Financial aid for Catholic schools

By Carol Grewal

Catholic schools have a long-standing tradition of providing quality education rooted in faith, academic excellence and community service. However, for many families, the cost of tuition can pose a significant financial challenge. Financial aid programs for Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of San Francisco exist to ensure that these institutions remain accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. By leveraging the available resources and applying strategically, families can provide their children with a rich education rooted in faith and values without undue financial strain.

Why Financial Aid Matters for Catholic Schools

Catholic schools play a critical role in shaping moral values, promoting social responsibility and preparing students for academic and professional success. However, as private institutions, they rely heavily on tuition fees, donations and endowments to cover operating costs. Without financial aid, many families would be unable to afford the cost of tuition, potentially limiting access to the benefits of a Catholic education.

Financial aid helps to:

Promote inclusivity by ensuring that families from all income levels can participate.

Strengthen school communities through diverse perspectives and experiences.

Maintain enrollment levels to support the sustainability of the institution.

Types of Financial Aid Available

1. Need-Based Scholarships at the Local School

Need-based financial aid is the most common type offered by Catholic schools. Many Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of San Francisco have scholarships available for families in need. These scholarships are awarded based on a family’s financial circumstances. Schools often use standardized tools such as FACTS or TADS to evaluate need, considering factors such as income, expenses and family size.

2. Parish Support

Many Catholic schools receive funding from local parishes, which may offer subsidies or reduced tuition rates for active parishioners. Families are often required to demonstrate regular church attendance and participation in parish activities.

3. Archdiocesan Assistance

The Archdiocese of San Francisco awarded more than $1.4 million to 1,741 students in need last year. Applications for archdiocesan financial aid for 2025-2026 year are now › open via myTads.com. Applications for high schools should be submitted no later than Jan. 15, 2025, and no later than April 15, 2025, for elementary school students. To be considered for this financial aid, one must reside in San Francisco, San Mateo or Marin counties.

4. Private Scholarships and Grants

Organizations such as the Basic Fund or the Guardsmen offer scholarships for students attending Catholic schools. These programs have their own eligibility criteria.

The Basic Fund’s mission is to advance education equity for low-income families by helping offset the cost of tuition at private schools in the Bay Area. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available starting in mid-January at https://basicfund.org/how-to-apply/.

The Guardsmen provides scholarships for more than 250 students to attend private schools that give them the intense support and quality education they need.

The Guardsmen Scholarship Program is based on a partial private voucher educational assistance model that establishes a collaborative partnership between the Guardsmen, the student, the school and the parents or guardians. Students in grades K-9 who come from families that meet the income eligibility guidelines for the California Reduced School Lunch Program, and will attend a partner school, can apply for a tuition voucher (up to a maximum of $2,200 per year, per student) to be applied toward private school tuition at one of our local Catholic schools. Once accepted into the program, subject to available funding, a student who maintains a 2.7 GPA and continues to meet the annual application criteria will receive scholarship support through high school.

5. Work-Study Programs

ICA Cristo Rey Academy offers girls the opportunity to participate in a corporate work-study program in exchange for tuition reductions.

Tips for Families Seeking Financial Aid

Be transparent: Provide accurate and complete information during the application process. Misrepresentation can result in the loss of aid.

Meet deadlines: Deadlines for financial aid applications can vary by school and program. Early submission is crucial to maximize eligibility.

Plan ahead: Start researching financial aid options as soon as you consider enrolling your child in a Catholic school.

Engage with the community: Active involvement in parish and school activities can strengthen your application for certain programs.

Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to reach out to school administrators for guidance on available resources and eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

Financial aid for Catholic schools is a vital tool for ensuring that every child, regardless of financial background, has access to a faith-based, high-quality education. By understanding the types of aid available and how to apply, families can navigate the process with confidence and make Catholic education a reality for their children. Supporting these programs also benefits the broader community, fostering the values of inclusivity, compassion and academic excellence that Catholic schools embody. 

Visit https://schools.sfarch.org/tuitionassistance for more tuition assistance information.

Carol Grewal is the associate superintendent, faith formation & leadership, for the Department of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of San Francisco.