Financial Aid

We believe that the most qualified students should be able to attend Princeton Day School, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. To achieve this goal PDS is committed to a generous financial aid program at all grade levels.

By The Numbers

$5.5 million in financial aid is awarded annually
Approximately 24% of the student body receives financial aid
All financial aid is based on demonstrated need
Grants range from $3,000 to nearly full tuition plus fees
The average award is $22,300
All families contribute some portion of tuition
Financial aid requests have no impact on admission decisions

Applying for Financial Aid

Princeton Day School uses School and Student Services (SSS) which has recently partnered with Tuition Aid Data Service’s (TADS) Financial Aid Application to determine a family’s eligibility for aid and to calculate the resulting award. Our financial application will be open in November. As part of the application process, families are required to submit their Federal Income Tax Form 1040.

It is imperative that families complete the SSS application for financial aid as thoroughly and thoughtfully as possible. The School awards aid based on the information supplied by each family and assumes its accuracy.

Divorced or separated parents should complete a separate SSS application. Any stepparents should be included.

Single parents are asked to do everything possible to have the non-custodial parent complete an SSS application, as our policy dictates. If the non-custodial parent refuses, the custodial parent should complete a Second Parent Waiver Request (pdf linked). This form should be sent to the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Julie Cucchi, at jcucchi@pds.org

Current families interested in applying for aid for the first time are asked to contact the Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Julie Cucchi, at jcucchi@pds.org.

Getting Started

Please refer to the following guides to help you get started. If you have questions, please contact SSS directly at (800) 344-8328 or sss@communitybrands.com.

Family Guide to Financial Aid (English)

Family Guide to Financial Aid (Spanish)

How to Apply (English)

How to Apply (Spanish)

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?

A: 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.

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?

A: 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.

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?

A: 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.

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 TADS application fee waived?

Q: What about divorced or separated parents?

A: 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.

Single parents should complete a Second Parent Waiver request:

second parent waiver request

The Fall 2019 Journal

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