An independent school education is an investment in your child's future. It is also a significant financial commitment. Many schools offer a variety of financing options, including payment plans, loans, and financial aid. Regardless of your family's financial circumstances, it pays to learn more.

Costs
Tuition, fees, and expenses vary from school to school. In most cases, the tuition a school charges covers only part of the actual cost of educating a student. The difference is made up by constituents-alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations-whose tax-deductible contributions support the school.

The largest portion of a school's cost is usually faculty and staff salaries and instructional expenses. Physical plant maintenance, fuel, and energy, are other significant expenses.

Financial Assistance
AIMS-member schools are committed to encouraging enrollment of students from a wide range of backgrounds. To help families who might otherwise be unable to meet costs, most AIMS schools have financial aid budgets. Some schools also offer low-interest loans. You can learn what is offered from the admission office of each school.

Determining Need
Financial aid is awarded only to those families who demonstrate financial need. Financial need is defined as the difference between the cost of attending the school and the amount the family can afford. Ability to pay is determined based on information the family provides confidentially to the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSFA) in Princeton, New Jersey. Forms for providing information to SSFA are available from any school's admission office. Once you have submitted the form, SSFA will use a federally mandated formula to compute your ability to contribute to school costs and notify the school.

Loans
To help families meet the cost of an independent school education, some AIMS schools offer low-interest loans. Others participate in loan programs sponsored by banks and other agencies that offer interest-subsidized loan programs. Loan availability varies from school to school.

Payment Plans
Even if you do not qualify for need-based financial aid, some independent schools offer payment programs that may make it easier to meet your child's education costs. For example, some schools offer discounts for prepayment of full tuition, and some allow families to spread tuition payments over the course of the academic year.

Several options are available to families interested in providing an independent school education for their child.