The true value of a Santa Catalina education is measured in spirited classroom discussions, real-world science experiments, and countless opportunities to lead, grow, and create. The support and skills students gain here set them up for success in college and far beyond. The investment you make now will have a positive impact for years to come.
Santa Catalina is enriched by socioeconomic, religious, geographic, and cultural diversity. With a generous financial aid program, we are committed to enrolling excellent students—no matter what their economic situation might be.
2025–2026 Tuition
Day Tuition | $47,500 |
|---|---|
| Boarding Tuition | $77,000 |
| Day Student Grant Range (2024-25) | $6,100 to $41,000 |
| Boarding Student Grant Range (2024-25) | $14,000 to $69,500 |
Comprehensive annual tuition includes:
- Student meals (lunch only for day students)
- Evening/weekend shuttle
- Technology network support and supplies
- Admission to home games
- Athletic fees
- Most athletic uniforms
- Dance and performing arts activities
- Field trip transportation
- Student publications
- Yearbook
- Use of laundry machines (resident students)
- Accident insurance
- Parents Association membership
Required expenses
- Bookstore deposit ($300)
- Uniforms ($500-$600)
- Books, school supplies, and class t-shirt ($400-$700)
- Buying used books will lower the cost.
- Laptop computer
- Mac or PC. Chromebooks or other “thin client” devices do not meet our requirements. Earbuds with a microphone are also required.
- Tuition Refund Plan
- This is required for families choosing a payment plan and is 1.6% of tuition owed. Contact the Admission Office for details.
- Student health insurance
- Health insurance is required for all students and must be accepted by providers in the Monterey Bay area.
If your daughter is a citizen of another country and you do not have insurance that is recognized on the Monterey Peninsula, Santa Catalina has partnered with Clifford Allen Associates to provide one option. (About $200 per month)
Optional expenses
- Private lessons
- Instrumental or voice (about $55 per lesson)
- Golf, horseback riding, etc. (paid directly to facility)
- Private tutoring
- Campus bookstore and snack bar
- Day student school bus transportation
- Santa Cruz
- Salinas (Highway 68)
- For resident students:
- Spending money (about $40 per week)
- Transportation (taxis to destinations not on the school shuttle route; airport shuttle for vacations)
- Driver’s education
- Standardized testing fees (juniors and seniors)
- Fees pertaining to seniors ($300 graduation fee plus extra expenses for senior-related traditions)
- Participation in The Santa Catalina Fund
Make it possible with financial aid.
Through a generous financial aid program, we have long demonstrated our commitment to admitting and enrolling the most qualified and capable students regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Financial aid comes in the form of grants, not loans, which means a real reduction in the cost of education—and you don't have to pay it back.
If you are interested in a Santa Catalina education for your child, but feel tuition is out of reach for your family, we encourage you to apply for financial aid. Financial aid requests are strictly confidential and do not affect admission decisions. Each school year, a new application will be required.
Applying for Financial Aid
Your first step in Santa Catalina’s financial aid process is to notify us of your interest to apply. Our Director of Financial Aid will help guide you through the process.
We use Clarity to process financial aid applications. Based on the financial information you provide, Clarity gives us an estimated amount your family can contribute to educational expenses, which helps us make fair and objective financial aid decisions.
- Visit the Clarity website by clicking on the button below. [IMAGE BUTTON PROVIDED]
- To create a new account, click “Accept & Sign up.” Provide your name and email, and create a password. You only need to complete one application if you have several children applying to, or attending, our school.
- Complete the application. The application is self-guided and must be completed by January 15. The application fee is $60.00.
Santa Catalina offers three different payment plans to help you fit tuition into your budget.
- Option 1: Tuition paid in one installment
- Option 2: Tuition paid in two installments
- Option 3: Tuition paid over a 10-month period
- October 1: Begin to apply for financial aid
- January 1: Financial aid applications due for returning students
- February 1: Financial aid applications due for new students
- March 10: Notification of financial award mailed with acceptance letter