What income threshold is there for private high school financial aid?
Our son is applying to private high schools in our city, which has a very high cost of living. The private school that he attends now has families who appear to be pretty well off who are receiving financial aid. Is there an income level above which you just shouldn’t bother applying? The whole process is mystifying, but with high school tuition here nearing k per year, we feel like we need help even with our relatively high income.
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careers.scienceontheweb.net – it has detailed info how to apply for financial aid and scholarships to get more cash.
I suggest asking the office which administers the financial aid program at the school these questions. Make an appointment to talk with the financial aid advisor and discuss your financial situation with this person.
If you’re in someplace like LA, from what I’ve seen on who has received aid and who hasn’t, I might not apply after about $150,000 (which really isn’t much here) unless you have several kids in private school (then they all must apply at their schools), paying for a child’s college, supporting elderly relative, unusual expenses. Elsewhere, the threshold is likely lower, not that there is any defined threshold. It really depends on the school. Also, if a parent is a student or not working full time or not gainfully employed, an appropriate income will very likely be attributed to them.
Sometimes applying for financial aid can make a difference in admissions, even if they state it doesn’t. Some schools will say that if you apply for aid your application goes into a different pile (tougher admissions). Some schools don’t like to be turned down when they offer a space, so if you’ve applied for aid and won’t get it, they might not make the offer.
Most schools will say that they expect parents to understand that they must make education a priority, and sacrifice, like the families that donate, to provide a private school education. I know some schools will give you ideas of how you can afford to pay what they deem your portion, like cutting back on vacations, etc.
Also, families in the exact same situation don’t necessarily get offered the same aid, it depends on what the kid brings to the school. Like a kid with high 90s ISEE scores was offered 1/2 tuition, but a classmate from the same private middle school, same grades, lower ISEE scores, same or less family income, received no offer of aid. (I really wish there was merit aid without financial considerations, it’s only fair since the top students bring in more students with their stats, matriculation, etc.)
Schools have to be very careful now, because in this economy those who are donating are getting ticked off at those who seem to have a similar lifestyle yet are receiving aid.
Good luck!
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