FAQs
What is the Catholic Promise?
A bold, 10-year philanthropic commitment to secure future affordability at Catholic Central High School by reducing net tuition for qualifying Catholic families to $6,000 (indexed for inflation) per student.
What happens at the end of the 10-year commitment?
The Catholic Promise begins a movement toward generational accessibility, sustainability, and excellence. We will monitor the program annually and invite broad participation from our community to help accelerate us toward a permanent solution of excellent, affordable Catholic education. The lead donors, Dan and Sherry Bowen, intend to perpetuate the program depending on its success.
When does the Catholic Promise tuition program begin?
The Catholic Promise tuition rate begins in the 2026–2027 school year. This example reflects the current year’s tuition rate for illustrative purposes.
Who is eligible to receive the Catholic Promise tuition rate?
The Catholic Promise rate is available for Catholic parishioners in good standing at a diocesan parish whose family income is below $300,000 annually.
How do you verify family income for the Catholic Promise?
Eligibility will be determined based on total income reported on a signed copy of federal form 1040, from the previous tax year or an IRS Tax Return Transcript.
How is “parishioner in good standing” defined?
Each parish defines this differently. Typically this includes regular Mass attendance, parish involvement, and financial stewardship. Catholic Central will continue to rely on the parish’s confirmation through the existing Parish Support Form process.
Is there additional financial aid available beyond the Catholic Promise rate?
Yes, our standard Tuition Assistance Program is available for families seeking additional support. Similar to the current practice, a full Blackbaud Financial Aid Management application will be required for financial aid.
What will I need to submit to Catholic Central to receive the Catholic Promise rate?
Catholic Central will need 3 things from your family: 1) a signed 1040 tax return from the previous tax year or an IRS Tax Return Transcript; 2) a completed Parish Support Form from your parish; and 3) A signed “Family Promise Agreement,” making you aware of the program’s expectations.
Is there a multi-child tuition discount available with the Catholic Promise?
There is no multi-child tuition discount for families receiving the Catholic Promise tuition rate. But for Catholic families with an annual household income over $300,000, and for non-Catholic families, the second child receives a 20% discount, and the third child a 40% discount if enrolled concurrently.
Will tuition for the Catholic Promise rate ever increase?
The Catholic Promise rate is currently set at $6,000 per student per year, adjusted for inflation annually.
Is the Catholic Promise guaranteed for the duration of my child’s enrollment at Catholic Central?
The Catholic Promise program is dedicated to supporting committed families for the full four years of their student’s high school education, provided the students and family continue to meet the program’s standards. Continued eligibility is contingent upon the student’s good academic, behavioral, and attendance standing; the family’s collaborative partnership with the school and their parish; and timely fulfillment of financial commitments. The school will also verify the family’s good standing in a Catholic parish on an annual basis.
Is there a limit to how many students can receive the Catholic Promise in a given year?
Yes. At this time, the Catholic Promise is capped at 500 students in a given school year in order to ensure the program remains financially sustainable and supported by donor commitments. Families who received the Catholic Promise rate in previous academic years continue in the program so long as they meet the program’s standards on an annual basis.
Is the Catholic Promise available for non-Catholics? Is there a multi-child discount for non-Catholics?
Part of the genesis of the Catholic Promise is to support the evangelization of families through Catholic education. As such, the Catholic Promise is limited to Catholic families who qualify.
