Tuition Assistance for Catholic Schools: Making Catholic Education Accessible
Catholic schools have a long and distinguished tradition of providing students with quality academics, challenging physical activities, and faith formation. Recognizing that the cost of tuition can be a barrier for many families, various tuition assistance programs exist to make Catholic education more accessible. These programs, offered through archdioceses, individual schools, and foundations, are designed to help families who demonstrate financial need.
The Importance of Catholic Education
For over a century, Catholic education has focused on preparing young people for higher education and life. Catholic schools form the future of the Church, instilling values and providing a strong academic foundation. Students graduating from Catholic schools are well-prepared for their next level of education. Sustaining the tradition of excellence in Catholic schools remains a high priority.
Overview of Tuition Assistance Programs
Many tuition-assistance programs are offered through Archdioceses and local Catholic schools. Catholic schools offer tuition assistance based on financial need. All Catholic high schools provide need-based financial aid. Merit-based and specific scholarships are also available.
Catholic Education Foundation (CEF)
The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) provides financial support to families who want to send their children to Catholic school. Each year, the CEF awards millions of dollars in financial assistance to families attending CEF-supported schools. The Catholic Education Foundation, the Archdiocese of Louisville and funding partners are helping more families than ever who cannot afford the full cost of educating their children in a Catholic elementary school.
In the Diocese of Joliet, the CEF provides financial support to families who want to send their children to Catholic school. Each year more than $6 million in financial assistance is awarded to families attending CEF-supported schools. While families must contribute something, the CEF strives to work with families to ensure that a Catholic education is attainable.
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Archdiocese Programs
Archdioceses often have their own tuition assistance programs. For example, the Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance Program is available for students in grades PreK-12 who are applying to or currently enrolled in Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of Washington (Washington, DC and Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's and Prince George's counties in Maryland). All tuition assistance obtained through the archdiocese is based on financial need. Should a child receive other assistance or scholarships, the archdiocesan award will be reduced so that the total assistance will not exceed the tuition. Families must apply each year to receive assistance and need must be demonstrated each year to qualify.
School-Specific Aid
Individual Catholic schools also offer tuition assistance based on financial need. Families are encouraged to speak with a school’s admissions coordinator, principal, or parish leader to learn more about the options available.
The Tuition Assistance Fund
The Tuition Assistance Fund was established in 2006 to increase available financial aid for families who demonstrate financial need. The goal is to offer affordable Catholic school education to as many families as wish to send their children to a Catholic school. Thanks to Tuition Assistance Fund Donors, hundreds of families have benefited from financial aid.
Specific Examples of Tuition Assistance Programs
The Catholic Education Foundation in Louisville
The Catholic Education Foundation, the Archdiocese of Louisville and funding partners are helping more families than ever who cannot afford the full cost of educating their children in a Catholic elementary school.
Tuition Assistance in the Diocese of Des Moines
Families who live in Iowa are eligible for CTO. Students eligible to receive tuition assistance are 5 years old before September 15 and attend one of the 16 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines.
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EdChoice Expansion Scholarship (Ohio)
The EdChoice Expansion Scholarship is awarded to K-12 students based on the family's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in relation to the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines (FPL). Most families qualify for a full EdChoice Expansion Scholarship of $6,166 for elementary and $8,408 for high school. For example, in 2024-2025, a student in a family of four earning $140,000 annually or less receives a full scholarship. Scholarships are reduced on a sliding scale for families above 450% FPL with no less than $616 (K-8) or $840 (HS) awarded per child. The following scholarships are also available for K-12 students in Ohio.
Fitzgerald Program
The Fitzgerald Program is a scholarship designated for Catholic and non-Catholic students who demonstrate leadership qualities and are also in need of financial assistance to help defray the cost of their Catholic high school tuition. Awarded annually, the Fitzgerald Program awardees are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to lead in their high school, community and/or parish. The Fitzgerald Program award is a one-year scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements for tuition assistance vary depending on the program. However, most programs consider household income and family size.
Income Guidelines Example
The following income guidelines serve as an example of eligibility criteria:
| Family Size | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| 2 | $84,600 |
| 3 | $106,600 |
| 4 | $128,600 |
| 5 | $150,600 |
| 6 | $172,600 |
| 7 | $194,600 |
| 8 | $216,600 |
Families/households are eligible for CTO assistance if their total income is at or below the listed income level reported on Line 9 of federal income tax form.
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Age and School Requirements
In some cases, there are age and school requirements. For instance, in Iowa, students eligible for tuition assistance must be 5 years old before September 15 and attend one of the 16 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines.
Application Process
The application process for tuition assistance typically involves completing an application form and submitting required documentation, such as tax returns. Some programs also require an application fee.
Key Application Dates
Tuition assistance applications submitted between October 15, 2025 and November 30, 2025 will participate in the initial grant funding. Applications submitted by new school families after November 30, 2025 will be accepted and processed in the normal course. Completed applications received by November 30, 2025 will participate in the initial grant awards.
Completing the Application
Complete only one FACTS application for the family, including all students in the family (elementary and high school) on the same form. Applications for tuition assistance, including the $31 application fee (one application covers the entire family) need to be completed (including tax returns) and submitted to FAIR (www.FAIRApp.com) by Tuesday, April 15.
Notification of Awards
Families will be notified of awards by their individual school by the end of May.
The Impact of Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance programs have a significant impact on families and students. By providing financial support, these programs enable more families to access Catholic education, giving their children the opportunity to grow in their faith and receive a superior academic education.
Investment in the Future
An investment in a child’s future provides them with an opportunity to continue growing in their Catholic faith while receiving a superior academic education. Students are prepared for success in further education, a productive career and a life eternal with God.
Finding a Catholic School
A student must be enrolled in a participating private school before applying for a scholarship. Find a Catholic school. Visit the diocesan links.
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