Navigating Catholic School Tuition Assistance Programs

Catholic education offers a unique environment where faith and academics intertwine, fostering spiritual growth and intellectual development. However, the cost of private education can be a significant barrier for many families. Fortunately, various tuition assistance programs exist to help make Catholic education accessible. This article delves into the details of several such programs, primarily focusing on the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) and related initiatives, offering a comprehensive guide for families seeking financial aid.

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF)

The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth and vitality of Catholic parishes and schools. Established as an independent 501(c)(3) organization, its primary mission is to make Catholic education accessible to families with demonstrated financial need. The Foundation is committed to growing Catholic school enrollment. The CEF supports Catholic education through grants for tuition assistance for families, technology enhancements for parishes and schools, professional development for educators and catechists, and religious education for parishes and schools.

An independent Board of Directors governs the Foundation and oversees the management of the organization. All funds received by the Foundation are managed by an Investment Committee of the Board, and all grant awards are approved by the Catholic Education Foundation Board of Directors.

With the support of the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) and the Archdiocese of Louisville, the goal is to ensure all families who apply for tuition assistance and demonstrate financial need receive an award.

CEF Scholarship Program

The Catholic Education Foundation scholarship program enables students and their families to obtain the promise of a Catholic education. The program is open to K-12 students with demonstrated financial need currently enrolled or applying for the next school year in any CEF-supported Catholic schools. The standard CEF scholarship is $1,000 per student. A family must apply each year through FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment to qualify for a scholarship. All awards are made based on financial need. Complete only one FACTS application per family.

High School CEF Funds

The CEF tuition assistance program is administered differently between the elementary and high schools. The High Schools are provided an allocation of funds based off of Free and Reduced Lunch Counts. It is at the discretion of each individual school to award tuition assistance funds to those most in need. CEF tuition assistance funds are distributed after all other tuition discounts are applied. Families are encouraged to reach out to individual high schools to find out what financial aid opportunities are available.

Elementary CEF Funds

Each year there is an application period for elementary students, grades PK-8. To apply, the family will need to fully complete a FACTS Grant and Aid application by inputting financial information (such as sources of income, assets, and household expenses) including their prior year tax return and W2s. FACTS then uses an internally built calculation to determine financial need based on the family’s ability to pay. Please note that a student is not eligible to receive a CEF Scholarship if he or she is on an Ohio EdChoice Scholarship or Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship that covers their full tuition balance. CEF funds can only be applied to a remaining tuition balance.

Application Process

Families seeking tuition assistance through the CEF must complete an online application via FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment. This involves providing detailed financial information, including income sources, assets, and household expenses. The application typically requires prior-year tax returns and W2 forms. FACTS then assesses the family's financial need based on their ability to contribute to educational expenses.

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. Complete only one FACTS application for your family, including all students in the family (elementary and high school) on the same form.

Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship

The Kazma Family Foundation, in conjunction with the Catholic Education Foundation of the Diocese of Joliet, offers four-year scholarships to 8th grade students enrolling in one of the Catholic Education Foundation supported Catholic high schools. Established in 1997, the Kazma Family Foundation has been dedicated to helping make Catholic education possible by providing financial assistance to students and families in need. Guided by a deep belief in the value of Catholic education, the Kazma family’s life-changing generosity has opened doors for more than 1,000 students attending Catholic high schools within the Diocese of Joliet. The Class of 2030 marks the 24th group of high school students to be supported and mentored by the Kazma family.

Eligibility

Students from the Class of 2030 are eligible for this scholarship. Students must be active in their Catholic faith through their parish, have demonstrated financial need, and plan on attending one of the following schools:

Benet Academy, Lisle
Bishop McNamara Catholic School, Kankakee
IC Catholic Prep, Elmhurst
Joliet Catholic Academy, Joliet
Montini Catholic High School, Lombard
Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox
St.

Leaders for the Future Program

The Catholic Education Foundation recognizes the invaluable contribution of strong principals and inspiring classroom teachers in the life of Catholic schools. For this reason, the CEF wishes to support the training of leaders for the future. The CEF is committed to providing the financial support needed in the professional development of transformative leaders for Catholic schools.

The Leader for the Future Program is a loan-to-grant initiative offered by the Catholic Education Foundation for principals and teachers pursing graduate level studies or certifications to further their educational career path within the Diocese of Joliet. The Foundation provides up to $6,000 in tuition reimbursement for diocesan educators pursuing in-demand leadership roles in schools. Once the educator completes two years of employment with the Diocese of Joliet, the no-interest loan converts to a grant and is forgiven.

Endowed and Current Use Scholarships

The Catholic Education Foundation manages numerous scholarship funds created by donors, including individuals, families, businesses, or groups. These scholarships may honor someone. The Catholic Education Foundation offers two kinds of scholarship funds: endowed scholarships and current use (unendowed).

Endowed Scholarships

An endowment is a permanent fund, often named for the donor(s) or other individuals. Endowed scholarships exist in perpetuity and often grow in size. An endowed scholarship is created with a minimum gift of $25,000. Endowed scholarships may be used for general use scholarships or for special restricted purpose. Endowed scholarship award amounts are determined by the Catholic Education Foundation scholarship committee policy. Donations can be added to the endowment at any time to grow the principal, thereby increasing the award amount.

Current Use (Unendowed) Scholarships

Current use scholarships require a minimum donation of $5,000 and can be spent in the same it is established. The scholarship allocation is dependent on the donor’s interest and level of donation. This type of donation may not earn interest. Additional gifts can be added to the fund. This scholarship is terminated when the fund balance has been fully spent and additional gifts are not received.

Scholarship Awards

Families apply online for scholarships through a third-party financial grant management company. Scholarship applications are reviewed, and the Catholic Education Foundation distributes awards to the students’ schools. Distributions from endowed scholarships are made according to the specified requirements of each fund. For example, an endowed scholarship might be restricted to an eighth-grade student enrolled at St. Joseph’s school in Downers Grove. The McShane Family Scholarship Fund is a current use scholarship fund restricted to Hispanic students attending St. Mary School, Plano.

Additional Financial Aid Opportunities

Beyond the CEF and its related programs, families should explore other avenues for tuition assistance. Many Catholic schools offer their own need-based financial aid, and merit-based scholarships may also be available. Reaching out to the school's admissions coordinator, principal, or parish leader can provide valuable information about specific opportunities.

Our Archdiocese, schools, and parishes are committed to supporting families seeking a Catholic education. There are many tuition-assistance programs offered through the Archdiocese and through 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. Through the Catholic Education Foundation, more than $20 million per year has been available to students attending Parish and Archdiocesan schools.

The Value of Catholic Education

Catholic schools strive to maintain high academic standards while fostering a strong moral compass in students. Religious instruction, prayer, and participation in weekly Mass are integral parts of the educational experience. Students are encouraged to live their faith through service projects and community involvement.

Catholic education changes lives, but we recognize enrollment is not a feasible reality for everyone. The Catholic Education Foundation (CEF) provides families with the financial support they need to send their children to Catholic school in the Diocese of Joliet. Each year more than $6 million in financial assistance is awarded to families attending CEF-supported schools. While families must contribute something, the goal is to work with families to provide a Catholic education if there is a desire to have one. Investing 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.

Voices from the Community

Parents and students alike attest to the positive impact of Catholic education. The small student/teacher ratios, high academic standards, and supportive community contribute to a well-rounded educational experience. The presence of religious figures, such as priests and Dominican Sisters, provides opportunities for students to witness and learn about different vocations.

St. Gregory School

Father Kien is an amazing priest in many ways. He is kind, honest, helpful, and he takes his priestly duties seriously. Whenever anyone in our school is having a bad day, he always tries to cheer them up.

Father Kien has helped further faith and dedication to God so much by doing things such as quizzing on the Gospel during Mass and coming to classrooms to explain the importance of events such as reconciliation or confirmation. He tries his best to make sure every student at St. Gregory is well-educated about God.

Father Kien makes everyone happy by doing things such as talking to kids in the cafeteria before school or even playing games with us during recess. He has helped children enjoy school and weekly Mass. He always has ways to brighten up your day. He has a great sense of humor and an amazing personality.

I think I speak for all St. Gregory students when I say that Father Kien is the best priest we could ever ask for.

Vanessa Caterna

St. James Catholic School

A Catholic education is the best gift we could possibly give to granddaughters. Just knowing they will experience God’s grace and presence while at school every day is priceless. In addition to maintaining high academic standards, Catholic schools encourage students to develop a strong moral compass and live their faith through religious instruction, prayer and participation in weekly Mass. Each day begins and ends with prayer, and God’s guidance is sought throughout the day.

The student/teacher ratios are small, and academic standards are high. Students are encouraged to learn through multiple teaching methodologies. Instructional interventionists engage students in small groups and specialists are available when additional assistance is needed.

Extracurricular activities are encouraged at St. James, and students are expected to develop self-discipline as they explore interests and develop talents. The faculty and staff serve as wonderful role models, and many talented volunteers contribute their time and efforts to ensure the students receive a well-rounded education. For money, there is no better investment.

We thank God for the Catholic education grandchildren are receiving.

The Ames

We invest in a Catholic education so that children are part of a faith-filled community. We want to instill in children a faith that they will carry with them forever. Catholic schools enhance this strong foundation.

We believe that praying with friends, attending a weekly Mass and being with positive Catholic mentors are essential in today's world. Catholic schools allow students to put their faith into action. Through the required completion of service projects, students are dedicated to serving others fostering their faith. These opportunities help children develop skills to use their entire lives.

St. James School has been an important part of children’s lives, from 3-year-old preschool through eighth grade. SJS has students who come from all walks of life and we appreciate that children are in this diverse school environment.

The Dominican Sisters are a very special part of SJS. These beautiful, religious women are so knowledgeable in the faith and share their talents in school and church communities. Their vocation choice exemplifies the future saints we strive for children to witness on a daily basis.

The Baldwins

Our family chooses to invest in a Catholic education at St. James Catholic School in Elizabethtown, Ky., because our faith is a top priority in what we want children to learn. At St. James, they are surrounded by the faith, such as crucifixes in the classroom, pictures and quotes of the saints, prayers said with classmates, weekly Mass, monthly adoration, and having Jesus present in the tabernacle in the school brings me peace and comfort, knowing that he is there with children throughout the school day.

Also, having the Dominican Sisters there as well as the priest visiting the school often gives the children an opportunity to witness other vocations that they don’t see at home. God has gifted these children with the responsibility to teach them to know him, love him, and serve him and we believe that St. James Catholic School assists us in doing this.

The Reburns

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