Diocesan financial aid
Most families who attend Catholic schools receive some form of financial aid through tuition discounts or assistance.
All of the diocese’s schools offer some sort of tuition discount or subsidy for registered participating Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases.
Generally speaking, tuition amounts range from approximately $8,000 to $14,000 for registered Catholics, with non-participating Catholics and non-Catholics paying higher amounts. Multiple child discounts are also available.
Needs-based tuition assistance is also available to qualified families – making Catholic education more affordable than ever for more families.
The application period is January through March 31 for the upcoming school year.
A family does not have to be registered as a participating Catholic to receive aid. Aid is need-based and can only assist with the cost of tuition. As soon the application process is complete, families are eligible to receive an award.
For details about the MACS tuition assistance program, call 704-370-3273 or go online to www.discovermacs.org/admissions/tuitionandaffordability. This website has detailed information about how financial assistance works, how to apply, and answers to frequently asked questions.
The diocese’s nine parish-based schools and Bishop McGuinness High School offer similar need-based tuition assistance to qualified students. Details can be found on each school’s website.
All MACS financial aid requests are processed through a third-party processor, Clarity. Most diocesan parish-based schools provide financial aid through the FACTS processor as well. Receiving financial aid requires an ample amount of documentation, which is verified through the FACTS school’s preferred platform.
Families are required to apply every year if they wish to continue receiving financial aid. However, applying for financial aid does not guarantee a family will receive aid.
State financial aid
Other financial aid options include the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program, Disabilities Grant Program, and Education Savings Accounts and the Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Scholarship. These cover tuition and required fees at a participating non-public school. In addition the Disabilities Grant and Education Saving Account Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Scholarship can cover certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability.
Opportunity Scholarship Program
The Opportunity Scholarship Program expands school choice in North Carolina for eligible students in kindergarten through 12 grade. All NC K-12 students are eligible regardless of income or prior public school enrollment. This program provides funding of up to $7,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school.
Education Savings Account
An Education Savings Account expands school choice for eligible students with disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade. An Education Savings Account is for students attending a registered non-public school and can be applied to tuition and required fees and certain other expenses related to educating a child with a disability. Additionally, it allows parents quarterly access to funds on a debit card. This program currently provides funding of up to $9,000 per year for eligible children who choose to attend a participating non-public school. Each program has specific additional requirements for eligibility.
Education Student Accounts (ESA+) Scholarship
The ESA+ scholarship is for students with disabilities who require special education services. The base level of funding is a $9,000 annual award; students with certain designated disabilities may be eligible to receive a $17,000 annual award. Funds can be used for K-12 school tuition as well as certain allowable expenses such as speech therapy, tutoring, and educational technology.
For details about any of these aid programs, go to the N.C. State Education website at www.k12.ncseaa.edu.