But as tuition costs rise, many families struggle to afford this life-changing opportunity for their children. Recognizing this, the Diocese of Lansing has made affordability a pillar of the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Campaign.

This $70 million campaign is dedicated to making an authentically Catholic education possible for all families who seek it for their children. The campaign priorities are:

• On Mission – Attract, form, train, and retain excellent, faithful teachers and administrators.
• Affordable – Substantially grow financial assistance available to current and new school families.
• Accessible – Improve assistance for children with special needs while also providing funds to enhance services through the four regional diocesan high schools.
• Local Initiatives – Investment in parish schools, religious education/faith formation, parish-sponsored homeschool initiatives, or other urgent, local needs.

At the heart of this campaign is a bold commitment to making Catholic education a realistic option for every family that wants it. Of the $70 million overall campaign goal, almost one-third — $21 million — will go toward increasing financial assistance to parents and ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to receive a Catholic education due to cost.

Bishop Earl Boyea’s vision for the affordable pillar of the campaign is clear: If we want to raise the next generation of Catholics who will carry on the faith and transform the world, we need to invest in making Catholic schools affordable for all.

For generations, Catholic schools have played a vital role in the evangelization and development of young people. Research consistently shows that children who attend Catholic schools are much more likely to remain Catholic into adulthood, attend Mass regularly and continue practicing their faith. 

In a society that often pushes religion out of the public square, Catholic schools provide a sanctuary where children can grow in their faith while receiving an excellent education. Catholic education is not merely an academic pursuit. It is a transformative experience that prepares young people to become both saints and scholars. 

However, tuition costs are a significant obstacle for many families, and even keep some from enrolling their children in Catholic schools. 

Over the past few years, the need for financial assistance has surged. From 2020 to 2023, the total need, as measured by applications through the FACTS system, increased by a staggering 74 percent. This rise reflects the growing financial strain on families and underscores the importance of making tuition assistance more robust and widely available.

By expanding financial assistance through the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign, the Diocese of Lansing is addressing this barrier head-on.

The diocese intends to add $19 million to the existing financial aid endowment — an increase of 150 percent. If the diocese reaches this goal, it will be able to distribute more than $1.5 million in financial aid each year, making a tangible difference for families who are scrimping and saving to afford Catholic education.

The diocese is also introducing “New Family Grants,” which will help families who are new to Catholic education get their foot in the door. The grants, which will be distributed from a $2 million fund, will provide up to $1,000 for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and up to $2,000 for those in high school. 

The importance of affordability is not just a matter of numbers and percentages. Behind every tuition bill is a family making sacrifices, often going to great lengths to provide their children with a Catholic education. For some, this means forgoing vacations, working extra hours, or delaying retirement. But for many, even these sacrifices are not enough to cover the rising cost of tuition.

Linda Ayers, a grandparent at Holy Rosary Parish in Flint, is one of many who have made significant sacrifices to ensure that her grandchildren can attend Catholic schools. Having graduated from Holy Rosary in 1971 and taught there for 37 years, she knows firsthand the value of a Catholic education. Both her children attended Holy Rosary, and now her grandsons are following in their footsteps.

Despite her deep commitment to Catholic education, Linda has faced the constant worry of affordability. 

“It’s like, ‘Oh Lord, am I going to be able to afford this?’ But I know, with what’s in this world today, that it will be the best place for my grandson,” she says. Her sacrifices in retirement — forgoing vacations and doing all she can to contribute — are a testament to the value she places on Catholic education.

Linda’s story reflects the experience of many families who recognize the profound impact that Catholic schools can have on a child’s life but struggle to make it financially possible. The Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign seeks to alleviate this burden and ensure that every family who wants a Catholic education for their children can afford it.

The Diocese of Lansing hopes that with this campaign, more families will be able to give their children the gift of a Catholic education. Through increased financial aid, the diocese aims to ensure that every child, regardless of socioeconomic status, can experience the transformative power of a Catholic school education.

Bishop Boyea’s words echo the urgency of this mission: “We need our Catholic schools to be more affordable. That means growing financial assistance to current and new Catholic school families … Greater affordability is so important.”