Scholarship Opportunities
Financial aid and scholarship options for Catholic education
Scholarship & Aid Overview
North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship Program
The Diocese of Raleigh Catholic Schools financial assistance page describes the Opportunity Scholarship Program as a North Carolina school-choice program for Kindergarten through 12th grade students choosing a participating non-public school. The Diocese page lists funding of up to $7,686 per year for eligible children.
Additional Scholarship & Aid Options
African American and Native American Ancestry Tuition Assistance
The Diocese of Raleigh Office of Education administers tuition assistance for Catholic school students in Preschool through 12th grade who are of African Ancestry or Native American heritage in the Diocese of Raleigh. The Diocese page states that awards are funded by parish second collection donations and a grant from the Black and Indian Mission Office.
Application Notes for Ancestry Tuition Assistance
The Diocese page states that applicants must complete a Catholic school enrollment application before the tuition assistance application is considered. The application window opens in late winter and closes in the spring, with decision letters emailed by early summer. Because these dates change each year, please confirm the current window with the Diocese of Raleigh Office of Education or the school office before applying.
School-Based Financial Support
The Diocese notes that Catholic schools work to keep Catholic education affordable and partner with other entities that help families afford tuition. Families seeking school-based financial support are directed to create an account through FACTS Tuition Management.
How to Apply
Check Your Eligibility
Visit the North Carolina Education Authority website to see if you may qualify based on income. This is a pre-eligibility determination only — it is not the official application.
ncseaa.edu/k12/opportunity/Create a MyPortal Account
Set up your student portal account at the NC State Education Assistance Authority. You will use this account to submit your application and manage your scholarship.
myportal.ncseaa.eduSubmit an Application for Each Child
Submit a separate application for each child you wish to receive a scholarship. You will receive a confirmation email from the NC State Education Assistance Authority for each application submitted.
One application per child — do not combineApply During the Priority Window
Applications received during the priority window are entered into a lottery and awarded scholarships. Applications submitted after the priority window are placed on a waiting list. Apply early for the best chance.
Priority window applications receive lottery placementEnroll at St. Ann Catholic School
St. Ann Catholic School participates in the NC Opportunity Scholarship Program. Once your scholarship is awarded, contact our office to begin the enrollment process. Note that families must be prepared to pay the registration fee at the time of enrollment.
(910) 483-3216Frequently Asked Questions
Are you eligible?
The income cap for the program was recently raised, meaning more families now qualify than in previous years. Visit the NC Education Authority website to check your pre-eligibility. This is not an official application — it simply lets you know whether to proceed with a full application. Families should verify the latest eligibility rules directly with NCSEAA.
How does it work?
Applications are accepted during a priority period each year. Those received within the priority window are selected through a lottery and awarded a scholarship. Applications received after the priority window are placed on a waiting list and may be awarded if additional funding becomes available.
How do I apply?
Create a MyPortal account at the NC State Education Assistance Authority to begin the application. You must submit a separate application for each child — do not combine children on one application. A confirmation email will be sent for each application submitted. Verify the current application window directly with NCSEAA.
Where can a scholarship be used?
Use NC Schools Around Me to find participating private schools near you, compare average tuition, and learn more. Schools continue to register for the program — always confirm directly with the school whether they accept the Opportunity Scholarship. St. Ann Catholic School participates in this program.