Can’t pay? Go home!

That’s what happened at a suburban Chicago Catholic high school. The students whose parents hadn’t paid their tuition were rounded up and told that they couldn’t come back to school without making some financial arrangement. This wasn’t funny but it is a sign of the times. The school was owed about $450,000 in tuition.

Marian President Judine Hilbing, acknowledged that “Monday’s situation could have been handled better but said the school needs to get its finances in order.”

“If a handful can’t pay, you can handle it,” she said. “When 300 don’t pay, how do you pay your bills?”

This private school isn’t the only one that is suffering.

The annual tuition at the school is $8,000. That’s $32,000 which could be saved for a college education. Some people may be doing just that now. Services are generally cancelled when there is no payment. The school president was doing what was necessary. It may have been a shock to some people, but it worked. Two thirds of those who owed made an arrangement to pay. While about 100 students are not allowed into class until their tuition is paid.

Enrollment at Catholic schools had been decreasing for the past decade or so. The economy isn’t helping parochial and other private schools. Many schools across the nation are facing the same problem. Some people are discovering that private education is a luxury because it takes a large chunk out of their budget. Even getting financial aid is more difficult. Donations are down, endowments and trusts have lost money in the stock market.

The only schools that haven’t seen a severe drop in tuition are those that are the priciest that cater to the truly rich and have fewer students who rely on financial assistance.

People are prioritizing their finances and school is a sensitive issue for many parents and students. 

If you have been laid off and can’t afford to pay tuition, try to make arrangements with the school. Be honest and tell your child that he/she may have to go to a new school because you can’t afford it. There are others who are in the same situation but waiting until the situation is dire makes it harder for everyone involved.