voters, with the Invest in Education Coalition reporting that 63% of registered voters became more supportive of the program after learning that public school students can also benefit.

The program is set to begin in 2027, but states must formally “opt-in” by January 1, 2027, for their resident K-12 students to be eligible. As of the announcement from the Invest in Education Coalition, 30 states have already opted in, while 20 have yet to make a decision.

Widespread Support Across the Nation and Political Divides

The poll results indicate a robust desire among voters for their states to participate in this program. Nationally, the Invest in Education Coalition reports that 67% of registered voters support their state participating in the FSTC, and 66% support the federal scholarship tax credit itself. This support, according to the organization, transcends party lines: 70% of Democrats, 63% of Independents, and 67% of Republicans are in favor of their state participating.

Beyond the national figures, the survey also found strong support in key presidential primary states, representing diverse political landscapes:

• Michigan: 73% support state participation and 70% support the federal scholarship tax credit.
• Nevada: 76% support state participation and 72% support the federal scholarship tax credit.
• New Hampshire: 66% support state participation and 65% support the federal scholarship tax credit.
• South Carolina: 67% support state participation and 68% support the federal scholarship tax credit.

Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina have already opted into the program, and the polling data, according to the Invest in Education Coalition, shows strong voter endorsement for their participation. Michigan, however, has not yet opted in, despite 73% of its voters expressing support for state participation.

Anne Lesser, President and CEO of Invest in Education Coalition, commented on these findings, stating, “Across party lines and across the country, voters see the value of giving students and families access to additional educational resources.” She added that the FSTC “creates an unprecedented opportunity to bring potentially billions of dollars in new private contributions into K–12 education and expand support for students in public and non-public schools. These poll results make clear that voters want their states to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Why This Matters for Students, Parents, and Teachers

The poll also highlighted a widespread agreement that families need access to additional educational resources. According to the Invest in Education Coalition, 89% of registered voters believe families need educational resources beyond school budgets, and 72% consider it important for their governor to opt their state into the program by the January 1, 2027, deadline.

For parents, this program could mean new opportunities to fund crucial support services for their children, whether it's for specialized tutoring, access to educational software, or materials that can enhance learning. For teachers, increased access to resources for students could translate into better-prepared learners and a more supportive environment in and out of the classroom. These scholarships could bridge gaps where school budgets may fall short, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed.

Platforms like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, are also working to democratize access to learning support for K-12 students, offering free, personalized assistance whenever and wherever it's needed. Resources such as the free practice hub can complement scholarship-funded educational tools, providing a comprehensive ecosystem of learning support.

Looking Ahead

The Invest in Education Coalition's work in commissioning this poll provides valuable insight into the public's desire for expanded educational opportunities. The strong bipartisan support for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program suggests a national readiness to embrace new avenues for funding K-12 education and supporting students. As the January 1, 2027, deadline for states to opt-in approaches, this data will likely inform ongoing discussions and decisions regarding the program's implementation and reach.

The survey was conducted online by Morning Consult in July 2026, with a national survey of 2,011 registered voters and state-level surveys in Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, and South Carolina.