Financial Aid

Affording a Saint Andrew’s School Education

Parents who are seeking a quality education for their child often look to independent schools for their small class sizes, exceptional teaching, and strong sense of community. For some families the cost of an independent education can be an obstacle. Parents are encouraged to consider both of the payment plan options available and the financial aid opportunities that can make Saint Andrew’s School an affordable and realistic choice for their child.

Payment Plans
For families who are unable to pay full tuition in one installment (due June 1), there are two payment schedules that can make paying tuition more financially feasible. One option is to pay tuition in two installments (due June 1 and November 1). This option requires a nominal deferred payment fee and tuition refund insurance. Another option, available for day students only, allows parents to make ten equal monthly payments without interest using ACH Debit through FACTS, a tuition management service. For more information on either of these options please contact the Business Office at 561.210.2030.

Financial Aid
While it is the policy of Saint Andrew’s School that the primary responsibility for financing a student’s independent school education rests with his/her family, the school remains committed to providing financial assistance to families of students who are well qualified for admission and who demonstrate financial need. With a financial aid budget of over $2.58 million for the 2009/2010 year the School has helped over 180 qualified families make a Saint Andrew’s education financially feasible.  Financial aid awards range from 15% to 100% of tuition, depending on what a family qualifies for and what the financial aid budget is able to accommodate. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?

How are awards determined?

What happens if parents are divorced or separated?

Will my child’s financial aid award change from year-to-year?

Will a request for financial aid influence the admission decision?

How confidential is the financial aid application process?

How can I learn more about the Financial Aid application process?

 
How do I apply for financial aid?
To be considered for financial aid families must complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) and submit it to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) in Princeton, New Jersey. Families must also provide copies of their most recent United States IRS 1040 tax forms and all Schedules to the Director of Financial Aid at Saint Andrew’s School. It takes SSS a minimum of three weeks from receipt of the PFS to process and release a report of financial need to the School. To help expedite the financial aid application process we strongly encourage families to complete their PFS online at www.sss.nais.org while their child is in the process of completing their admission application.  Financial aid application files completed by the March 1, 2010 deadline will be given priority consideration by the Finanacial Aid Committee. Tax returns should also be received by the Admission Office by March 1. Financial aid funds may not be available for applications received after this date. Some financial aid is available for foreign nationals on a very limited basis.

After November, families can complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) on-line. Visit SSS Online at www.sss.nais.org and follow the instructions. The contact number for the SSS helpline is 800.344.8328. All applications for financial assistance are held in strictest confidence.

How are awards determined?
The Financial Aid Committee uses the methodology developed by the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) as the basis for its determination of what a family might reasonably be expected to contribute toward educational expenses. This formula considers the income, assets, liabilities, and expenses of both the student and the parents as well as how many children in the family are attending tuition-charging schools. Ultimately the formula seeks to determine a family’s discretionary income — the income over which a family has choices as to how it is spent.

What happens if parents are divorced or separated?
When considering an application for financial aid the Financial Aid Committee will consider the assets of both natural parents and stepparents before making an award decision. Custodial and non-custodial parents are required to complete the PFS form as well as submit copies of their most recent tax returns to the Director of Financial Aid. The Committee considers both household's ability to contribute to tuition, not their willingness. It is the custodial parent’s responsibility to ensure that this procedure is completed by all parties by March 1.

Will my child’s financial aid award change from year-to-year?
Awards are made on a year-to-year basis. Families must reapply annually if they wish to be considered for an award each year. Once financial aid has been awarded it is reasonable to expect that awards will be renewed each year so long as a family’s financial situation has not experienced any significant changes.

Will a request for financial aid influence the admission decision?
No. Saint Andrew’s bases its acceptance of students on the quality of their application to the school, regardless of financial need.

All applications for financial aid are held in the strictest confidence and are only shared with members of the Financial Aid Committee.

How can I learn more about the Financial Aid application process?
Please contact the Admission Office at 561.210.2020.

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