Catholic Schools in Pittsburgh Gain Nearly 200 Students

Diocese of Pittsburgh enrollment rose this school year as it moved to a cost-per-student funding model.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Secondary Education

Catholic Schools in Pittsburgh Gain Nearly 200 Students

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Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh schools enrolled nearly 200 new students this school year, with 100 new families joining across the diocese. Total enrollment in 2025-26 stood at just more than 12,100 students across 54 covered schools.

Why it matters

Officials attribute the enrollment growth to strong academics, families' desire for a Catholic education, and expanded tuition assistance. The increase comes as the diocese shifted to a cost-per-student funding model this school year.

The diocese operates 44 preschool through eighth grade schools and 10 high schools, with published base tuition of $16,250 at Central Catholic High School and $17,900 at Oakland Catholic. The report does not state how enrollment compares with prior years.

The players

Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh

The Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh is the regional church authority overseeing 54 schools that serve preschool through twelfth grade students across the diocese.

The details

An anonymous donor gift made through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program helped reduce costs for families, and all families who applied for financial aid last year were eligible for assistance this year. Neighboring parishes share responsibility for supporting regionalized diocesan elementary schools, sharing resources and administrative services.

Last year: the high school graduating class reached a 100% graduation rate.
This school year: the diocese adopted a cost-per-student funding model.
2025-26: total enrollment stood at just more than 12,100 students.

Season Trajectory

The donor gift flowed through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which lets businesses direct tax dollars toward scholarships at private schools. That mechanism is one reason tuition assistance has expanded at Pittsburgh-area Catholic schools this year.

Families weighing Catholic high school options can compare the published base tuition of $16,250 at Central Catholic and $17,900 at Oakland Catholic. Financial aid applicants should note that all applicants last year received assistance this year.

The takeaway

Strong academics and expanded tuition assistance drew families to Pittsburgh's Catholic schools this year. Families considering private education should compare published tuition and ask about aid before deciding.