What is Variable Tuition?​

​Variable tuition allows families to apply for a tuition rate that is based on their family’s unique financial situation. While every family is expected to contribute to the cost of tuition, the Variable Tuition Program offers a family-specific tuition rate, making a quality Catholic education accessible to more students within our community.

​How does variable tuition work?

​All families are invited and encouraged to apply for variable tuition (not mandatory). This application is available on the Powers Catholic website (named FACTS) and is submitted to and reviewed by a third party: FACTS Grant and Aid. Families are asked to complete the application for FACTS by March 1st, and to submit the requested documentation (i.e., tax returns, W-2s, etc). Many factors are considered when determining the variable tuition rate. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify by the school’s Business Office.

WE ARE A RETURNING FAMILY, HOW WILL OUR TUITION RATE THROUGH VARIABLE TUITION BE DIFFERENT?​​

If your family’s circumstances have remained relatively the same, you should still qualify for a similar tuition rate as the previous year; however, all families should expect minimal annual tuition increases, as in years past. ​

​I currently receive a subsidized tuition rate for being an active member of a Catholic parish; do I need to apply for variable tuition in order to receive this subsidy?

​No, this subsidy is automatically applied after verification of parishioner status is identified on your student’s registration.

​When is the deadline to apply for variable tuition?

The FACTS application deadline is March 1st. PCHS will begin accepting applications in early January and families are encouraged to apply early. Families who apply for admission after March 1st may still be considered for variable tuition based on available funding.

​Apply to FACTS here: //online.factsmgt.com/signin/3YT14
 
Attention Catholic families only: If you apply to FACTS by the hard deadline of March 1st, you will automatically be considered for the Diocese of Lansing (DOL) Scholarship, which is based on need. If you miss the March 1st deadline, the DOL Scholarship will not be available. 

Does everyone who applies for variable tuition receive a reduced rate?

​None of our families will pay the true cost to educate, so all families receive a reduced rate; however, we cannot guarantee that all families applying for variable tuition will receive a further reduction. The reduced variable tuition rate is based on each family’s circumstances, family need, and available resources at PCHS. We work within these available resources to make PCHS accessible to as many students and families as possible. 

​If I tell the PCHS Business Office my family’s annual income, can they estimate my variable tuition rate?

No, variable tuition considers many factors and as a result, it is not possible to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a variable tuition application to FACTS. FACTS evaluates the application based on criteria set by the school and makes a recommendation to the school’s variable tuition team. ​

Upon Completion of my variable tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my variable tuition rate? ​

​Applications submitted with all necessary documents by March 1st, will receive a reply by early May.

​Do I need to apply for variable tuition each year?

​Yes, the online application to FACTS must be resubmitted each year along with the appropriate tax returns and other required documents.

​If I choose not to apply for variable tuition, how will my tuition rate be impacted?

​Families choosing not to apply for variable tuition will pay the top rate on the variable tuition scale, minus any parish subsidy (see question #4).

Are some families awarded a full tuition discount?

​No, every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing variable tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive a full tuition discount.

​If I receive support from my church how does that impact my variable tuition?

​PCHS is blessed to partner with many area churches that provide significant parish assistance to their registered families.  As in previous years, you should apply to your church office first. Our Variable Tuition Team will take all factors into account before a determination is made on a family’s variable tuition rate.

​What is the variable tuition range for the 2020-21 school year?

​The variable tuition range for the 2020-2021 school year is between $5300 - $9530. On average, approximately 15% of our families pay the top end on our variable tuition range. Tuition rates for all families’ fall between 50% - 90% of the actual cost to educate, which is approximately $10,510.

​Do I need to apply for admission to PCHS before I can apply for variable tuition?

No, you may apply for variable tuition before you apply for admission. However, we do recommend that you contact our Admissions Office as soon as possible to begin the enrollment process and explore other tuition discount options that are available to supplement variable tuition.

​Will my variable tuition request hurt the likelihood of admissions acceptance?

​No, determination of tuition rates is a separate function from our admission process. Families should not hesitate to apply for variable tuition out of concern that it might impact their child’s acceptance into PCHS.

​Who should I contact with more questions about variable tuition?

​Questions about variable tuition should be directed to the Admissions Office. (810) 591-4741, ext.6 or admissions@powerscatholic.org.