What is the purpose of the Tuition Donation Credit Program? The Tuition Donation Credit Program empowers Louisiana families with the financial resources to choose the school that will best prepare their children for college and careers. This program provides credits to Louisiana state taxpayers that donate to tax-exempt, not-for-profit organizations that provide scholarships to students in low-income families.
What students are eligible for a scholarship? Students should meet each of the following income, residency, and prior school year requirements:
Income Requirements
Have a family household income that does not exceed 250% of the federal poverty guidelines, as established by the Federal Office of Management and Budget. This information can be found here.
Residency Requirements
Be a resident of Louisiana
Prior School Requirements
Have attended a public school in Louisiana on October 1 and February 1 of the most recent school year; or
Be entering Kindergarten for the first time; or
Have participated in the LA GATOR/Tuition Donation Program for the previous school year.
How do students apply for a scholarship? Students apply through FACTs for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to students who participated in the Tuition Donation Credit or LA GATOR in the previous year.
Any qualified student receiving a scholarship from a school tuition organization pursuant to the provisions of this section shall be prohibited from receiving any other publicly funded scholarship, voucher, or other form of financial assistance specific to that student for purposes of attending a nonpublic school; however, a qualified student may receive scholarships from multiple school tuition organizations not to exceed the lesser of eighty percent of the state average Minimum Foundation Program per pupil funding amount for the previous year in the case of a qualified student enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade, or ninety percent of the state average Minimum Foundation Program per pupil funding amount for the previous year in the case of a qualified student enrolled in ninth through twelfth grade.
Can I be a part of the LA GATOR Program and receive a Tuition Donation Credit through Aspiring Scholars? No. Students enrolled in private school during the previous school year as part of the LA GATOR are eligible to apply for a scholarship under the Tuition Donation Credit Program and are given priority over other new applicants. However, students are not able to receive funding from both programs for the same school year.
How do students choose their school? Receiving a scholarship from Aspiring Scholars does not guarantee enrollment in a specific school. Rather, families must still apply directly for enrollment to the school of their choice. Find the list of participating schools along with enrollment information online by clicking here.
What is the amount of the scholarship? High school students receive approximately $4,900. Elementary school students receive approximately $4,400. Families may be asked to pay any additional tuition and fees not covered by the scholarship.
Do families have to pay the difference between the Tuition Donation Credit scholarship and the full tuition and fees charged by the school? Yes, families are responsible for paying school tuition and fees that exceed the amount of the scholarship.
Do families have to pay to apply for a scholarship? Because Aspiring Scholars uses the FACTS platform, there is a $45 fee associated with submitting the application.
Can a student participate in both the Louisiana Scholarship Program and the Tuition Donation Credit Program? Families may apply for a scholarship from both programs. If a student receives both scholarships, families may use only one of the scholarships, either from the LA GATOR or the Tuition Donation Credit Program, whichever is more beneficial to their family.
How can I promote Aspiring Scholars to my friends, family, and community? The best way we can increase scholarships for students attending Louisiana Catholic schools is to increase the number of Louisiana taxpayers who direct their tax liabilities to Aspiring Scholars. Thank you for sharing in our mission! You can find resources for schools and partners here. If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected].
(some information provided courtesy of the Louisiana Department of Education)