OKLAHOMA CITY — New data has revealed that for the second consecutive year, the majority of families benefiting from Oklahoma’s private school tax credit program were already enrolled in private schools. This has reignited concerns that the program is not being used as originally intended.
When the tax credit program was introduced several years ago, its proponents argued that it would provide an opportunity for students from low-income families to attend private schools that they otherwise could not afford. However, recent findings indicate that this is not the case for most participants.
According to new data released by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, less than 10 percent of the nearly 40,000 students approved for the Parental Choice Tax Credit had previously attended public schools. A closer examination of the data shows that only 361 of these students came from financially disadvantaged or homeless families. Furthermore, of the approximately $250 million in state tax credits awarded, less than $3 million went to students from those backgrounds.
This pattern mirrors what was observed during the first year of the program. Last year, KFOR reported similar findings, and then-Governor Kevin Stitt defended the initiative, stating that it was functioning as intended.
“Those who say the richest families got that credit… that’s simply not true,” Stitt said in March 2025.
This year’s data reveals that 44 percent of participating students come from families earning more than $150,000 annually. Another 27 percent are from families earning between $75,000 and $150,000. Approximately 20 percent come from families earning $75,000 or less. Only about 9 percent of the students come from families whose income qualifies them for state assistance programs such as SNAP and SoonerCare.
Former Republican state Representative Mark McBride expressed his disappointment with the outcome, stating that it was predictable. He explained that he only supported the tax credit because legislative leaders refused to approve a major funding increase for public schools unless the program passed.
“I think it’s what we all knew would happen,” McBride said. “I told them exactly what was going to happen.”
McBride also pointed out that some private schools in Oklahoma raised their tuition by the exact amount of the tax credits. He admitted that he regrets his vote.
State Representative Jacob Rosecrants, a Democrat from Norman, is advocating for the repeal of the program. He has introduced a bill to end it, though he acknowledges the challenge of passing such legislation in a Republican-dominated legislature.
“I’m running a bill to end it,” Rosecrants said. “I think I’ve run a bill a couple of times and it’s an uphill battle in this GOP supermajority.”
Rosecrants suggested that lawmakers should at least consider implementing an income cap. He emphasized that many people in rural areas are confused about why public funds are subsidizing families who are already sending their children to private schools.
“I think especially in the rural areas, I think that people understand there’s not a whole lot of private schools out there and they’re wondering probably why they’re subsidizing families already going to private schools too,” Rosecrants said.
He added that the state is losing around $200 million, close to $250 million, in potential public investments due to the program.
As the legislative session approaches, KFOR will continue monitoring any proposed changes to the program. The debate over the tax credit program is likely to remain a significant topic in Oklahoma politics.