How much financial aid do private schools give?

On average, private schools award financial aid covering 40-60% of tuition for qualifying families. About 27% of private school students receive some form of financial aid. The amount depends on household income, family size, and the school's endowment.

What income qualifies for private school financial aid?

Most private schools consider families earning under $150,000 for need-based aid, with the most generous packages going to families under $75,000. Many schools use a sliding scale, and some offer aid to families earning up to $200,000 depending on circumstances.

Private School Financial Aid Calculator

Understand what financial aid might be available for your family at a private school.

Important: Private school financial aid varies enormously by school. A well-endowed independent school might cover 60-80% of tuition for a qualifying family, while a small religious school might offer 10-25%. This tool shows approximate ranges to help you plan -- not a prediction of what any specific school will offer. Always apply directly to schools for their actual aid packages.

Household Income

Number of Children

State

Estimated Need-Based Aid Range

Based on your income bracket, here is the typical range of need-based aid by school type. The wide range reflects real differences between schools.

Ranges reflect the difference between schools with large endowments (higher aid) and small endowments (lower aid). Individual school aid depends on their specific financial aid budget, your complete financial picture, and the applicant pool.

Your State's Avg Tuition

Possible Net Tuition Range

$0 - $0

What you might pay after need-based aid

Types of Financial Aid

Need-Based Grants

Based on demonstrated financial need (income, assets, family size). The largest source of private school aid. Requires an application -- most schools use FAST, SSS, or their own form.

Merit Scholarships

Academic, athletic, or talent-based awards. Not income-dependent. Awarded based on test scores, grades, auditions, or tryouts. Cannot be estimated without knowing the student and school.

Cannot estimate -- depends on student qualifications and school

Sibling Discounts

Many schools offer 10-20% tuition reduction for each additional child enrolled. Some cap this at 2-3 siblings. Not all schools offer this.

Parish/Church Subsidies

Religious schools often offer reduced tuition for active parish or congregation members. Typically 15-40% off tuition. Usually requires documented membership for 1+ years.

Typically 15-40% for active members

Tuition payment plans are not financial aid, but most schools offer them. Spreading tuition over 10-12 monthly payments (vs 1-2 lump sums) can make costs more manageable. Some schools charge a small fee ($50-150) for this option.

Typical Need-Based Aid by Income Level

These ranges show the percentage of tuition that need-based aid typically covers. The low end represents schools with smaller aid budgets; the high end represents well-endowed schools.

Based on NAIS and NCES survey data. Your actual aid will depend on the specific school's endowment, their aid formula, and your complete financial profile.

Questions to Ask the School

Before applying, ask these questions to understand a school's actual financial aid landscape:

1

What percentage of students receive financial aid?

Schools where 30%+ of students get aid tend to have more robust aid programs.
2

What is the average financial aid award?

This tells you the typical grant size, not the maximum.
3

What financial aid application do you use (FAST, SSS, or your own)?

Knowing the process upfront helps you prepare the right documents.
4

Is there an application fee for financial aid?

Some third-party aid applications (like SSS) charge $50-75 per family.
5

Do you offer payment plans, and is there a fee?

Monthly payments can make even full-price tuition more manageable.
6

Is aid renewable each year, or do families need to reapply?

Most schools require annual reapplication. Some guarantee aid for the duration of enrollment.
7

Do you offer sibling discounts, and how are they structured?

Some schools discount 10-20% per additional child; others apply aid to total family tuition.

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Updated March 2026. Ranges based on NCES and NAIS financial aid survey data. Not a guarantee of aid from any school.