A Universal Tuition Model
When families choose Holy Family Catholic Schools in kindergarten, or at any other stage, they join our Golden Eagle family and a shared K-12 educational vision that extends through graduation from Wahlert Catholic. Our universal rate reflects this partnership and eliminates substantial cost increases as families transition from elementary to middle school and again into high school. It provides clarity, consistency and equity for all families.
Tuition Model Q&A
How is tuition determined?
Determining tuition rates begins with a calculation of the “cost to educate.” This is the per-pupil breakdown of all school-related expenses incurred in providing a quality, well-rounded educational program. Such expenses include salaries and benefits, building maintenance, utilities, curriculum expenditures and more.
Operating on a cost-to-educate tuition model establishes transparency and sustainability. Families see the full cost up front and applicable subsidies – such as parish support, Education Savings Accounts, scholarships and tuition assistance – lowering the final out-of-pocket cost.
Why has tuition increased in recent years?
Rising personnel costs, as well as transitioning to a cost-to-educate model, are the leading factors influencing recent increases to our published tuition rates. Since the 19-20 school year, total compensation for a 12-year teacher with a BA has increased by 30%. For 25-26, compensation will require an additional 23% increase to achieve the newly enacted state benchmarks and align with public schools. As salaries and benefits account for more than 80% of our school budgets, these changes have a significant impact on overall costs.
True per-pupil costs have always surpassed our published tuition rates. Before implementing our cost-to-educate tuition model, parish subsidies were less visible as these funds and donor support were allocated directly to operating costs. Parish support is now clearly defined as a tuition deduction for active members of supporting parishes. Additionally, as we plan for the future, donor support will be allocated toward major facility improvements as well as endowments for long-term sustainability, rather than annual operating costs.
We believe our new funding model provides families with a clear understanding of the costs associated with their child(ren)’s education, providing transparency and sustainability. It addresses critical needs in teacher pay and stabilizes tuition to a more predictable annual cost-of-living adjustment.
Investing in Teachers
In a competitive job market with teacher shortages, it is essential to retain and attract the best educators for our students now and in the future. Achieving competitive teacher pay and benefits has been a long-standing priority for Holy Family.
In January 2024, Iowa set minimum teacher pay benchmarks for public schools at $50,000 for first-year teachers and $62,000 for teachers with 12 years of experience by 25-26. This legislation made it more important than ever before to remain competitive.
To illustrate the progress made on teacher pay and benefits as well as the impact of the recent state benchmark legislation, please review the following slide excerpts from our October 2024 community meeting:
What opportunities are available to assist with affordability?
Parish Support:
To help keep out-of-pocket tuition costs affordable, our 11 supporting parishes will contribute more than $2.67 million next year to offset tuition for active parish members.
Iowa Education Savings Accounts (ESA):
Effective in the 25-26 school year, all Iowa families are eligible for an ESA to offset the cost of accredited private school tuition. Families must apply each year to receive this benefit. The online application is brief and opens in spring with a deadline of June 30. Please stay tuned for the exact date and link to apply!
The value of the ESA changes each year, following the state's per-pupil funding allocation.
Scholarships and Tuition Assistance:
All students are welcome to apply for means-based tuition assistance through the Iowa School Tuition Organization (STO) or other local tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities.
Since out-of-state families are not eligible for the ESA, local tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities will be the leading source of tuition relief. We strongly encourage all Illinois and Wisconsin families to apply via the FACTS application, regardless of income.
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