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 your child(ren). The Admissions Committee is not aware of who is applying for tuition assistance, and tuition assistance decisions are made after a student has been accepted to the St. Paul’s Schools.
What does Clarity do?
Clarity uses a methodology to compute a family's ability to pay for educational expenses for all children. This methodology includes information on assets, income, expenses, and debt, as entered into the Clarity application. Clarity also aids in collecting applicants’ tax documents.
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.
How does Clarity collect tax document information?
After submitting your Clarity application, your 1040 and W2 documents from 2024 will be automatically transferred from the IRS to your selected school(s). Clarity has found that families who have IRS.gov accounts before starting the Clarity Application have a much easier time completing the Clarity Enhanced Tax Verification process. You can get started on this with a few basic steps, outlined below.
If you don’t have an IRS account yet, we recommend you:
- Go to IRS.gov, click on “Sign in” in the top right corner.
- Find the box labeled “Individual” and click on “New to individual account? Get started.” Individual is anyone who files their personal taxes as single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying widow/widower.
- Click “Sign in or create an account” to get started. The account creation process will require users to verify their identity by using a form of official identification and taking a selfie. This is a one-time step that is a security measure required by the IRS to protect against identity theft and the compromise of personal information. Once their account is set up, this step will not be required for subsequent logins. Once you create your IRS account, you will not have to complete this extra step again in future years, and will have the ability to authorize up to three years of taxes to share with Clarity and any other school(s) you are applying to.
Once you create your IRS account, you will not have to complete this extra step again in future years, and will have the ability to authorize up to three years of taxes to share with Clarity and any other school(s) you are applying to.
Do I have to reapply each year for tuition assistance?
All families must reapply via Clarity each year to be eligible for need-based tuition assistance funding, as each student's need is recalculated annually. Returning and new students are required to submit the Clarity application, 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 families who pay full tuition to continue doing so in subsequent years unless there is a significant, unforeseen change in their financial situation. We advise families not to go to extraordinary lengths to pay full tuition in their first year in the hope of receiving tuition assistance for future years. However, if a family’s financial situation has changed significantly since enrolling in the school, they are welcome to apply for need-based tuition assistance using the Clarity application and following all posted deadlines and requirements.
Current pre-K families should also note that Kindergarten is the first year students are eligible to receive financial aid, and they are welcome to apply via Clarity, following all required deadlines for returning students, regardless of their present full-pay status.
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.
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 the child’s other parent. Each household is expected to submit a completed Clarity 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 you are a single parent, having no contact with the child’s biological second parent and receiving no financial support from that second parent, you will be asked to submit a single parent waiver and third-party (minister, attorney, social worker, etc.) supporting letter to be eligible for need-based tuition assistance. A sample of this waiver can be found here. 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 requires an updated waiver to be uploaded for all returning families. This waiver will be sent to you via your Clarity document portal after your application has been submitted. Depending on your family’s circumstances, an updated third-party letter may also be 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 there are stepparents, the Committee will consider all partners’ assets and liabilities as we review the student’s financial situation. Non-custodial parents must also submit a financial application to help complete our understanding of the student’s financial background.
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 appeal process if the family contribution noted in the award letter is insufficient. Please notify the Tuition Assistance Office of your request for an appeal within 48 hours of receiving your award letter via tuitionassistance@stpaulsmd.org. You will be instructed on how to submit all written documentation that you feel may provide the Tuition Assistance Committee with additional insight into your financial picture. You will also 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.
