How Are Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) Funds Applied?

Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) funds will be billed to the family’s FACTS account as an Incidental Charge with a May 10 due date. Once payments are disbursed by the State of Tennessee and received by PCA, EFS funds will be credited directly to the incidental balance.
Tuition not covered by EFS funds will be billed to the family's FACTS account as a Tuition Charge and drafted according to the chosen payment plan.

Payment Responsibility
Families must continue making scheduled payments according to their chosen tuition plan for all remaining tuition not covered by EFS funds. The PCA Business Office will reflect the EFS award in the family’s FACTS account as an Incidental Expense, due by May 10 of the academic year.
If EFS funds are not received for any reason, families are still fully responsible for their total tuition obligation. Each family is responsible for maintaining compliance with all EFS program requirements outlined in the 2025–2026 EFS Family Handbook from the State of Tennessee.
Refunds and Overpayments
If an overpayment results in a credit at the end of the academic year, families may request a refund by submitting an EFS-FACTS Refund Request Form to the Business Office. However, please note that EFS funds are not refundable. Refunds will only be issued if the overpayment was made using personal funds.

Important Notes:

It is the family's responsibility to remain in full compliance with all EFS program requirements to ensure the disbursement of funds.
If EFS funds are not received for any reason, families remain fully responsible for the full tuition balance.
In cases of withdrawal or dismissal, any remaining tuition, penalties, or withdrawal fees are the responsibility of the family. EFS funds do not cover these costs.

For complete program guidelines, please refer to the State of Tennessee 2025–26 EFS Family Handbook. Key sections to review include:

Page 17 – Students Turning 18 Years Old
Page 22 – Account Holder Financial Responsibilities

State of TN EFS Disbursement Schedule

Per current State guidance, EFS funds are distributed on the following schedule:

50% in Quarter 1 (Q1)
20% in Quarter 2 (Q2)
20% in Quarter 3 (Q3)
10% in Quarter 4 (Q4)

The State’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, but exact disbursement dates have not yet been released.

PCA Payment Plans

If you need to make a change to your selected payment plan in FACTS, please email our office. All adjustments must be made by an administrator.

Tuition Assistance Adjustments

If your family currently receives PCA tuition assistance and has also been awarded an EFS scholarship, your assistance package will be re-evaluated. Adjustments will be made based on updated demonstrated need.

Additional Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Tennessee Education Freedom Scholarship Program website.

Have questions? Contact us by email.