Tuition Assistance
Many families need tuition assistance to make Catholic school education more affordable and there are tuition assistance programs offered through the Archdiocese as well as through local Catholic schools. The first step is making an appointment with the school principal to discuss your situation and the options.
Tuition Assistance Guidelines
Catholic schools offer tuition assistance based on financial need. Some schools offer academic-based scholarships as well, so it’s important to contact the schools you are interested in attending for their guidelines.
Through the Catholic Education Foundation, over $8,000,000 per year (in recent years) has been available to students in Pre-K through 12 attending Parish and Archdiocesan schools.
Please go to their website www.cefdn.org for more information and for application procedures and deadlines.
Generally, 8th graders who are interested in attending Catholic high schools may apply for a tuition award in October and will be notified in November. All other high school award applications are submitted by January 31st and award letters are sent by mid-March. For elementary schools, the deadline for applications is April 30thl and those award letters are sent by early June. The Catholic Education Foundation receives close to 15,000 applications annually, so it’s important to meet the deadlines! Late applications cannot be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the source of the funds available through the Program?
Tuition Awards are funded through generous donations of individuals, foundations and corporations who appreciate the value of a Catholic school education and want to help families who cannot afford the full tuition bill.
Who is eligible to receive assistance and do I need to be Catholic?
Please see your school principal for the guidelines. In general, families must demonstrate need for tuition assistance and agree to make partial tuition payments. Awards are made without regard to ethnic background, religious affiliation or gender.
How are applications evaluated?
The first step is seeking guidance from your school principal. The principal understands your family’s needs and how best to apply for tuition support. Awards are made based on (a) financial need, (b) the principals recommendation, (c) your pastor’s recommendation, and (d) the availability of funding through sources available to the school including the Catholic Education Foundation and other individuals and foundations who fund scholarships.
Does my child need to have perfect grades to qualify?
NO, tuition awards are based on financial need and the principal’s recommendation. Some Catholic schools provide academic scholarships based on achievements, but tuition assistance programs are designed to help families keep their children in Catholic schools to learn in a faith-filled, safe, values-based and rigorous environment. Today, 98% of students receiving tuition support are graduating from high school in four years and 98% of those graduates are going on to colleges and universities.
Do I have to apply for an award every year?
YES. Families must apply each year to be considered for an award since awards are based on criteria that could change from year-to-year, such as funding availability and family income.