Tuition Assistance

Three 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. Must complete an STO application to qualify
3. Education Savings Account (ESA) available for all families regardless of income. Visit the Iowa Department of Education ESA page for more information.

 

What is the timeline for fall ESA 2025 assistance?
 

• April -Online Application opens
• June -Online application closes

What is the timeline for fall STO 2025 assistance?

• January 1 - FACTS Online Application Opens at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3ZC82
• May 5 - Deadline for FACTS Applications to be completed online AND all required 2024 federal tax return and all requested income documentation must be uploaded by this date. The school would prefer you to try and have everything in by April 30, in case you there would be an issue with your documents or if you would need assistance from the school.
• May 23- Schools Distribute STO Award/Tuition Contract Letters
• August 8 - Deadline for the second application round (Deadline for FACTS Applications to be completed online AND all required 2024 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 2024 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 Michelle Purdy 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 the possible income-qualifying levels for 2025-2026? 

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. 
 

IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT INCOME GUIDELINES:

1. STO qualifying levels listed are based upon 400% of 2025 Federal Poverty Levels.  Final income-qualifying levels will be determined by the Our Faith STO Board, based on identified need and available funds. 
2. Families are eligible for STO assistance if they are Iowa residents AND their taxable income is at or below the above listed income levels. Falling within these guidelines does not necessarily guarantee tuition assistance awards.
3. Family size includes parents/guardians plus total number of dependents claimed on the tax return. 
4. For families/households with more than eight people, add $5,500 for each additional person. 
5. Any available local tuition assistance beyond STO awards may not be based upon the above income levels, but will likely require completion of a FACTS application.

• 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 2024 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 $40 (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.

  

 

For confidential assistance, or if the processing fee is cost prohibitive for your family, contact Michelle in our Business Office at 319-277-6781 or [email protected]. Michelle 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).