Question 1

How does financial aid work at Princeton Day School?

Accepted Answer

Financial aid at Princeton Day School is a discount in tuition costs that is determined on the basis of need. We define need as the difference between the total cost of tuition and expected fees and a family’s ability to pay that cost. Financial Aid awards do not require repayment.

Question 2

Does Princeton Day School give merit scholarships?

Accepted Answer

Princeton Day School does not offer any scholarships based on academic or extracurricular merit.

Question 3

Who can apply for financial aid?

Accepted Answer

Anyone applying to or reenrolling at Princeton Day School may apply for financial aid. We recognize that each family’s situation is unique. The best way to determine if you qualify for financial aid is to complete a financial aid application.

Question 4

Does Princeton Day School have an income limit for families applying for financial aid?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no set income level that disqualifies a family from receiving financial aid. Every award is based on a thorough review of each family’s unique application.

Question 5

How are financial aid decisions made?

Accepted Answer

Princeton Day School awards financial aid based a family’s demonstrated need. The financial aid committee determines the award after reviewing the financial aid application, which includes information such as the incomes of both parents; family assets; and the number of dependents. Through the application, discretionary income is determined. It is assumed that a substantial portion of a family’s discretionary income will be available for educational expenses.

Question 6

How do I apply for financial aid?

Accepted Answer

Please click here to read about the application process at Princeton Day School and for links to worksheets and the application.

Question 7

Does Princeton Day School set priorities when allocating financial aid?

Accepted Answer

First consideration is given to current financial aid families who have completed all application requirements on time. Then, new applications from presently enrolled students and from newly accepted students are considered. Finally, applications completed after the deadline are considered for any funds that remain available.

Question 8

Will applying for financial aid affect my admission decision?

Accepted Answer

No. Admission decisions are made without consideration of the financial circumstances of the applicant.

Question 9

What is the financial aid waiting list?

Accepted Answer

While Princeton Day School tries to meet the demonstrated need of newly admitted students, it is possible to be admitted to PDS but not awarded financial aid. Such students are offered a place on the financial aid waiting list. We offer awards to applicants from the financial aid waiting list if additional funds become available. It is not unusual for the financial aid waiting list to be active between April and August.

Question 10

Do families have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Princeton Day School requires families to reapply for financial aid each year. We are committed to supporting a student through graduation provided a demonstrated need continues to exist. Please note that a family’s award amount may change from year to year if the family’s financial situation changes.

Question 11

What if I am applying for financial aid for more than one child?

Accepted Answer

The financial aid application needs to be submitted just once per family, regardless of the number of children applying or reenrolling. If a family has more than one dependent in a tuition-charging school, the total educational expense will be taken into consideration when making the award.

Question 12

How will we know if we are awarded financial aid?

Accepted Answer

Families applying to Princeton Day School for the first time will receive their admission and financial aid decisions on March 10. Current families will receive their award letter prior to the reenrollment contract due date in late February.

Question 13

Who will know that my family is applying for financial aid?

Accepted Answer

A small financial aid committee and limited staff members will have access to financial aid information. All decisions about awards will be kept confidential.

Question 14

If our family does not receive financial aid, but we enroll our child at Princeton Day School, may we apply for financial aid in future years?

Accepted Answer

If a family does not apply for or did not qualify for financial aid upon admission to the School, financial aid will only be awarded in subsequent years if the family experiences a significant change in circumstances. Changes may include an employment change, a large decrease in income, an increase in the number of children attending tuition-charging institutions, or a medical issue.

Question 15

Can I get a loan to pay the tuition?

Accepted Answer

Princeton Day School does not offer loans to parents, however, there are many companies that offer educational loans. One such company that Princeton Day School is affiliated with is Your Tuition Solution which provides education loans for PK through 12 education. Click here to learn more and apply for a loan.

Question 16

Is there any assistance available for unexpected costs?

Accepted Answer

The Sunshine Fund provides financial support to financial aid students who encounter extraordinary school-related expenses that generally are not covered by financial aid. Families may make grant requests by contacting Julie Cucchi, the Director of Admission and Financial Aid.

Question 17

Is there a way to have the financial aid application fee waived?

Accepted Answer

If the financial aid application fee presents a hardship for your family, please contact the Admission office at admission@pds.org or (609) 924-6700 ext. 1200 so we may assist you.

Question 18

What about divorced or separated parents?

Accepted Answer

It is the position of the school that divorced parents, separated parents or parents that have never been married retain the obligation to contribute to the education of their children whether or not there is a legal agreement between them to do so. The Financial Aid Committee will consider the resources of both parents, if living, before making an award. If either parent is remarried, the resources of the stepparent are considered, bearing in mind the obligation of the stepparent to his or her natural children. Both natural parents and any stepparents must, therefore, provide financial aid information by submitting a financial aid application. In the case of divorced, separated or never-married parents, one parent’s information is never disclosed to the other.  To complete a second parent waiver request form, please click below:

Question 19

What if one parent is unemployed?

Accepted Answer

Typically the Financial Aid Committee will impute a wage for a parent who is not currently employed. However, the committee makes exceptions when a spouse has a significant reason for being unemployed, such as having non-school aged children at home, having children and/or parents who require substantial assistance, or is unable to work due to a medical condition.

The Spring 2021 Journal

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FAQ's

Q: How does financial aid work at Princeton Day School?

Q: Does Princeton Day School give merit scholarships?

Q: Who can apply for financial aid?

Q: Does Princeton Day School have an income limit for families applying for financial aid?

Q: How are financial aid decisions made?

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

Q: Does Princeton Day School set priorities when allocating financial aid?

Q: Will applying for financial aid affect my admission decision?

Q: What is the financial aid waiting list?

Q: Do families have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Q: What if I am applying for financial aid for more than one child?

Q: How will we know if we are awarded financial aid?

Q: Who will know that my family is applying for financial aid?

Q: If our family does not receive financial aid, but we enroll our child at Princeton Day School, may we apply for financial aid in future years?

Q: Can I get a loan to pay the tuition?

Q: Is there any assistance available for unexpected costs?

Q: Is there a way to have the financial aid application fee waived?

Q: What about divorced or separated parents?

Q: What if one parent is unemployed?