Financial Tips for Private Catholic Schools in Houston, Texas

Choosing among private Catholic schools in Houston, Texas, for your rising middle schooler comes with both excitement and financial considerations. While tuition costs are rising nationwide, there are also generous aid programs and smart strategies available to help families plan with confidence.

Today, we will walk you through tuition trends, scholarship opportunities, and payment strategies to make the process clearer and less overwhelming. We look forward to helping you make an informed decision about your child’s high school career journey!

Catholic schools in Houston continue to offer families a strong value compared to other private schools. For the 2025–26 school year, the average Catholic school tuition is about $27,952. St. Agnes Academy falls right below that average at $26,900, which is consistent with other leading Catholic high schools in the region.

If you research other private, independent schools in Houston, you will find the average tuition significantly higher, with many charging more than $30,000 annually and a few exceeding $50,000.

It’s important to remember that tuition alone does not reflect the full cost of attendance. Families should also plan for enrollment fees, technology charges, uniforms, activity expenses, and deposits. These additional costs can add up quickly and should be factored into any financial planning.

Fortunately, there are a variety of financial aid and scholarship programs designed to make Catholic education more accessible.

The Archdiocese of Galveston–Houston offers a Tuition Assistance Program through the FACTS management system. This program evaluates financial need and allocates funds accordingly, helping families from many different backgrounds find a way to afford a Catholic education.

Individual schools also offer their own aid packages. At St. Agnes, for example, families can apply for need-based grants that may cover tuition as well as expenses like the freshman laptop. For the 2025–26 school year, approximately 20 percent of the student body received nearly $2.95 million in financial assistance, underscoring our commitment to accessibility.

Beyond need-based aid, there are also scholarships and grants available from parishes, community organizations, and school foundations. At some schools, such as St. Thomas High School, aid packages may cover anywhere from 10 to 95 percent of tuition, depending on a student’s individual profile.

Other schools, including St. Anne and St. Vincent de Paul, provide sibling discounts or “adopt-a-student” programs, which can further lighten the financial load. Some institutions even tie tuition assistance to volunteer service hours, offering parents an opportunity to contribute directly to the school community while offsetting costs.

When it comes to securing aid, timing matters. Families should always aim to apply early, as most schools set priority deadlines and funding is limited. Late applications may still be reviewed, but awards are usually smaller and only offered if funds remain.

Preparing well in advance – by researching schools, attending open houses like at St. Agnes, and gathering documents – ensures you’re ready when the application window opens. Even after aid is awarded, payment strategies can help ease the financial commitment.

Many Houston-area Catholic schools provide flexible payment schedules, such as monthly or semester installments, that make tuition more manageable. Some also offer discounts for paying upfront or by check. Exploring these options with each school’s business office can reveal additional savings or cash-flow benefits.

Looking ahead, there’s also the possibility of significant relief from state-level support. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, families may become eligible for $10,000 vouchers to apply toward private school tuition.

For some Catholic schools, these vouchers could cover more than half the cost. Families who start planning now will be well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity when it becomes available.

Sending your daughter to a Catholic school is an investment in her education, faith, and future. With thoughtful planning, early applications, and creative use of scholarships, private Catholic schools in Houston, Texas, can be both attainable and sustainable for families.

By combining proactive research with smart financial strategies, you can move forward with optimism and confidence, knowing that a Catholic education is within reach.