Can I buy a laptop or tablet with Students First Education Savings Account?
With conditions. Laptops/desktops/tablets and software eligible (some need vendor verification); printers, scanners, phones, smartwatches, game consoles excluded.
What you can buy with Students First Education Savings Account
16 kinds of expenses, each checked against the program's published rules as PencilGo read them on 2026-09-25. Pick one to see its vendors, or type an item to check it.
Is it covered by Students First Education Savings Account?
Type what you want to buy, for example a product name, a class or a service. We check it against the program's published expense rules and show the rule.
- Try:
Every category, with the Iowa rule
Covered: usually coveredDepends: covered with conditionsNot covered: usually not coveredNot stated: not stated by the program
- Covered
Private school tuition & fees
ESA funds are required to be used for tuition and fees before any other purpose; paid each semester as billed by the nonpublic school..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Online school & virtual courses
Eligible/Ineligible Expenses guide does not list online/virtual school tuition; ESA requires full-time enrollment in an accredited nonpublic school..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Curriculum, textbooks & workbooks
Textbooks and curriculum fees are automatically eligible when billed by the school..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Reading books & e-books
Textbooks (books or software) are automatically eligible when billed by the school..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
School supplies & consumables
Art supplies, writing utensils, personal office/organization supplies (folders, backpacks, calculators, etc.) are listed ineligible..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Computers, tablets, software & internet
Laptops/desktops/tablets and software eligible (some need vendor verification); printers, scanners, phones, smartwatches, game consoles excluded..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Tutoring
Tutoring is an eligible 'educational therapy service' but only if billed by a credentialed provider..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Classes, co-ops & camps
Camps (summer, winter, holiday, athletic) and non-school classes are explicitly listed as ineligible expenses..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Music, art & sports lessons
Guide lists 'instruments' and PE/gym course items as eligible course materials but does not separately address private music/sports lessons..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Educational therapies
Occupational, speech, behavioral, reading-specialist and cognitive therapies are eligible if billed by an Iowa Board-credentialed provider..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
Testing, exams & evaluations
Standardized test fees, AP exams, and postsecondary admission/credentialing exam fees are eligible..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Covered
College courses, dual enrollment & CTE
Vocational and life-skills education incl. apprenticeship programs, tech prep, and vocational school are eligible..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
Transportation
Transportation costs are explicitly listed as an ineligible expense..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not covered
School uniforms
Clothing including uniforms, shoes, hats, jackets, socks and sweaters is explicitly listed ineligible..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Not stated
Field trips, museums & educational travel
Not addressed in the Eligible/Ineligible Expenses guide's lists..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25. - Depends
Desks, instruments & learning equipment
Course-tied equipment (chemistry goggles, sewing machine, PE/gym items) eligible; general household items/furniture explicitly excluded..
Rule as PencilGo read it on 2026-09-25.
Students First Education Savings Account explicitly excludes: clothing/uniforms/shoes; transportation costs; camps of any kind; childcare before/after school; art & office supplies (pens, folders, backpacks); printers/scanners/computer accessories; non-school classes; educational subscriptions/memberships.
Questions Iowa families ask
Can I buy curriculum, workbooks and printable worksheets with Students First Education Savings Account?
Yes. Textbooks and curriculum fees are automatically eligible when billed by the school.
Does Students First Education Savings Account pay for music, art or sports lessons?
Students First Education Savings Account's published guidance does not state whether music, art and sports lessons are eligible. Ask the program before buying.
Does Students First Education Savings Account pay for tutoring?
Yes. Tutoring is an eligible 'educational therapy service' but only if billed by a credentialed provider.
Next
Before using ESA funds. Provider approval or a marketplace listing does not approve every product or confirm that a funded purchase can be made. Check Students First Education Savings Account's current rules and payment route before buying; a direct card purchase does not guarantee reimbursement. This hub is educational information, not legal, tax or eligibility advice. PencilGo is independent of state agencies.