Will applying for tuition assistance have an effect on the admissions decision for my child?
Applying for tuition assistance will not have an effect on the admissions decision for my child. The Admissions Committee is not aware of who is applying for tuition assistance, and the tuition assistance are made after a student has been accepted.
What does Clarity do?
Clarity uses a methodology to compute a family's ability to pay for educational expenses for all children.
How is the family contribution calculated?
The family contribution is determined through a methodology developed by Clarity. This methodology takes into consideration gross taxable and non-taxable income, itemized deductions, assets, liabilities, family size, and the number of students in tuition-charging schools. After accounting for required tax obligations and allowances for basic necessities, at a very modest standard of living, a portion of the family’s remaining resources are considered available for education on a sliding scale. It is assumed that higher incomes will have more discretionary financial resources available for education.
Do I have to reapply each year for tuition assistance?
Each family needs to reapply each year for tuition assistance. Each student's need is recalculated annually. Therefore, parents are required to submit the PFS along with the other required documentation each year by the published deadlines.
What kind of tuition assistance can my family expect in the following years?
For returning families, assuming that your family’s financial status does not change dramatically, funding will generally be renewed at previous levels. You must reapply for tuition assistance every year.
If my family is paying full tuition, could we receive tuition assistance in subsequent years?
We expect that families who begin by paying full tuition to the school will continue to do so unless unforeseen circumstances make that impossible. We advise families not to go to extraordinary lengths to pay full tuition their first year in the hope of receiving tuition assistance the next year. However, if your financial situation has changed significantly since you joined the school, you should apply for aid and include a detailed explanation of the change.
Are students ever asked to take jobs at St. Paul’s to help pay for their education?
Students are not asked to take jobs at The St. Paul’s Schools to help pay for their education. To preserve the identity of the students receiving tuition assistance, St. Paul’s does not use a work-study program.
Does the tuition assistance award cover other costs beyond tuition?
The tuition assistance award does not cover other costs beyond tuition. St. Paul’s attempts to minimize extra fees beyond tuition. The tuition assistance award is intended to provide families resources to afford the St. Paul’s tuition.
If only one parent works outside of the home, will my child be considered for tuition assistance?
If only one parent works outside the home, the Tuition Assistance Committee will add a certain amount to the income of the family. St. Paul’s recognizes that families have the freedom and the responsibility to make choices regarding their financial situation. An exception to this policy might occur if the parent at home is caring for a preschool-aged child, a child with a disability, a seriously ill child, parent, or grandparent, or if there are other special circumstances. Please make this known to the Tuition Assistance Committee, in writing, when applying for assistance.
If one or both parents decide to attend graduate school, how will that decision affect the tuition assistance award?
The Tuition Assistance Committee would expect that the parent enrolled in graduate school will continue to earn income and has arranged to fund his/her education without depending heavily on family resources. If a parent chooses to attend school full-time and is thus unemployed, the Tuition Assistance Committee will add to the income of the family.
If I am single, divorced, or no longer living with my child’s other parent, what information is required to determine an award?
The Tuition Assistance Committee expects that all parents will contribute financially to their child’s tuition if single, divorced, or no longer living with my child’s other parent. Each household is expected to submit a completed application and all other required documentation for St. Paul’s to gain a realistic picture of family resources. If the non-custodial parent refuses to comply, the Tuition Assistance Committee will determine whether or not the family will be eligible for an award. If the custodial parent has not heard from the non-custodial parent for a period of time, to be determined by the Tuition Assistance Committee, forms may not be required. However, a letter of verification from a third party (minister, attorney, social worker, etc.) will be required. The Tuition Assistance Committee may request a copy of the divorce decree, but it may choose not to abide by it. Each situation is unique and will be handled on an individual basis.
We are a returning family. do we need to re-submit the Waiver Request Form for both Parents supporting a St. Paul’s Education and supporting third party letter?
The Tuition Assistance Committee is requiring a new waiver and third party letter to be uploaded for all returning families. With the switch to Clarity, new waivers and third party letters are required.
If I am living with someone who is not my child’s biological parent or I am remarried, how will the Tuition Assistance Committee review my child’s file?
St. Paul’s requires financial information from all adults living in the household and/or involved in the applicant’s life.
If my child lives with his guardians, what information will the Tuition Assistance Committee require?
Children who are living with guardians will be reviewed on an individual basis. However, if the parents are still living and are claiming their child on their tax return, the parents and guardians must complete and submit the application to Clarity. If other family members have custody, they must also complete and submit the application to Clarity. The Tuition Assistance Committee will also need copies of proof of custody.
If we cannot pay the family contribution noted in the award letter, is there an appeals process?
There is an appeals process if the family contribution noted in the award letter is insufficient. Please notify the Tuition Assistance Office of your request for an appeal and submit all written documentation that you feel may provide the Tuition Assistance Committee with additional insight into your financial picture. More than likely, you will be asked to set up an appointment to discuss in detail your particular situation and the circumstances for your appeal.
Is there a tuition assistance waiting list?
There is a tuition assistance waiting list. Families will be notified upon enrollment acceptance on status.
