School Tuition Organizations (STOs)

What is a Student Tuition Organization (STO) and how can I use it to make a Catholic Education affordable?

• Certified School Tuition Organizations (STOs) are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations established to receive income tax credit contributions that fund scholarships for students to attend qualified private schools (K to 12) located in Arizona.
• Scholarships are available to families of all income levels.  The only requirement to receive tax credit funding is that your child is enrolled in an Arizona Private K-12 school.
• Funding for scholarships comes from the tax credit donations of individuals and corporations. Families who may not qualify for low income financial aid may still secure tax credit scholarships for their student - your participation in having your social contacts donate is necessary to increase the funds available for your family’s scholarship awards.
• Regulations using STO and/or ESA: If a student starts the school year on ESA, then the parent cancels the ESA contract during the school year, that student may receive tax credit scholarships for the remainder of the academic year after the ESA contract was cancelled. STO's will fund the student beginning the quarter following the ESA contract cancellation. Parents that withdraw their student from the ESA program will receive an email indicating their ESA account is closed.  This document must be provided to the STO to start receiving tax credit scholarships. Managing this process is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian. Seton Finance Department must be notified within 10 business days of this decision by the family.

Catholic Education Arizona (CEA) was incorporated to obtain contributions and provide tuition assistance to the students at Seton Catholic High School and around the Diocese. You may apply on-line by April 15 at www.fairapp.com. The school code for the online application is 700 and the password is cea700. CEA Awards are Annual Awards to families that successfully complete the FAIRAPP through Catholic Education of Arizona (CEA) by the round 1 deadline (April 15) or round 2 deadline (August 25).  

Az4Education – Awards tuition scholarships based on financial need and/or student merit. Everyone is required to fill out a short application (online) every school year, which we review, then evaluate what funding assistance is available.  Applications open February 1.

Arizona Private Education Scholarship Fund – Similar to CEA, but non-denominational, ASCT provides scholarships to families in need of some assistance. Relatives and friends etc. can recommend funds be designated to a specific child. For more information contact ASCT on the web at www.apesf.org.  Applications open on April 1.

Arizona School Choice Trust – Similar to CEA, but non-denominational, ASCT provides scholarships to families in need of some assistance. Relatives and friends etc. cannot recommend funds be designated to a specific child. For more information contact ASCT on the web at www.asct.org. Need based applications are due March 1.

Arizona Tuition Connection – Arizona Tuition Connection provides scholarships to families in need of tuition assistance. Relatives and friends etc. can also recommend funds be designated to a specific child. There is no deadline for applications. For more information contact Arizona Tuition Connection on the web at www.arizonatuitionconnection.com. 

A Degree for Me – A Degree for Me provides scholarships to families in need of tuition assistance. Relatives and friends etc. can also recommend funds be designated to a specific child. What makes A Degree for Me different is that they offer free assistance with College Admission and Financial Aid applications.   For more information go to their website at adegreeforme.org. 

Institute for Better Education – Similar to CEA, but non-denominational, IBE was the second STO existence back in 1998 when this private school tax credit program first began. Relatives and friends etc. can recommend funds be designated to a specific child. A parent cannot contribute for the benefit of their own child. www.ibescholarships.org.  Need based award applications are due March 18.

TOPS for Kids – Similar to CEA, but non-denominational, Relatives and friends etc. can recommend funds be designated to a specific child.  A parent cannot contribute for the benefit of their own child. Each student must be registered with the fund through an application process. Application and information is available at www.topsforkids.com. Applications open April 16.

This is only a partial list of the STO's you may apply for.