Tuition Assistance

For the 2021-2022 school year, 21% of kindergarten through grade 8 students received 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 moved from 65% to 75% and the cap raised from $15M to $20M for 2021. What does this mean? It means an increase in funds available for tuition assistance through the School Tuition Organization for fall 2023!

Note: A second application round is open with applications due July 1, 2022! Apply today! 

 Tuition Assistance Flyer for Fall 2023   

Below are some highlights from the flyer for quick reference. If you plan to apply, you should view/download the whole flyer!

What is the timeline for fall 2023 assistance?

• January 1-FACTS Online Application Opens at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3ZC82
• April 15-Deadline for FACTS Applications to be completed online AND all required 2021 federal tax return and all requested income documentation must be uploaded by this date.
• May 21-Schools Distribute STO Award/Tuition Contract Letters
• June 15-Deadline for Parents to Accept/Deny STO Awards and Return Tuition Contracts
• NEW! July 1 - Deadline for the second application round (Deadline for FACTS Applications to be completed online AND all required 2021 federal tax return and all requested income documentation must be uploaded by this date.) Apply at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3ZC82

 

• We advise families to complete their 2021 tax returns as soon as possible and apply early! For assistance with your application, call the FACTS help line 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.
• 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 may request request local assistance. 

 

What are possible income-qualifying levels for 2022-2023? 

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 the 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 2021 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 $36 (pay before submitting your form).
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. Most families enjoy a State of Iowa tuiton tax credit and other incentives.

---

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 (7:30 AM-7 PM Mon-Thur, 7:30 AM-5PM Fri).

Please note that tuition assistance is not available for preschool or for transportation fees (riding the bus is optional).