Tuition assistance

For parents

2026-2027 Online Diocesan Tuition Assistance Application

Apply at: www.doetap.org
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

Important Changes for 2026
Students attending Cathedral Preparatory School, Mother Teresa Academy, and Mercyhurst Preparatory School should have used the FACTS application to apply for BOTH school and diocesan tuition assistance by the deadline of March 1, 2026. Contact your school business manager with questions.

All Other Schools
All other school families (even if a sibling attends Prep, MPS, or MTA) must apply online at www.doetap.org by April 15, 2026.

One application per family qualifies students for:
   • Bishop's Tuition Assistance Program
   • CPSF (formerly STAR Foundation) awards
   • Additional needs-based scholarship programs

How to Apply: Easy as 1, 2, 3
1. Create an account (or login using your existing registered account from a previous year)

2. Upload the required documents:
• ALL 2025 W-2s, 1099s
• 2025 Federal 1040 Tax Return, pages 1 and 2
Note: You may save an incomplete application and return to it later. However, be sure all documents are uploaded before submitting the application fee.

3. Submit the $30 application fee when the application is complete. Accepted payment methods are: debit card, major credit card, or check.

Application Requirements
Only “Complete” applications - submitted by the deadline with all required tax documents and the application fee - will be considered for the Diocesan of Erie Tuition Assistance Program (DOETAP).

Apply Here
Diocese of Erie Tuition Assistance Program Application

Need More Information?
Please contact your school's Point of Contact first.

Frequently Asked Questions: DOETAP FAQ (PDF)

Kathleen Robbinson
STAR Foundation Manager
(814) 824-1220
Click here to send email

For contributing businesses

STAR Foundation Tuition Assistance – Now Administered by CPSF
The STAR Foundation is still listed on the DCED webpage as a scholarship organization. However, beginning in 2025, the STAR Foundation transitioned the administration of its program to the Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Fund (CPSF) and is no longer accepting contributions designated directly to the STAR Foundation. All Catholic schools within the Diocese of Erie continue to be represented and remain eligible to receive designated funds through CPSF.

Businesses may receive tax credits for certain Pennsylvania state taxes by making a contribution to CPSF. Through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, companies can receive up to 90 percent of their contribution in tax credits when supporting approved Pre-K and K-12 educational institutions. Businesses may also receive tax credits by participating in the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program.

Contributions may be designated to specific Catholic elementary school and/or high schools. CPSF allocates contributed funds to students of qualified families enrolled in Catholic schools within the Diocese of Erie.

If you own a business and are interested in participating in the EITC or OSTC programs through CPSF, please see the business application links below to complete the appropriate application.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Kathleen Robbinson, STAR Foundation Manager at krobbinson@eriercd.org.

Business Application Links

CPSF/STAR – EITC Business Application

CPSF/STAR – OSTC Business Application