You’ve pictured your son at St. Thomas. Now let’s make a plan to get him here.

Making a St. Thomas education accessible to families is part of our Basilian mission. Each year, about one-third of our students receive financial aid or scholarships. St. Thomas awards more than $3.5 million annually, with individual awards covering 10% to 90% of tuition.

Families have three ways to help cover tuition: financial aid, scholarships, and Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA). Many families can use more than one. This checklist walks you through each option and helps you plan your next steps.

Start planning now. We’re here to help you through the process. You can also find more details on our Affording St. Thomas page.

Three ways to make St. Thomas affordable

Based on need

Financial Aid

St. Thomas aid is based on your family's finances. You apply through Blackbaud.

Due: Friday, January 15, 2027

Based on merit

Scholarships

Academic scholarships (President's, Principal's, Aquinas, and GDK) are awarded based on your son's ISEE score.

From the State of Texas

TEFA

St. Thomas is a TEFA-participating school. TEFA funds can go toward tuition and required fees.

Opens: expected early 2027

Print this page and check off each step as you go.

1. Apply for financial aid

Due Friday, January 15, 2027

Full instructions and required documents: 2027–28 Financial Aid Parent Instructions (PDF)

1

Create your account

2

Gather your documents

Applications submitted without documentation will not be processed.

  • 3 current months of pay stubs for each parent
  • Most recent W-2 forms for all jobs
  • Most recently filed federal tax return (1040)
  • Most recently filed business tax return: 1120, 1120S, or 1065 (if applicable)
  • Supplemental income documents, such as Social Security, welfare, food stamps, child support, 1099-M forms, workers' compensation, unemployment, veterans benefits, or housing allowance
3

Complete the application

  • Find St. Thomas with school code 13206
  • Answer the written questions fully
  • Review everything, pay the $35 fee, and submit

You can't edit the application after you submit, so check it carefully first.

4

Upload your documents

  • Upload each document separately
  • Confirm your status shows "Verified" by January 15

2. Earn a scholarship

Based on the ISEE
1

Register for the ISEE

  • Sign your son up for the ISEE
2

Send his scores to St. Thomas

  • List St. Thomas as a school to receive his ISEE scores
3

Watch for your award letter

  • Scholarship decisions arrive with financial aid decisions in mid-March

3. Apply for TEFA

Expected to open early 2027
1

Get on the state's list

2

Apply through the state

  • Apply as soon as applications open. St. Thomas can't apply for you.
3

If you're awarded, choose St. Thomas

  • Select St. Thomas in your Odyssey account. Funds are applied to your tuition balance.

Don't wait for TEFA to enroll. Enrollment is due Wednesday, March 24, 2027.