USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company), for the FCC
E-Rate (Schools and Libraries Program)
Federal discounts on a school's internet access, telecommunications services and related equipment. Nonprofit private schools can apply every year; for-profit schools can't.
- Amount
- Discounts on internet access, telecommunications services and related equipment; your rate depends on your share of students eligible for school lunch and whether you're rural or urban
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Next round not posted
- Who this fits
- Private school · MicroschoolNonprofit K-12 schools, public or private. For-profit schools can't apply.
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- National: schools in any US state
- Last checked
- Oct 2, 2026on usac.org
What to do now
- Step 1: Confirm your school is a nonprofit and meets Arkansas's definition of a school
- Step 2: Create an E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) account
- Step 3: Post an FCC Form 470 asking vendors for bids
- Step 4: Wait at least 28 days, then choose the most cost-effective bid
- Step 5: File an FCC Form 471 during USAC's yearly window
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“Schools operating as for-profit businesses or that have endowments exceeding $50 million are not eligible.”
USAC uses the federal definition: a school must be a “non-profit institutional day or residential school” that provides elementary or secondary education “as determined under state law.” The page doesn't exclude religious schools; the test is nonprofit status. If your school runs under a church, ask your CPA how it is organized before you file.
- Nonprofit K-12 school under your state's law
- Endowment under $50 million
- An E-Rate Productivity Center (EPC) account
- Post a Form 470 for bids, wait at least 28 days, then file a Form 471 in the yearly window
Timing
Every year. The 2026 Form 471 window ran January 21 to April 1, 2026, and March 4, 2026 was the last day to post a Form 470 and still meet the 28-day wait. USAC hasn't announced the 2027 window yet; it posts the dates ahead of time.