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• Frequently Asked Questions

  What are the basics of financial aid at College Prep?

  College Prep's need-based financial aid program is designed to bridge the gap between what a family can afford to pay and the full cost of College Prep's tuition. The Financial Aid Committee determines each family's demonstrated need by evaluating your Clarity application and supporting documents. 
  
  

  Are there opportunities for merit-based scholarships?

  No, all financial aid at College Prep is need based.

   

  Who is eligible to apply for financial aid?

  All current and prospective College Prep students are eligible to apply for aid, regardless of their grade level or current financial aid status.

   

  Could the request for financial aid impact my child’s chances of being accepted for admission?

  The school’s financial aid budget is able to meet the need of most eligible applicants. In some years, the outcomes of a small percentage of qualified students may be impacted once the financial aid budget is expended.

   

  If I did not apply or did not qualify for financial aid, can I pay full tuition for a year and then reapply for financial aid?

  College Prep assumes that all students who enroll without receiving financial aid will be able to pay full tuition each year. Unless your family circumstances change significantly while your child is a student at the school, financial aid will not be awarded in subsequent years.

   

  Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

  Yes, all financial aid recipients must reapply for financial aid each year. Awards are given for one academic year at a time. A family whose financial situation remains relatively unchanged can generally expect the same percentage of their tuition to be covered by financial aid from year-to-year. For current College Prep families, all future financial aid awards are contingent upon payment of the prior year’s account.

   

  When will I receive a decision regarding financial aid?

  For new students, financial aid decisions are sent alongside admission decisions on March 21, 2025. Returning students receive financial aid awards at the same time they receive their enrollment agreement for the following year, typically in February.

   

  Is there a minimum GPA required to maintain a student’s financial aid eligibility?

  No, College Prep maintains the same standards of academic performance and behavior for all students.

   

  Is my information kept confidential?

  Financial aid applications are only reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee. The school safeguards the confidentiality of financial aid applications, records, and decisions while respecting the right of each family to discuss its own financial aid outcomes in an appropriate manner.

   

  Does financial aid cover non-tuition school fees and other expenses?

  Non-tuition expenses are typically $1,000 - $1,500 annually. Financial aid recipients can expect to receive about the same percentage of their non-tuition costs covered as their tuition costs. For example, a student receiving a financial aid award equal to 50% of tuition will have about half of their non-tuition expenses paid for by the school. Non-tuition expenses include books, the Intraterm program, and the annual laptop fee among others.

   

  What information will the Financial Aid Committee need if I am divorced, separated, or do not live with my child's other parent?

  If a student’s parents are divorced, separated, or never married, both parents (custodial & non-custodial) are required to submit separate financial aid applications and all required documentation. If a child’s parent is remarried or living with someone other than the natural or adoptive parent, the Committee requires financial information from all adults to determine household expenses and capacity to pay by household.

   

  What if my child’s non-custodial parent is not willing to complete a financial aid application?

  Financial aid is determined by each household’s ability to pay, not their willingness. If the non-custodial parent has little or no contact with their child for a significant period of time, and provides no financial support, the application requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Financial Aid Committee. In such cases, College Prep requires a written statement from a non-family member (such as a family lawyer, clergy person, social worker, or school official) who is aware of the family situation in a professional capacity. If the non-custodial parent is providing financial support and/or is in contact with their child, College Prep requires their participation to be considered for financial aid.

   

  I’m a stay-at-home parent and do not work outside the home. Will my family still be considered for financial aid?

  To treat families equitably, College Prep typically attributes a small income for stay-at-home parents to the financial aid methodology. Exceptions to this policy may occur if a parent is caring for a child not yet of school age, a child with a disability, a seriously ill child, parent, or grandparent, or if a parent is disabled and cannot work. Please include these circumstances in the "Other Considerations" section of financial aid application.

   

  If we cannot afford to pay the family contribution after an award is made, is there an appeals process?

  If you feel that you cannot pay the family contribution, please contact the Financial Aid Office and provide additional documentation supporting your request.

   

  If I still have questions about financial aid, who should I contact?

  Please contact Jonathan Zucker, Director of Financial Aid, at 510.420.2345 or jonathan@college-prep.org