Can a private school file for E-Rate?

Yes, most non-profit private K-12 schools are eligible. The exception is private schools with endowments above an FCC-published threshold (currently $50 million), which are excluded under the program rules.

Can a college, university, or trade school file?

No. E-Rate is restricted to elementary and secondary schools (K-12). Post-secondary institutions including community colleges, universities, and trade schools are not eligible applicants.

What is a consortium and who can lead one?

A consortium is a group of eligible schools and/or libraries that file together to gain bargaining leverage. The lead applicant — often a state network, regional service agency, or library system — files the Form 470 and 471 on behalf of all members. Each member must be an eligible E-Rate entity.

Are state and tribal libraries eligible?

Public libraries that meet the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) definition are eligible, including state libraries, tribal libraries, and library systems. Academic and research libraries are not eligible unless they are part of an eligible institution.

Rules & Pricing

Who can file for E-Rate?

Quick answer

E-Rate is open to public and most non-profit private K-12 schools, public libraries, school districts, library systems, and consortia of eligible entities. For-profit schools, post-secondary institutions, and private schools with endowments above the FCC threshold are not eligible. Each eligible applicant is identified in USAC's system by a Billed Entity Number (BEN).

Eligible applicants

The FCC defines four categories of eligible applicant under the schools-and-libraries program:

Public K-12 schools. Individual schools or districts operating elementary and secondary education programs.
Most private K-12 schools. Non-profit private schools that meet state-law definitions of elementary or secondary education and whose endowment is below the FCC's published threshold.
Public libraries. Libraries eligible under the Library Services and Technology Act, including branches, library systems, and tribal libraries.
Consortia. Groups of eligible schools and/or libraries that file together to share procurement and gain pricing leverage.

Who is not eligible

For-profit schools and for-profit education companies.
Post-secondary institutions, including community colleges, universities, and trade schools.
Private schools whose endowment exceeds the FCC threshold (the current figure is published in the FCC's Eligible Services List and related orders).
Pre-K programs that are not part of a state-defined elementary education program.
Academic and research libraries that are not separately chartered as public libraries under state law.

How applicants are identified — the BEN

Every eligible E-Rate applicant is assigned a Billed Entity Number (BEN). The BEN identifies the entity in USAC's E-Rate Productivity Center and on every Form 470 and Form 471 filing.

A district typically holds one BEN that covers all of its schools, even though each individual school also has its own BEN for enrollment-based calculations. Library systems work the same way: the system holds a parent BEN and each branch may have its own.

Filing as a consortium

Consortium filing lets multiple eligible entities pool their procurement under a single Form 470 and Form 471. A state network, regional service agency, or library system typically serves as the lead applicant.

The lead applicant signs the contract on behalf of the group, collects discount-rate data from each member, and is responsible for the consortium's E-Rate compliance. Member entities must each be independently eligible — a consortium cannot bring an ineligible member into the program.

FAQ

Common questions

Can a private school file for E-Rate?: Yes, most non-profit private K-12 schools are eligible. The exception is private schools with endowments above an FCC-published threshold (currently $50 million), which are excluded under the program rules.
Can a college, university, or trade school file?: No. E-Rate is restricted to elementary and secondary schools (K-12). Post-secondary institutions including community colleges, universities, and trade schools are not eligible applicants.
What is a consortium and who can lead one?: A consortium is a group of eligible schools and/or libraries that file together to gain bargaining leverage. The lead applicant — often a state network, regional service agency, or library system — files the Form 470 and 471 on behalf of all members. Each member must be an eligible E-Rate entity.
Are state and tribal libraries eligible?: Public libraries that meet the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) definition are eligible, including state libraries, tribal libraries, and library systems. Academic and research libraries are not eligible unless they are part of an eligible institution.

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This guide summarizes publicly available FCC and USAC guidance for educational purposes and is not legal or procurement advice. Verify all information directly with USAC or qualified counsel before making business decisions. ERateSignal is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by USAC, the FCC, or the U.S. Government.