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/financialaid.
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, Disabilities Grant Program, and Education Savings Accounts. These programs cover tuition and required fees at a participating non-public school. In addition, the Disabilities Grant and Education Savings Account can cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.
Families interested in these scholarships are encouraged apply before March 1. To learn more and apply, go to N.C. State Education Assistance Authority’s website: www.ncseaa.edu/k12.
OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina through scholarship grants for eligible children in grades K-12. This income-based program provides funding of up to $6,492 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.
The Diocese of Charlotte are Direct Payment Schools for the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program. This program has provided North Carolina’s families the option of a private school education since 2013. Initially a need-based program the North Carolina legislature voted to expand the program significantly so that all North Carolina families are eligible to apply for the 2024-2025 school year. What does this mean for our families?
- There are no changes for families who already have the scholarship. They will be able to renew it in the same way they have in previous years.
- There is no longer an income requirement to qualify for the scholarship. However, the number of scholarship levels will be expanded, so that a family’s income will determine the amount of the scholarship a student receives. The income and corresponding scholarship levels are anticipated to be published in January 2024.
- Students in the 3rd grade and higher will no longer be required to have attended a North Carolina public school within the past year. This means that families whose students have been enrolled in a private school may now apply.
Applications for the 2024-2025 school year open on February 1, 2024.
DISABILITIES GRANT PROGRAM
The Disabilities Grant Program is a program for eligible students with disabilities in grades K-12 to provide an option for parents to pay tuition, fees and some other expenses at a participating school. This program provides funding of up to $8,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.
EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT (ESA)
An Education Savings Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in grades K-12. An Education Savings Account is for students attending a registered non-public school and can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability. Additionally, it allows parents quarterly access to funds on a debit card. This program currently provides funding of up to $9,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school and does not consider income. Each program has specific additional requirements for eligibility.
Questions? Call the individual school or the MACS Office any time in the application process at .