Financial Aid

In keeping with the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph, no student has ever been denied admission or an SJA education solely on the basis of her family’s ability to pay full tuition.

The philosophy of SJA’s tuition assistance program is that an Academy education be available to all young ladies who wish to attend and have the academic ability and motivation to succeed.

We recognize that tuition can feel prohibitive to many families, and we are committed to making SJA accessible and affordable for all admitted students. We value a school community that includes students from a variety of economic backgrounds.

Each year, SJA offers more than $750,000 in financial aid through our Endowed Scholarships program. Endowed Scholarships are given each year to families based on their financial profile. Need-based awards range from $1,100 to $8,500, with the average award being $5,300 per family. Each year, between 135 and 155 families are recipients of these endowed scholarships.

How to Apply for SJA Tuition Assistance

Families applying for tuition assistance must do so annually, since family circumstances can change and the amount available for tuition assistance changes every year. The application is done online through Blackbaud Financial Aid Management, a secure, third-party vendor, which streamlines the data-collection process and ensures that financial aid is granted to those families who are most in need. The vendor collects and compiles the data and makes recommendations based upon factors specific to the local economy; however, the SJA Tuition Assistance Committee will make all final decisions regarding financial aid.

The application process involves answering a series of questions as well as providing supporting documentation, which can be uploaded. A copy of your 2023 federal tax return is one of the required documents. The application will not be considered complete without your tax return. A $35 processing fee is collected by Blackbaud Financial Aid Management to complete the application process. The Tuition Assistance Committee will begin processing completed applications in mid-March.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the application process begins January 30, 2025, for returning students and February 4, 2025, for new students. The application period closes on April 15, 2025. Click here for the Blackbaud Financial Aid Management website.

Please direct questions about tuition assistance to Amy Jackson at (225) 388-2234 or jacksona @sjabr.org .

ACE Scholarships Program

The ACE Scholarships Program offers partial tuition scholarships to students from low-income families so they may attend the private school of their choice. An ACE scholarship follows students throughout their K-12 education. Eligibility is based on family income level and Louisiana residency.

Visit the ACE Scholarships Program website for additional information, including when the application process opens for the 2024-2025 school year.

Arete Scholars Program

The Arete Scholars Program provides students in grades K-12 with additional opportunities to attend the non-public school of their choice. It provides partial tuition assistance based on family income level and Louisiana residency.

Visit the Arete Scholars Program website for additional information, including when the application process opens for the 2024-2025 school year.

For questions regarding admissions at SJA or the application process, please contact our Admissions Team:

Meredith Smith
Admissions Director
smithm@sjabr.org
(225) 388-2243

Victoria Hudson '09
Assistant Admissions Director
hudsonv@sjabr.org
(225) 388-2209

For questions about tuition or financial aid, please contact our Finance Department:

Amy Jackson
Accounts Receivable Tuition Specialist
jacksona@sjabr.org
(225) 388-2234

Why SJA
There are so many reasons why St. Joseph’s Academy is a great fit for every girl. To learn more about SJA, visit our Why SJA page.