Tuition Assistance

Now, more than ever, BSM must be strategic in keeping tuition affordable to all families. The school is currently able to offer only 60% of any given family’s demonstrated need. Investing in BSM’s tuition assistance program is both an investment in Catholic education and a real way of keeping Benilde-St. Margaret’s robust, viable and contributing positively to the community and the world.

In determining financial assistance, BSM uses a company called Tuition Aid Data Services (TADS), which provides financial need evaluation services. TADS is used by all the Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese to help disburse Archdiocesan funds, as well as funds from the individual high schools. Last year, approximately 18% of the BSM student body received some kind of assistance/award toward tuition. Just over $1,200,000 in assistance was awarded for the 2010-2011 school year, with the average award being roughly $5,600. While the level of assistance offered to many families was adequate, the demonstrated need was in fact  $2,200,000. As the economy continues its slow recovery, more families will likely look to BSM for some amount of financial support. Not being able to meet these needs leaves behind an inspired and gifted group of potential students, and BSM cannot afford to shut the door on any percentage of its future.

Corey Anderson (‘96), once a recipient of tuition assistance understands the benefits of educational opportunities. “When I came here in seventh grade, my family couldn’t afford this,” he says. “My mom barely made ends meet. But I loved BSM and people believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Now I’m in a position to give back. When you invest in somebody by simply putting a few dollars in the right mind and the right person, they’ll prosper.”

The possibilities go both ways. Just as BSM benefits immensely from a diverse and engaged student body, each student profits greatly from his or her BSM experience. Therefore, being committed to its mission, BSM needs to strengthen its ability to offer a Catholic education to the most deserving students.