Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

How much will tuition be for the 2012-2013 year?

At this time, the rate for the 2012-2013 year has not been set.  The rate for the 2012-2013 will be determined by the Open House on November 20, 2011 and we invite you to attend to obtain more information.

To give you an idea of our tuition charge, our high school tuition for 2011-2012 year is $7,900 plus a $200 registration fee.  Incoming freshmen for the 2012-2013 year will also be required to pay a $250 technology fee.  We have committed to keep tuition increases at no more than three percent per year, so you can be certain that tuition will be no higher than $8,125 plus the registration and technology fees. 

Is there financial aid available?

            Yes, there is!  During the 2011-2012 school year, we awarded over $560,000 in scholarships and grants to our high school students.  In fact, 80% of our high school students received aid for an average award of about $2,800.  We are fortunate to have generous donors that allow us to provide financial aid for those in need. Named Scholarships

I filled out the Scholarship and Grant Application Form and sent it in to the school.  Is there anything else I need to do?

            Yes.  If you are applying for financial grants, you must also complete the FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment at www.factstuitionaid.com.  There is a $25 fee to apply, paid directly to FACTS.  You must also mail or fax your 2010 or 2011 tax return and 2011 W-2’s to FACTS in order for your application to be complete. The deadline for application is January 13, 2012 for incoming Freshmen and February 10, 2012 for all other students.

What happens after I fill out the Scholarship and Grant Application Form and apply online at www.factstuitionaid.com?

            FACTS calculates the family’s estimated need and the school works to provide a financial aid package that will be realistic for the family.  Financial aid awarded during the first round will range from $250 to $2,500.  Financial aid award letters will be mailed on February 3, 2012 for incoming freshmen and on March 9, 2012 for all other students.

What if my family needs more aid after the first round is awarded?

            Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School strives to make Catholic Education affordable for all those who seek it.  Families with financial hardships that do not receive adequate aid through the regular financial aid process may also apply for the Fr. John Stites Grant.  The Stites Grant is a partnership between the family and the school that requires a time commitment in the form of additional Kateri Hours, to be determined by the amount of the grant received. It is vital that the recipients of these scholarships are able to demonstrate a commitment to their faith, a commitment to the mission of Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School and embrace Christ’s invitation to be stewards.

            The Fr. John Stites Grant requires the family to meet with the VP of Finance to discuss their personal situation.  All families must complete the FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment at www.factstuitionaid.com before they are considered for the grant.  The application deadline for the Fr. John Stites Grant is February 24, 2012 for incoming freshmen and March 23, 2012 for all other students. 

But my family makes a decent wage!  We won’t qualify for financial aid.

            During the 2011-2012 school year, the average household income for recipients of aid was around $52,000.  However, our FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment service does factor in the household size and the family’s expenses when determining the calculation of need, so families with higher incomes do often qualify depending on their circumstances.  If a family does not qualify for financial aid during the first round, we invite the family to complete the Fr. John Stites Grant and meet with the VP of Finance to discuss their personal situation.

            We also have other assistance available that does not require financial need.  Some of these include:

• Presidential Scholarship for $5,000 or $2,500 for those students who demonstrate superior academic excellence.
• Kateri Deanery Parishioner Grant for $300.
• Multiple Student Grant of 10% for a families’ second child, 20% discount for a families’ third child and a 30% discount for any additional children in the school. 
• Stewardship Grant of $500 for Catholic students who are altar servers, members of a youth ministry program, or involved in other specified parish activities.
• Legacy Grant of $1,000 for children of alumni.
• Cardinal Scholarship of $1,000 for current Kateri Catholic Academy Eighth Graders who continue on to Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School.

Do I need to reapply for financial assistance each year?

Yes.  Since a family’s situation can change from year to year, financial aid is not automatically renewed.  Financial aid applications must be submitted for each school year.

Are there other ways to make tuition affordable?

            Yes, we offer tuition credits through the SCRIP Program and Kroger Community Rewards program.  You can even start participating in these now to help for next year’s tuition!

            Also, the Diocese of Toledo offers the One Faith Many Blessings Scholarship of $700.  Applications are expected to be available beginning on March 1, 2012 at the Diocese website at www.catholicschoolsoffice.org and are due by May 13, 2012. 

Many parishes also award scholarships to qualified applicants.  Please contact your parish directly for more information.

When is tuition due?

We operate on a prepaid tuition system meaning that tuition is paid by April 30, 2012 for the 2012-2013 year.  If you prepay tuition and your student does not attend the school for some reason, your tuition is fully refundable before the start of the school year.  Fees are non-refundable.

I will not be able to pay the full tuition charge by the deadline of April 30, 2012.  What options are available to me?

Families can divide their tuition balance into monthly payments over 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 months.  If you need to make monthly payments, you will need to sign up by April 30, 2012 for the FACTS payment plan using our website: FACTS Web Site to sign up.  There is a $100 finance charge automatically added to the account if monthly payments are made instead of paying in full by April 30, 2012.