Admissions
Affording Cathedral
The most affordable private high school in Boston.
Cathedral invests in you.
At Cathedral, we believe in the potential of each and every one of our scholars.
We also believe that financial barriers should not deny any family access to a transformational Catholic education, and our commitment to reducing those barriers exemplifies that belief.
100%
of admitted students receive the Opportunity Grant covering 50% of tuition
95%+
of families receive additional scholarships and financial aid covering up to full tuition
$0
breakfast and lunch for all students
Financial Assistance for all Scholars
The Opportunity Grant
Thanks to our generous donors, and our belief that a strong, Catholic education should be accessible to all families, every admitted student receives the Opportunity Grant of $7,850, covering 50% of tuition.
Need-based Financial Aid
In addition to the Opportunity Grant, all scholars are eligible for additional need-based financial aid. To be considered, applicants must complete the FACTS process.
New to the FACTS process? We’re here to help! Contact Carla Ostine, Business Manager, with any questions or for a personalized affordability consultation: costine@cathedralhighschool.net
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
New for the 2025-2026 academic year!
The following opportunities provide additional merit and need-based financial assistance to qualifying applicants.
To maintain a scholarship, recipients must meet eligibility requirements while attending Cathedral. Scholarships and financial aid can cover up to full tuition.
Presidential Scholarship
Student who have an outstanding track record of academic success, and whose grades place them in the top 10 percent of their class, or the equivalent of, are considered for a Presidential Scholarship, covering up to full tuition.
Scholar of Distinction Scholarship
Scholars who have displayed distinct abilities, talents, or leadership throughout their elementary and middle school experiences are invited to apply for the Scholar of Distinction Scholarship. Examples may include community service, athletic accomplishments, performing and fine arts, etc.
To be considered for this scholarship, the applicant must submit a 1-page typed essay describing their distinct accomplishments, signed by a school official.
Catholic School Scholarship
All students matriculating from a Catholic elementary or middle school are eligible to be considered for a Catholic School Scholarship.
Legacy Scholarship
We are blessed with a robust, multi-generational alumni community. All children or grandchildren of a Cathedral High School alum are eligible to be considered for a 10% Legacy Scholarship. Proof of eligibility is required.
Sibling Scholarship
We consider Cathedral a family, and so many families choose to send multiple siblings to school here! We are pleased to provide a 15% tuition discount for additional siblings.
Tuition Scenarios
The price tag of a private education can often be daunting, and even scary. At Cathedral, however, we stand behind our commitment to access and affordability. The following example scenarios are meant to demonstrate how Cathedral can be accessible to you!*
| Tuition Scenarios | Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tuition | $15,700 | $15,700 | $15,700 |
| OPPORTUNITY GRANT 100% of admitted scholars are awarded this 50% tuition grant | -$7,850 | -$7,850 | -$7,850 |
| ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS 95% of families receive additional aid covering up to full tuition | -$6,800 | -$5,500 | -$1,350 |
| YOUR TUITION | $1,050 | $2,300 | $6,500 |
| TOTAL SAVINGS | $14,650 | $13,400 | $9,200 |
*The above tuition scenarios are examples only. Your tuition and total savings will be calculated based on your FACTS application and eligibility for additional scholarships. Please contact us for more information.
Tuition and Financial Assistance FAQs
How do I apply for the Opportunity Grant?
Your application to Cathedral High School automatically qualifies you for the Opportunity Grant, covering 50% of your tuition.
How do I apply for need-based financial aid?
Apply for financial aid by filling out FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment. All applicants are required to apply through FACTS.
How do I apply for additional scholarships?
For the majority of scholarship opportunities, your eligibility for scholarships will be determined based on the information provided in your application. If eligible for scholarships, you will receive additional information.
To be considered for the Scholar of Distinction scholarship (see details above), please submit a 1-page typed essay describing your distinct accomplishments, signed by a school official.
Are there any fees or hidden costs?
At Cathedral, we keep fees and additional costs to a minimum. We don’t just want you to come here—we want you to thrive and fully participate in all we have to offer. That’s why:
- There are no fees to play sports or join clubs.
- AP course fees are covered.
- College application fee waivers are provided.
- Lunch and breakfast are provided at no cost to families.
- Transportation passes are provided free of charge to scholars who live within the city of Boston and are subsidized for those who live outside of Boston.
Our limited fees include:
- An annual $75 technology fee which provides each scholar with a laptop for use during the academic year.
- Senior fees are greatly discounted to assist with senior expenses, including prom, graduation cap and gown, senior week activities, yearbook, and more.
- Scholars are also required to purchase uniforms.
Public schools and charter schools are free. Why should I choose Cathedral?
A Cathedral education is an investment in your future.
Cathedral offers a rigorous, holistic education in a richly diverse community where all students are seen, heard, and accepted for who they are. With small class sizes and an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, your teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators are dedicated to supporting you and challenging you to reach your full potential. Located in Boston’s South End, your Cathedral experience will be full of opportunities – from paid internship opportunities to financial literacy programs, rigorous AP courses to reflective retreat experiences, and so much more. Our Catholic school emphasizes Gospel values including compassion, respect, and service, and is welcoming to students of all faiths.
100% of Cathedral graduates are accepted into college, many with incredible scholarships and financial aid packages – turning their dreams into reality.
While there are many schools to choose from—including free public schools—Cathedral High School is the most affordable private high school in the Boston area. It offers an excellent education at an incredible value. We are committed to making Cathedral affordable for all families, no matter their financial situation.
Learn more about why Cathedral High School is a worthwhile investment.
How are you able to provide affordable education to all admitted scholars?
Thanks to generous donors who deeply believe in our mission of providing quality education to Boston-area youth for nearly 100 years, we are able to highly subsidize the cost of a Cathedral education. Learn more about our financial model here.
My financial situation has changed and I have concerns about my tuition. What do I do?
Our finance office is always willing to help. Contact Carla Ostine, Business Manager, to set up an appointment: costine@cathedralboston.org
How can I pay my tuition?
Your child’s tuition can be paid to Cathedral High School by check, money order, or credit card. Checks and money orders can be dropped off or mailed to Carla Ostine, Business Manager, Cathedral High School, 74 Union Park Street, Boston, MA 02118. If you would like to pay by credit card, please do so using the link below.
We’re here to help as you apply for scholarships and financial assistance.
Please contact us if you require any assistance!
