Understanding Creighton Prep Tuition Costs: A Comprehensive Guide

Creighton Preparatory School, often called Creighton Prep or Prep, is a private, Jesuit high school for boys in Omaha, Nebraska. Established in 1878, the school has a rich history and is known for its academic excellence and commitment to Jesuit values. A key consideration for families considering Creighton Prep is the tuition cost and the various options available to make this excellent education accessible.

A Brief Overview of Creighton Prep

Creighton Prep was founded as Creighton College in 1878 by John A. Creighton and named after Edward Creighton, a pioneer in the development of the transcontinental telegraph line. The school's establishment was made possible by a $100,000 grant donated to the Catholic Church, leading to its establishment as a Jesuit institution. In 1958, Creighton College was divided into Creighton University and Creighton Preparatory School. Creighton Prep is deeply rooted in Jesuit philosophy and is committed to providing a comprehensive education. The school's motto is "Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam," which means "For the Greater Glory of God."

Factors Influencing Tuition Costs

Private school tuition costs can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. These factors include the school's location, reputation, programs offered, and financial stability. Creighton Prep is committed to providing a high-quality education, and tuition costs reflect this commitment.

Understanding the Base Tuition

Like most private schools, Creighton Prep has a base tuition that covers the cost of instruction, facilities, and other essential services. This base tuition is a significant investment for families, but Creighton Prep offers a variety of financial aid and tuition assistance programs to help make education more affordable.

Additional Fees

In addition to base tuition, families should be aware of additional fees that may be required. These fees may cover technology, books, supplies, lunch, and other activities. Creighton Prep provides a breakdown of these fees to help families budget accordingly.

Read also: A Guide to Creighton Academics

One notable fee is the Lunch Fee, which is currently $1,050. This fee provides all Prep students with a complete and balanced lunchtime service that includes a hot entrée and side, soup, a full salad bar, and a deli station with hot panini presses.

The Technology, Textbooks & Supplies Fee covers the cost of iPads, electronic textbooks, and apps, which are essential learning tools at Prep. All students receive an iPad (10th generation) with 256GB of storage, four-year insurance for accidental damage, a protective case with keyboard, and a stylus.

The Income-Based Tuition Model

Creighton Prep is committed to making education accessible to families from a variety of economic backgrounds. To achieve this goal, the school offers an Income-Based Tuition Model designed to align the cost of tuition with a family's budget. This model provides adjustments based on annual family income, ranging from $50,000 or less to $250,000. Adjustments can also be made based on family size and other specific circumstances.

How to Apply for Income-Based Tuition

Families interested in applying for an Income-Based Tuition adjustment must create an online FACTS account. This account provides access to all necessary application forms, including the FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment, which determines financial need. The FACTS system provides a secure environment for submitting forms and supporting documents, such as tax returns. The Prep Business Office then works with families to develop a tuition plan that meets their needs.

Key Dates:

October: Tuition adjustment applications open for incoming freshman families.
January: Tuition adjustment applications due for incoming freshman families.
February: Tuition adjustment notifications are sent to incoming freshman families who have completed all required steps.
April: Tuition adjustment applications are due for returning students.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

In addition to the Income-Based Tuition Model, Creighton Prep offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities. With 30 academic scholarships available, Creighton Prep awards more scholarships than any other school in Omaha. These scholarships are based on academic merit and other criteria.

BASH (Building a Scholastic Heritage)

Creighton Prep hosts an annual dinner auction in April called BASH (Building a Scholastic Heritage) to provide financial aid to students. The event includes live and silent auctions, a student-driven raffle, and dinner staffed primarily by student volunteers. The student-led raffle ticket event alone has raised nearly $210,000, providing 21 students with full tuition financial aid. BASH typically attracts 650-750 attendees and relies on donations and advertising for income.

The Value of a Creighton Prep Education

While tuition costs are a significant consideration, it is important to consider the value of a Creighton Prep education. The school offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Jesuit values, preparing students for success in college and beyond. Creighton Prep emphasizes faith, scholarship, leadership, and service, and encourages students to develop into well-rounded individuals.

Jesuit Values

Creighton Prep's educational model is based on the Jesuit values of faith, scholarship, leadership, and service. Key priorities include "cura personalis" (care for the whole person), Magis (the pursuit of excellence), Men and Women for Others, Leadership, and Diversity.

"Graduate at Graduation" (Grad at Grad)

Creighton Prep's "Graduate at Graduation" (Grad at Grad) program describes the qualities that students are expected to develop during their time at the school. This program is universally subscribed to by all Jesuit high schools and provides a framework for character development.

Academics and Extracurriculars

Creighton Prep offers a challenging curriculum with block scheduling, where specific classes take place on assigned days (A, B, and C day schedules). The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and service organizations.

Athletics

Creighton Prep's athletic teams, known as the Junior Jays, have won over 160 state championships in various sports. The school has a strong athletic tradition and offers opportunities for students to compete in a variety of sports.

Recent Developments and Initiatives

Creighton Prep is committed to ongoing improvement and innovation. Recent developments and initiatives include:

The Lannon Learning Commons: In 2018, Creighton Prep announced plans to build a $16 million "learning commons" to provide academic and emotional resources to students. The center is named after Rev. Timothy R. Lannon, former president of Creighton Prep and Creighton University.
Bio Retention Garden: In 2014, Creighton Prep partnered with the City of Omaha Storm-Water Program to construct a bio retention garden near the front of the school.
Circo Memorial Plaza: Also in 2014, Creighton Prep dedicated the Circo Memorial Plaza to honor graduates who died in various wars.
FLIK Independent School Dining: In 2016, Creighton Prep contracted FLIK Independent School Dining to serve as the primary food provider, improving the nutritional value and accommodating food allergies and dietary restrictions.

Diversity and Inclusion

Creighton Prep is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community. As of 2019, approximately 16% of the student body is made up of people of color. The school also welcomes students from various religious backgrounds, with 12% of students identifying with non-Catholic beliefs.

Student Life and Activities

Creighton Prep offers a vibrant student life with a variety of activities and programs.

JaySquads: Incoming freshmen are assigned to JaySquads, which are small groups of students led by upperclassmen. JaySquads provide a support system and help freshmen build relationships and develop leadership skills.
Refugee Sponsorship Program: Creighton Prep students participate in a refugee sponsorship program, providing support to refugee families.
Drug Testing Policy: Creighton Prep has implemented a mandatory drug testing policy for the entire student body to promote health and wellness.

Contributing to Creighton Prep

Creighton Prep relies on the generosity of donors to provide financial aid and support its programs. There are several ways to contribute to the school, including:

Tuition Assistance: Donating to help cover the cost of tuition for students in need.
Books and Lunchtime Dining: Covering the cost of books and the lunchtime dining service for a student.
New iPads: Contributing to the purchase of new iPads for students.
Student/Parent Events: Supporting student/parent events such as Mother-Son Mass and Breakfast and Father-Son Mass and Breakfast.

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