The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, commonly referred to as E-Rate (Education rate) or erate, makes discounts available to eligible schools and libraries for telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections.

The E-Rate program was established in order to provide discounts to assist most schools and libraries in the United States to obtain affordable telecommunications and Internet access. It is one of four support programs funded through a Universal Service fee charged to companies that provide interstate and/or international telecommunications services.

Begun in 1998, the program's goal is to ensure that schools and libraries have access to affordable telecommunications and information services. It is overseen by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The program makes available $2.25 billion annually for eligible technology services.

All schools, public or private, that are non-profit and do not have endowments exceeding $50 million are eligible for E-Rate!

Schools and libraries can save up to 90% on eligible telecommunication, Internet access, and internal connections, and most can save at least 40%. The amount of savings is calculated using the number of students eligible for the USDA's National School Lunch Program (NSLP), often called the Free and Reduced Lunch Program.