The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) was developed in 2011 to give parents more choice over how they educate their children.[1] Many homeschoolers have used this program to add quality curriculum options without taking on the entire financial burden. In 2022-2023 alone, the per-student estimated average for ESA funds was around $7,000, with more money used for special needs students than the average.
We know the ESA saves eligible families thousands on K-12 materials and courses, but did you know it can also help students get a head start on their college education?
One of the more exciting ways to use ESA funds is with a dual enrollment program, like the one offered through Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL Education. In this article, we’ll break down who’s eligible, how to enroll in the ESA, and how you can use funds for high-quality, self-paced college coursework.
How to Use the Arizona ESA Program to Buy College Courses
The Arizona Department of Education has made it very simple for homeschooling families to start. First, your student must be eligible to enroll in one of the following Arizona public schools:
- Preschool program for kids with special needs
- Kindergarten program
- Any grade 1-12
Note that this is the eligibility requirement, which covers all Arizona students. Even if your child has never been in the public or charter school systems, they should qualify.
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can begin enrollment:
- Visit the ESA online portal. Click the “Create my account” option.
- Fill out the application and provide your supporting documents (proof of residence and student’s birth certificate).
- Wait for the ESA contract, then sign to agree to the ESA terms and conditions.
- Check your ClassWallet account for your ESA funds.
- Pay TEL Education directly from the ClassWallet platform or with the prepaid debit card. You may also apply to be reimbursed after using your own funds to pay for courses.
It can take as long as 30 days between ESA account application and approval, so plan ahead and get your application in early for the next semester.
(Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL Education courses can be started anytime, and students have six months to complete them. Once you get ESA approval, you can sign up for your preferred courses with just a few clicks.)
What does the ESA agreement require of parents?
To access and use Arizona ESA funds, parents must sign an agreement to the following:
- Provide education in core subjects such as math, reading and grammar, science, and social studies
- Not “double-dip” by using funds from the ESA and a tax-credit scholarship program at the same time
- Not enroll the student in an Arizona school district or charter school
Parents must also use the funds for the purpose stated by the ESA rules. The money must be used for basic education subjects in the course of a K-12 (or preschool, in some cases) education.
Arizona ESA Program College Credit Benefits and Considerations
Remember, the Arizona ESA program is designed for K-12 students, not college students. Once your homeschooled student has graduated high school, they are no longer eligible for ESA funds, no matter what they choose to use them on.
Fortunately, high school gives you four years to get a jump-start on college as part of a dual enrollment program. Homeschoolers can sign up for Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL’s rigorous online college courses and take them at their own pace. They’ll earn college credits and high school credits at the same time, and they can use the ESA funds to help pay for it.
And with Arizona being very explicit about the type of courses parents must provide, there’s no guessing if your Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL course will fit into your transcript. Currently, there are courses in language arts, science, math, and social studies, so your student can get a well-rounded education using the latest educational technology and their ESA funds.
Another bonus of the courses through Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL is that the price of courses includes everything needed to begin. You don’t have to purchase additional books or materials; the cost of the course covers it all. Not only does this save you money, but it makes it much easier to purchase through the ESA portal. Instead of making several transactions for the course, books, supplies, and remote exam proctoring, you just pay the one-time course price.
“A college education should be accessible, flexible, and affordable for everyone. At Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL, we provide high-quality, self-paced courses that fit the needs of all kinds of learners—whether you’re a high school student getting ahead, a working adult balancing responsibilities, or simply someone eager to explore new subjects. And with our low-cost tuition, earning college credit has never been more affordable.” – Russ Pickett, Vice President of Support Services, TEL Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona require testing to access ESA funds?
The ESA program has no testing requirement. However, many homeschoolers choose to use their own testing solutions to ensure their student is on track. Courses through Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL also have their own testing requirements, with remotely proctored exams that students can take any time of day for their convenience.
What colleges can I use my Arizona ESA funds at?
The approved vendor list for the ESA program changes annually, but one respected option is coursework through Mid-America Christian University powered by TEL. Mid-America Christian University is located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It is a regionally accredited 4-year private university.
How can I use Arizona ESA funds to earn college credits?
High school students who use ESA funds to purchase and complete courses through MACU powered by TEL will receive an official college transcript from Mid-America Christian University. These credits can easily transfer to their future post-secondary college after high school.
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