CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign is funding $195,000 in tuition assistance this fall that will help students at five diocesan schools receive a Catholic education.
The 2013 FFHL campaign funded capital projects, endowments and other needs across the growing diocese. Included in the $65 million campaign was a tuition assistance endowment available to the diocese’s 20 schools.
This year’s funds are going to five diocesan schools that applied for the 2026-2027 school year: Asheville Catholic School, $59,456; Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, $83,557;
Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, $21,314; Sacred Heart School in Salisbury, $23,888; and St. Michael School in Gastonia, $6,785.
The funds are expected to help participating Catholic families who have the greatest financial need.
The FFHL Tuition Assistance Endowment, with a market value of over $5 million, is administered by a committee consisting of the diocese’s schools superintendent, chief financial officer and members of the diocesan school board. Available income from the endowment is distributed to qualifying diocesan schools that apply each year for student financial aid.
An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is never touched, but the income from which can be used according to the wishes of the donor organization or person. Endowments provide a way to generate income and help sustain the long-term strength and viability of the recipient parish, school or ministry.
To date, a total of $1,409,324 in distributions from the FFHL Tuition Assistance Endowment has been awarded to the diocese’s schools.
“The FFHL campaign continues to have a significant and meaningful impact in our diocese,” added Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “The over $1 million in tuition assistance that has been distributed to date helps students receive an education that will literally change their lives.”
To qualify for the funding, the school must receive local parish support of at least $500 per participating Catholic student and must have awarded all of its tuition assistance funds it already has for that school year. Schools that do not receive $500 per student in parish support may be considered if there are extenuating financial circumstances that preclude this level of support.
Qualifying schools may request funds from the endowment for participating Catholic students with a financial need.
The FFHL Tuition Assistance Endowment is one of seven endowments funded through the FFHL campaign.
— Catholic News Herald
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 704-370-3265 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 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. 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.