Rethinking Your School's Approach to Tuition
Episode Title: Rethinking Tuition – A Cost-Based, Need-Based Model
🎙 Guest: Donna Moss
📅 Host: John Mihalyo
🎙 Guest: Donna Moss
📅 Host: John Mihalyo
Episode Overview
In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John Mihalyo sits down with his former colleague and friend, Donna Moss, to discuss a game-changing approach to tuition: the cost-based, need-based model.
Many Catholic schools set tuition arbitrarily—raising rates by a small percentage each year without truly analyzing their financial needs. Donna shares her experience of shifting to a data-driven tuition model that ensures sustainability, strengthens school finances, and provides greater transparency for families.
Whether you’re a principal, business manager, or advancement director, this episode will challenge you to rethink your tuition strategy and take a more intentional approach to financial planning.
Key Topics Covered:
✅ The Problem with Traditional Tuition Models – Why relying on fundraising and soft money creates financial instability.
✅ What is a Cost-Based, Need-Based Model? – Understanding the concept and how it works in real schools.
✅ The Transition Process – How to phase in cost-based tuition without shocking families.
✅ Parent & Parish Communication – Strategies for educating stakeholders and gaining buy-in.
✅ Balancing Tuition & Advancement – Why tuition should cover operating costs, and fundraising should fund school improvements.
✅ The Impact on Teacher Salaries & Retention – How shifting the tuition model can help attract and retain great teachers.
Resources & Links:
✅ What is a Cost-Based, Need-Based Model? – Understanding the concept and how it works in real schools.
✅ The Transition Process – How to phase in cost-based tuition without shocking families.
✅ Parent & Parish Communication – Strategies for educating stakeholders and gaining buy-in.
✅ Balancing Tuition & Advancement – Why tuition should cover operating costs, and fundraising should fund school improvements.
✅ The Impact on Teacher Salaries & Retention – How shifting the tuition model can help attract and retain great teachers.
Resources & Links:
🔹 Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions for great resources!
🔹 Book a Free Consultation with John Mihalyo
🔹 Connect with Donna Moss on LinkedIn
🔹 Book a Free Consultation with John Mihalyo
🔹 Connect with Donna Moss on LinkedIn
Final Takeaway
Tuition setting should be strategic, not arbitrary. Moving toward a cost-based, need-based model ensures your school’s long-term sustainability while providing transparency for families. It’s a bold move, but one that will leave your school stronger for the future.
📩 Let’s Connect!
Join the conversation on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on tuition models in Catholic schools. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network!
Join the conversation on LinkedIn and share your thoughts on tuition models in Catholic schools. If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network!
🙏 Thanks for listening! God bless, and stay inspired!
