Affordability of Catholic School Tuition
What is Tuition Assistance?
If you're wondering how to afford Catholic school tuition, we're ready to help. Tuition assistance is provided to families who are unable to pay the full tuition rate due to a demonstrated financial need. However, no family is turned away for inability to pay full tuition. Providing families in need with assistance is at the very heart of our mission in Catholic education.
Who is Eligible for Tuition Assistance?
All families can apply for tuition assistance and most tuition assistance awards are based on demonstrated financial need as determined by the tuition assistance application process. There may be other eligibility requirements for specific tuition assistance programs.
Tuition Assistance Programs
Catholic Tuition Organization (CTO)
CTO is a charitable organization that receives voluntary cash contributions from Iowa taxpayers. The organization then allocates those funds in the form of tuition assistance to eligible families who attend a Catholic school in the Diocese of Des Moines.
CTO Information Apply for Assistance
Parish/School Scholarship
Some schools in the Diocese of Des Moines offer scholarships to students through a parish or school-specific scholarship fund. To learn more, contact your local school by completing the form below.
Education Savings Accounts
An Education Savings Account (ESA) is a deposit of public funds into government-authorized savings accounts which eligible families may use to cover tuition, fees, and other qualified education expenses at accredited private schools in Iowa. Click here to learn more.
Iowa 529 Plan
A 529 plan is a type of investment account you can use to save for qualified education expenses, including K-12 Catholic school tuition. For more information contact Sue McEntee at 515.237.5080 or email smcentee@catholicfoundationiowa.org.
Ignite Tuition Assistance Endowment
An endowment for tuition assistance established through the Ignite Capital Campaign to complement CTO assistance, which currently provides around 35% of the demonstrated need of our school families. This fund is also supported by funds raised during the Bishop's Celebration of Catholic Schools. Click here to learn more.
Get More Information
Fill out the form below to be sent more information about tuition assistance at your selected school.