The Complete Guide to St. Francis High School Wheaton Illinois Scholarships (2025)
Unlocking scholarship opportunities at St. Francis High School in Wheaton, IL — from merit awards to financial aid, discover how to finance outstanding education.
Updated: April 2025
Why Scholarships Matter at St. Francis High School
As a Catholic, college preparatory school in Wheaton, Illinois, St. Francis High School has earned its reputation for academic rigor, vibrant community, and spiritual growth. But with private school tuition on the rise (2024-2025 tuition is $15,250 per year), many families wonder: how does one afford a top-tier education without compromise?
This guide explores the scholarships, financial aid, and tuition assistance available at St. Francis High School. Whether you are a prospective student, parent, or counselor, you will find actionable advice and real-world tips here—infused with first-hand insights from working with hundreds of Midwest families navigating the high school financial aid process.
Quick Facts: St. Francis High School (Wheaton, IL)
| Type | Co-ed Catholic College Preparatory |
|---|---|
| School Year | 2024-2025 |
| Enrollment | ~703 students (Grades 9–12) |
| Student/Teacher Ratio | 15:1 |
| Total Scholarships Earned by Class of 2023 | $22+ Million (source) |
| Average ACT Score | 26 |
| Tuition | $15,250/year |
Types of Scholarships at St. Francis High School
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
- Spartan Scholars Award: $4,000, non-renewable, awarded to the top 10 scorers on the entrance exam.
- Principal’s Scholarship: $2,500, renewable, for freshmen scoring in the 90th percentile on the entrance exam.
- Kay Finn Memorial Scholarship: $2,000, renewable, for entrance exam scores in the 90th percentile plus 3.75+ GPA.
- The Harper Family/Larry Baker Academic Scholarship: $3,000, renewable, for test scores in the 80th percentile or higher and financial need.
2. Need-Based Scholarships & Tuition Assistance
- St. Francis High School Financial Aid: All families can apply using FACTS Tuition Aid.
- External Awards (Diocese of Joliet): Catholic Education Foundation ($1,000) and Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship ($6,000–$8,000 per year, see details).
- Work-Study Program: Tuition offset for assisting the facility manager or main office.
- Multiple Children Discount: 50% tuition discount for the third concurrent child in one family.
- Alumni Registration Fee Waiver: $150 fee waived for children of alumni.
3. Special and Memorial Scholarships
-
- Alumni Association Scholarship
- Becky VanEekeren ‘82 Metzler Memorial Alumni Scholarship
- Beverly McCleary Memorial Scholarship
- Megan E. Boken Memorial Scholarship (details)
- Margaret (Meg) Webb Memorial Scholarship
- Mike Harper Honorary Scholarship
- Julie Rittenhouse Memorial Scholarship
Comparison Table: Key Scholarships at St. Francis High School
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Renewable? | Who Is Eligible? | Primary Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spartan Scholars Award | $4,000 | No | Incoming freshmen | Top 10 entrance exam scores |
| Kazma Family Foundation | $6,000–$8,000/year | Yes (4 years) | Incoming freshmen (Diocese of Joliet) | Financial need, academics, honor roll incentive |
| Principal’s Scholarship | $2,500 | Yes | Incoming freshmen | 90th percentile on entrance exam, 3.75+ GPA |
| Alumni Association Scholarship | Quarter tuition | Yes | Freshmen, alumni relatives | 2.0+ GPA, volunteerism, behavior |
| GSI Foundation Scholarship | $5,000 | Yes | Incoming freshmen | Community service & academics |
| Catholic Education Foundation (DOJ) | $1,000 | No | All K-12 (Diocese of Joliet) | Financial need |
For an exhaustive list of memorial, merit-based, and financial need scholarships, visit the St. Francis financial aid page.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships and Aid
- Take the Entrance Exam: Scholarships such as Spartan Scholars and many more require attendance at the official St. Francis entrance exam for eligibility. Be well-prepared!
- Complete the Online Applications:
- FACTS Grant & Aid Application (apply here). This is required for financial aid and all need-based scholarships.
- St. Francis High School Scholarship Application (PDF form) for most named and alumni grants.
- Submit Supporting Materials:
- 6th–8th grade report cards
- Entrance exam results
- Two non-relative letters of recommendation
- Essays and co-curricular involvement list (see application for specifics)
- Financial documentation (W-2s, tax returns, etc.) for need-based aid
- Meet All Deadlines: Key dates for most applications and supporting documents—March 1–3.
- Follow Up: Awards are typically announced in May via email. Accept your award through your FACTS Tuition account.
Suggestion: Mark deadlines as urgent in your family calendar, and keep digital copies of all application materials, just in case.
Author’s Perspective: Winning Scholarships at St. Francis
“As an advisor who has guided dozens of students at private schools across Illinois—including St. Francis—I have seen firsthand how preparation, communication, and following up can make the difference. Two years ago, a mentee of mine earned both a partial academic and a community service scholarship at St. Francis. We prioritized clear essays and started applications early. My advice? Don’t underestimate local and memorial scholarships—or the value of a heartfelt personal story.”
Key Questions People Also Ask
What is the tuition for St. Francis High School Wheaton?
For the 2024–2025 school year, tuition is $15,250 per student, not including extracurricular and technology fees.
How do I qualify for a scholarship at St. Francis?
Many scholarships require academic merit (entrance exam results), financial need (verified through FACTS), or special circumstances (alumni status, community service, parish involvement). See full requirements for each scholarship in the application form or this guide.
How competitive are the scholarships?
Competition varies by award. Merit-based scholarships such as the Spartan Scholars are highly competitive, while need-based awards have broader eligibility. About 27% of students (SFHS data) receive tuition assistance, showing the school’s commitment to accessibility.
Do you reapply every year for financial aid?
Yes. Family circumstances change, and most scholarships/aid require an annual application or renewal process through FACTS.
Are external scholarships available?
Yes! Explore Kazma Foundation, Catholic Education Foundation, and local parish/diocese grants. Some students have also benefited from community and private organization scholarships (see scholarship blogs at MG Education).
Recommended Next Steps & Additional Resources
- Visit MG Education for scholarship coaching, essay workshops, and private high school admissions guidance.
- Explore the official St. Francis Financial Aid page for application deadlines and eligibility changes.
- For students interested in STEM, sports, and the arts, review athletic scholarship info here.
Important: Scholarship details, eligibility, and deadlines may change annually. Always confirm information with the official St. Francis admissions office. Never pay a third-party to “guarantee” a scholarship.
Privacy Note: All financial aid and scholarship documents are treated confidentially; scholarships are not disclosed to other families.
Frequently Asked Questions (Expert Guidance)
Q: Can incoming sophomores, juniors, or seniors apply for scholarships?
A: Most scholarships are for incoming freshmen, but select awards (such as the Megan E. Boken Memorial and Mike Harper Honorary Scholarship) may be available for older students. Financial need assistance is open for all years.
Q: Do St. Francis scholarships stack with outside scholarships?
A: St. Francis often allows “stacking” up to the total cost of tuition, but families must report outside funding per school guidelines.
Q: Where can I practice for the St. Francis entrance exam?
A: Review materials are available through the admissions page and local tutors.
Q: What if I miss the scholarship deadline?
A: Late applications are rarely accepted. However, you may still qualify for need-based tuition assistance for the next semester.
Final Thoughts: A Sum Greater Than Its Parts
Affording a private education at St. Francis High School Wheaton is not out of reach for motivated families. By understanding your options—from merit awards to need-based grants and memorial scholarships—you can proactively plan for every step of your child’s high school journey. Remember, timely applications and personal, authentic essays can set you apart. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the St. Francis admissions team or contact an education consultant for help.
May your search for scholarships be as rewarding as your years at St. Francis!
— Jamie Carlton, M.Ed.
Former Admissions Consultant & Scholarship Coach
