Tuition Assistance

Two types of tuition assistance are available to qualifying families. You do not have to be Catholic to apply.  

1. The Archdiocese of Dubuque program Our Faith, Our Children, Our Future School Tuition Organization (STO)     OurFaithSTO.org 
2. The locally-funded St. Patrick program

Recent legislation has provided for the largest single increase in the program's history!  The tax credit will move from 65% to 75% and the cap will move from $15M to $20M for 2021. What does this mean? Hopefully it means an increase in funds available for tuition assistance through the School Tuition Organization!

What is the timeline for fall 2021 assistance?

 

• January 1-FACTS Online Application Opens at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid
  April 15-Deadline for FACTS Applications to be completed online AND all required 2020 federal tax return and all requested income documentation must be uploaded by this date.
  May 21st-Schools Distribute STO Award/Tuition Contract Letters
  June 15th-Deadline for Parents to Accept/Deny STO Awards and Return Tuition Contracts
• We advise families to complete their 2020 tax returns as soon as possible and apply early! For assistance with your application, call the FACTS call center at 1-866-315-9262 or contact St. Patrick Business Manager Laura Lockert at 319-277-6781.

 

How does tuition assistance work?

 

• Where does this money come from? Donors support Catholic education while receiving generous tax credits for their gifts. They give this money to help middle income families as well as those at lower levels.
• During 2020-21 a total of $5,189,028 was distributed to 3,438 students in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Of the nearly 40% of students in the Archdiocese of Dubuque receiving a grant, the average award was $1,509. Last year qualifying families received between $300 to 90% of their tuition depending upon verified need. 
• We encourage all families to apply. Our local program may be able to help over and above the STO program or when when STO cannot. You must submit the FACTS application before you request local assistance. 

 

What are possible income-qualifying levels for 2021-2022? 

STO qualifying levels are based upon 400% of the Federal Poverty Levels. Final income qualifying levels will be determined by the "Our Faith" STO Board based on identified need and available funds. 
 

• Falling within these guidelines does not necessarily guarantee tuition assistance awards.
• Visit the STO website for more information.

How to apply

Helpful resources:  How to Apply with FACTS Management      YouTube video 

1. Set up an account with FACTS Management then apply online at online.factsmgt.com/aid for both assistance programs. You will need your 2020 tax return, current W-2, and other applicable tax statements as explained in the How to Apply flyer. Use our school zip code 50613. The application fee is $31. 
2. Follow the directions to upload, fax or mail supporting documents.
3. Request local assistance after submitting the FACTS application.

  

What else can I do to lower my tuition bill?

Read our It's Affordable Flyer for other strategies to reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

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For confidential assistance, or if the processing fee is cost prohibitive for your family, contact our Business Manager Laura Lockert at 319-277-6781 or LLockert@cfcatholicschool.org. Laura can help you fill out the online application and scan your tax documents. You may also contact the FACTS call center at 866-441-4637. 

See our Tuition page for other incentives that may help fund your child's education. Please note that tuition assistance is not available for preschool or for transportation fees (riding the bus is optional).