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.

Catholic Education Arizona (CEA) is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and has never accepted gifts designated for individuals. Per state law, a school tuition organization cannot award, restrict or reserve scholarships solely on the basis of donor recommendation. A taxpayer may not claim a tax credit if the taxpayer agrees to swap donations with another taxpayer to benefit either taxpayer’s own dependent.  There is no longer a FAIR Application, CEA now processes their financial aid assessment through the FACTS platform. CEA is pleased to partner with FACTS for our application management, and invite all families to apply, regardless of income.  Click Here to begin, applications for Round One opens February 1, 2026 and closes on April 15, 2026

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. 

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.

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