Affording a BG Education Financial Assistance Information

A Note from the Desk of the President

At BG, we pride ourselves on offering a true college preparatory education that includes strong academics, abundant student life programming, competitive athletics, and the whole-person formation necessary for future success. While the Bishop Guertin experience can be valued far beyond our tuition, we know that families make incredible sacrifices to send their child here. That is why through prudent management of the school’s finances and the generosity of our benefactors, we keep tuition costs as low as possible, while also providing nearly $2 million annually in financial assistance to families. We hope by learning more about the financial assistance process, you’ll have a better understanding of our commitment to ensuring a Bishop Guertin education is possible for all those who seek it. We can’t wait for your child to become a Cardinal!

- Linda Brodeur M’78

The above graph shows the average aid awarded to families in each income range who applied for financial assistance. Please note that individual awards vary and are neither guaranteed nor capped at these amounts. The financial assistance process considers each family’s unique circumstances, including the number of siblings, financial commitments, prior Catholic school attendance or employment, and other factors. Additionally, New Hampshire households earning under $60,000 may qualify for more support through the New Hampshire Children’s Scholarship Fund (see reverse for details). We strongly encourage all families to apply for financial assistance and to explore the many options available to make a Bishop Guertin education affordable.

The Financial Assistance Process

t Bishop Guertin, we understand the sacrifices families make to provide their child with a BG education. That’s why we are committed to offering financial assistance to all eligible families. Roughly one-third of our students who demonstrate need receive aid, with nearly $2 million awarded annually.

No student is ever denied admission based on financial circumstances.

The financial assistance process is managed through FACTS, an independent organization that reviews submitted documentation to determine a family’s level of need. This ensures an accurate and impartial assessment when awarding assistance. Families are required to re-apply each year, but every effort is made to continue support for both new and returning students who qualify.

Addressing Special Circumstances

Depending on demonstrated need, Bishop Guertin is able to provide families with financial assistance. Those who qualify may also be eligible for additional support if certain criteria are met, such as attendance at or employment by a Catholic school and/or having siblings currently enrolled at BG.

While every effort is made to create a financial assistance package that addresses a family’s full need, we recognize that special circumstances may arise. There are opportunities to address such circumstances during the enrollment process.

Available Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, Bishop Guertin is proud to offer a variety of annual scholarships for enrolled students. These scholarships provide additional opportunities for support, and students are strongly encouraged to apply when applications open during the school year.

An Investment In The Future

It can be difficult to place a dollar value on a private high school education, especially when compared with other local options. At Bishop Guertin, we see it as an investment with lifelong returns. The preparation, opportunities, and support our Cardinals receive ensure they are ready to soar, both during their time at BG and long after graduation.

MERIT AID

Did you know that the average college-merit scholarship offered to a Bishop Guertin graduate matches our tuition?

That number does not include need-based financial assistance awarded by colleges.

COLLEGE COMPLETION

Bishop Guertin graduates’ four-year college completion rate is double the national average meaning a BG education can translate to a savings of up to two years of college tuition costs.

Return on Investment

In a recent survey, graduates overwhelmingly felt prepared for college, especially in the areas of time management, organization, reading, writing, and research skills. On average, BG graduates complete their college degree in 4.2 years as opposed to 5.5 for the average student nationally.

*A typical Bishop Guertin student receives approximately in $20,000 in annual merit aid. By graduating earlier than the national average, our graduates save the cost of a year of college tuition, estimated at $58,000 per year. The total savings of college tuition reflects twice the cost of a BG education over four years.

PROGRAMS FOR NEW HAMPSHIRE RESIDENTS

The State of New Hampshire provides funding options that help families choose a non-public education, including Bishop Guertin, in two key ways:

Education Freedom Accounts

Through the state’s Educational Freedom Account (EFA) program, New Hampshire families may receive funding that equates to the state’s “adequate education” rate, approximately $4,100 per student, with some eligible for more based on individual circumstances. These funds may be applied to tuition at a private school such as Bishop Guertin. They may also be applied to textbooks, online instructional materials, computer hardware, summer programs, AP exams, and other educational costs.

This process is between the state of New Hampshire and the family and does not affect BG financial-aid decisions as these are independent of one another.

Children's Scholarship Fund

The NHCSF provides Education Tax Credit scholarships to more than 600 students each year. Scholarships are awarded based on income, with a family of four eligible at or under $93,600. In the 2023-24 school year, 21 Bishop Guertin students received an average scholarship of $3,925 through this program. Funded by contributions from individuals and businesses, the NHCSF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to expanding access to non-public education in New Hampshire.