Making Catholic Education Affordable
We are committed to welcoming all families who want a Catholic education for their children. Most families who attend Catholic schools receive some form of financial aid through tuition discounts or assistance. The following financial assistance options are available:
Participating Catholic Discounts
All of the diocese’s schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $5,000 to $13,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts.
A multiple-child tuition discount is available for participating Catholic families: 10% for the second child, 25% for the third child, 50% for the fourth child and free for the fifth child and beyond.
Needs-Based Financial Assistance
Each school sets its own tuition rate and sources of financial aid, but all of our schools offer a tailored approach to qualifying families: Family Individualized Tuition (FIT). Through FIT, each student’s tuition rate and family’s capital fee is determined by several factors, including the family’s demonstrated need. Students in all grades (TK–12) are eligible.
The application period is January through March 31, for the upcoming school year.
A family does not have to be registered as a participating Catholic to receive aid. As soon the application process is complete, families are eligible to receive an award.
For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call or go online to www.discovermacs.org/admissions/tuitionandaffordability.
The diocese’s nine parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.
All financial aid requests are processed through a third-party processor, FACTS. Most diocesan parish-based schools provide financial aid through the FACTS processor as well. Receiving financial aid requires an ample amount of documentation, which is verified through the FACTS processor using the information provided by the family.
Families are required to apply every year if they wish to continue receiving financial aid. However, applying for financial aid does not guarantee a family will receive aid.
State Financial Assistance
State financial aid options include: the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program and Education Student Account. These programs cover tuition and required fees at a participating non-public school. In addition, the Education Student Account can cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability (such as speech therapy, tutoring, and educational technology).
Families interested in these scholarships are encouraged to apply before March 1 for priority consideration. To learn more and apply, go to N.C. State Education Assistance Authority’s website: www.ncseaa.edu/k12.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP: The North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children to attend a private school of their choice for grades K-12. The Diocese of Charlotte Schools are Direct Payment Schools for this program. All North Carolina families are eligible, and a family’s income determines the amount of the scholarship a student receives.
EDUCATION STUDENT ACCOUNT (ESA+): An Education Student Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in grades K-12. The ESA+ includes a variety of enrollment options, including private schools, home schools, and co-enrollment. Funding can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.