Financial Aid

All qualified students should have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education regardless of their financial situation. At O’Dea, we take pride in the socio-economic diversity of our student body and consider it an integral part of our student experience. We are here and committed to helping make O’Dea affordable for you. With our community’s support we are giving over $2 million in need-based tuition assistance to 42% of our student body this year.

Whether you are a returning family or new to O’Dea, Eamon Sylvester, our Director of Financial Aid, is available to support you. We look forward to working with you throughout your son’s time at O’Dea.

Merit Awards for Incoming Freshmen

O’Dea awards a small number of merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen who have distinguished themselves through outstanding academic achievement, personal excellence, service, and leadership. Edmund Rice Leadership Award Scholars receive a scholarship of $3,500 per year throughout their four years at O’Dea. There is no application for these awards, and they do not require any demonstrated financial need. Students are notified of the award in their acceptance letters.

Fulcrum Foundation Awards

The Fulcrum Foundation is another source of support to help make tuition at O’Dea more affordable for you. Their grants are based on family income and circumstances, and the application process is as simple as clicking a button when you are filling out your financial aid application for O’Dea and submitting it by the stated deadline. If you are applying for aid at O’Dea, you must apply for this award as well because every dollar you receive helps make your son’s tuition more affordable.

What are the Next Steps to Apply for Financial Aid?

• By the stated deadline, complete O’Dea’s online application, which also includes your application to Fulcrum. Please fill out the form completely and include all required documentation! We will not be able to review your application until it is complete.
• Applying for financial aid at O’Dea for the first time? You should expect to hear from Mr. Sylvester after your application is complete, as we may have additional questions or want to get to know you better. Please respond to him promptly so we can do our best to support you and your son.
• Remember! You must complete an application each year.
• If the deadline to apply for financial aid has passed, we still encourage you to apply. However, please know if you qualify for aid, we may place you on a waiting list and only provide funds as they become available.