Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing will be poured into your lap. (Luke 6:38)
The Diocese of Cleveland understands that Catholic education is an investment in the future of our children and in our faith. Unsurpassed academic achievement, along with the reinforcement of Catholic faith and formation, a Catholic education provides a solid foundation for personal success. Making the decision to provide a student with these foundations also coincides with financial sacrifice. Please read on to learn about several options to defray the cost of tuition.
Diocesan tuition assistance dollars are raised through the Catholic Community Foundation of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. Thanks to the generosity of donors throughout the diocese to initiatives such as the Rooted in Faith-Forward in Hope Campaign, the Alleluia Ball Benefit, and the Faith and Values Appeal, assistance is available to many students in need.
These donors believe in the value of Catholic education and recognize that tuition assistance is necessary to make this a reality for many families. If you would like to make a gift to Catholic education, please visit the Catholic Community Foundation's donation page.
These funds are distributed yearly to families through a process that takes into account financial need and total amount of funds available that year. During the 2021-22 school year, over 4,000 students received nearly $3.5 million in diocesan assistance.
Apply for Diocesan Tuition Assistance at: FACTS Grant & Aid (2022 tax documentation required)
Apply by March 15, 2023 to be notified in May
Apply by May 15, 2023 to be notified in July
Local assistance refers to financial assistance provided by the school to which a family has applied. There are often funds available from the school’s supporting donor community, parishioner rates, and other scholarship opportunities. When able, pastors and principals try to accommodate families with a tuition payment program that can fit a family’s budget. Contact your school for more information and application requirements.
To find out more about each scholarship program, follow the “Learn more” links to the Ohio Department of Education website where each scholarship program is explained in more detail.
Many of the Cleveland Diocese Catholic schools accept students who participate in the Cleveland Scholarship Program. Students who currently reside in the Cleveland Municipal School District and will be in grades K-12 for the next school year are eligible for this program. Learn more on the CSTP website.
The Educational Choice Scholarship (EdChoice) Program provides students from underperforming public schools the opportunity to attend participating private schools. The program also provides low income students who are entering kindergarten through fifth grade the same opportunity. Learn more on the EdChoice website.
The Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) gives the parents of children with autism who qualify for a scholarship the choice to send the child to a special education program other than the one operated by the school district of residence to receive their education and the services outlined in the child’s individualized education program (IEP). Learn more on the ASP website.
The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students who are eligible to attend kindergarten through 12th grade and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) from their district of residence. The amount of each scholarship will be based on the disability identified on the student’s IEP. Learn more on the JPSNSP website.
Please note; all scholarships have very specific eligibility requirements. Contact your school office for further information and application.
Scholarships up to $5,000, open to students who are refugees, immigrants, or children of first generation immigrants enrolled in Catholic High Schools in Cuyahoga County.
Four $500 scholarships for four elementary students AND one $1,000 scholarship each for three students at Elyria Catholic and three students at Cleveland Central Catholic.
Ten $3,500 Scholarships open to high school students AND twenty $1,200 scholarships open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students.
Offers one student full tuition for one academic year open to children of veterans who will be a junior or senior in a Diocesan owned high school. (Holy Name, Lake Catholic, VASJ, Central Catholic, or Elyria Catholic).
If a family is experiencing a financial crisis that will prevent payment of tuition for the current year, it is important to keep the school informed. Please conact your parish pastor, school business manager, or the school principal If all local emergency assistance options are exhausted, the school can initiate the process of applying for diocesan emergency assistance.
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged investment plan operated by a state to encourage saving for education expenses. Named for Section 529 of the U.S. tax code, there is a risk when investing in a 529, readers are advised to talk to a professional financial advisor. Along with college expenses, an Ohio 529 plan may be used for tuition up to $10,000 at a K-12 private or religious school. Please view the document for download on this page for more questions on the Ohio 529 plan.
Child & Youth Protection
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To report an abuse, please contact local law enforcement and:
Kathleen McComb, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Response Services – 216-334-2999
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