As implementation of the reorganization plan for Catholic schools continues, it is important that everyone have a clear and factual understanding of the changes that have been made regarding tuition and fees. This information is provided as part of our ongoing efforts to keep everyone informed of the changes affecting Catholic education in the Diocese of Scranton. 

William R. Genello
Executive Director of Communications 

Information on Tuition and Fees for Catholic Schools in 2007-08 

The reorganization of Catholic schools in Lackawanna, Wayne and Luzerne Counties includes new tuition rates and fees that will go into effect for the 2007-08 school year. Some questions and concerns have arisen about these costs; therefore, the Diocese of Scranton is providing the following information. 

Why is the Diocese implementing new tuition rates and fees?

The current means of funding Catholic education is not working. Many schools and the parishes that support them are in dire financial straits. Schools and parishes have been coming to the Diocese to borrow money to cover normal operations such as payroll, utilities and insurance expenses, etc. The total outstanding loans due from parishes and schools as of Dec. 31 was $28,584,866. Of this total, $12,936,290 is owed by financially troubled parishes and schools.

Some parishes are expending as much as 50 percent of their offertory income to pay school assessments; consequently, they do not have sufficient funds to cover other bills and to support other important pastoral ministries. For example, 75 percent of the Catholic children in the Diocese do not attend Catholic school, but they still must be offered instruction in the faith through parish-based religious education programs.

The average current tuitions cover only about half of the actual average cost of educating a student. Furthermore, tuitions in the Diocese of Scranton are significantly lower than the average national tuition rates for Catholic schools. The highest elementary tuition for a Catholic student in the Diocese of Scranton in 2007-08 will be $2,200 – the average elementary tuition nationally was $2,607 in 2005-06 (the difference would almost certainly be even greater if the national average for 2007-08 were known). At the high school level, the highest tuition in the Diocese of Scranton in 2007-08 will be $4,500 compared to the national average of $5,870 in 2005-06.

Parishes and the Diocese have been heavily subsidizing Catholic education. It is not unreasonable to ask parents to assume a greater share in the actual cost of their children’s education. It is also appropriate to require all families to satisfy any current tuition obligations before they can register for the 2007-08 school year.

In addition to providing relief to parishes that are struggling to meet their financial obligations, the Diocese needs sufficient funds for improvements and repairs to school facilities, technological upgrades, and program enhancements. 

The Diocese has said it intends to make tuitions uniform; why are there still differences at some schools?

Under the present school structure in the Diocese, individual parishes or boards of pastors have established tuition and other policies for their respective schools. Thus, tuitions have varied from school to school, and in some cases there are significant disparities.

The new structure will consist of K-12 systems in Lackawanna/Wayne Counties and Luzerne County. Eventually, tuition for the elementary schools and tuition for the high schools will be uniform within each system.

Because of the aforementioned disparities, adjustments have been made, but there are still some differences for the first year to avoid a major jump in tuition for some institutions that had been significantly lower in cost than their counterparts. 

Why is there a $100 non-refundable registration fee?

First, as noted above, the Diocese needs funding to adequately cover the real cost of operating the schools and to make enhancements. Second, the Diocese needs to ensure that it has firm registration commitments so that staffing needs and space utilization can be planned accurately.

The $100 non-refundable registration fee is not for each student; it is per family within the K-12 system, no matter how many children are enrolled in that system.

Also, the fee will cover the per-family cost to enroll in the FACTS tuition installment payment program and the fee for the PSAS application for those families who apply for financial aid. These two costs total approximately $60.

Therefore, the true registration fee for many families will be only $40. 

What about the $500 fund-raising fee?

Currently, some schools have fund-raising fees of varying amounts. The $500 fund-raising fee will be a uniform fee at all schools.

As with the registration fee, the fund-raising fee is not for each student; it is per family within the K-12 system, no matter how many children are enrolled in that system.

Furthermore, it is not really a “fee” that families will have to “pay” up front. Rather, every family is expected to participate in school fund-raising activities to raise a minimum of $500 over the course of the year. If the family raises more than $500, the extra money will be applied to the tuition bill. 

Will families be able to afford these new tuition rates and fees?

Parents who can afford to pay tuition that is closer to the actual cost of educating their children should do so. For parents of more limited means, there are sources of financial aid to help cover the cost.

For example, an additional means of financial assistance for those with the most financial need will go into effect for the coming year. An automatic scholarship of $200 per elementary student and $400 per high school student will be awarded to families who are eligible under the same income guidelines established by the federal government for the free and reduced lunch program.

This is in addition to the existing tuition assistance provided each year through the Diocese of Scranton Scholarship Foundation. Families are also encouraged to inquire about special scholarships that may be available in their particular community.

Information about all of these scholarships is available at each school.

The Diocese recognizes that many families are making a financial sacrifice to send their children to a Catholic school, so every effort is being made to alleviate the burden as much as possible.

Families are encouraged to examine the new tuition rate at their school, the discounts for multiple students in the K-12 system, and the various forms of financial aid for families with the most need. As with any economic decision, the cost of Catholic education must be considered along with other household expenses. People make choices every day about what they need, what they desire, and what they can afford.

The Diocese hopes that parents will recognize the benefits of a Catholic education and that a Catholic school is a worthy choice for their children.