Tuition Assistance FAQs

What is tuition assistance (financial aid)?

Tuition assistance, in the form of a discount of tuition, may be offered to families who are able to demonstrate they need financial help to offset the cost of a Covenant education. Families who demonstrate financial need may qualify for tuition assistance ranging from $1000 (the minimum award offered) to several thousand dollars.

Who can apply?

Any family that has a student entering 9th through 12th grade is eligible to apply for tuition assistance.

What is the actual cost of a Covenant Christian High School education?

Our annual tuition rate for the next school year is typically published by January. Increases tend to range from 2 1/2-3 1/2%. The 2012-2013 tuition rate is $9,000, plus an enrollment deposit. The enrollment deposit is $300 if enrolled by April 30th. It is $350 from May 1st through May 31st. The deposit increases to $400 beginning June 1st. However, it is important to keep in mind that only about 65-70% of our parents pay the full rate. Recently, 35% of our families benefited from some form of a discount based on family resources. Fees, book rental, and J-Term fees vary depending on choices made by the family. There is also an administrative fee of $200 for all tuition payment plans, excluding the single payment option.

How does a family apply for tuition assistance?

A family begins by completing an application for tuition assistance online at factstuitionaid.com. Families can begin applying on January 1.

How is financial need determined? Who is eligible?

The need is determined by calculating the difference between the total cost of education and the family's ability to pay. FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment sends Covenant a Report of Family Contribution (RFC), which makes a recommendation about a family's ability to pay. Awards are determined on an individual case basis by the Financial Aid Committee. All information is kept confidential. Funds are limited, and it is impossible for Covenant to meet full need for any family. Eligibility for tuition assistance is based on many factors; therefore, we encourage families to explore the tuition assistance application process if they think they might not be able to fully afford the cost of attendance.

Are need-based tuition assistance awards automatically renewed each year?

No. Since financial situations can change from year to year, and since the school's tuition assistance budget can vary from year to year, it is necessary for families to reapply each year.

How much money is given each year in tuition assistance?

During the 2011-2012 school year, over $350,000 was allocated and distributed to approximately 30% of the total student body. Covenant will distribute a similar amount of tuition assistance during 2012-2013.

How much aid would I qualify for?

Unlike some schools, we don't have a simple formula that answers the ultimate question. Because we are committed to understanding your financial situation from a comprehensive point of view, we resist publishing absolute ratios. We understand that today's income is not the sum and essence of your situation. Many variables have already taken place or may still be relevant (past job loss, extended family obligations, unusual medical expenses, real estate transactions, etc.). We do give special consideration to those with multiple children in Christian schools. Accordingly, we encourage everyone who feels they can't afford the tuition to apply. We realize that many will never be able to afford the full price. We are committed to providing support. We also realize some may be going through a down time financially and will likely recover in a year or two. We strive to support families in these situations. If you have a need, we encourage you to apply for aid.

I have reviewed the online aid application process through FACTS, but how can we communicate our unique situation that doesn't fit in boxes and numbers?

We always welcome personalized explanations. Just send a letter or email directly to the attention of Deb McWhorter, debmcwhorter@covenantchristian.org Financial Manager, and it will be included in the final consideration by the school. We understand every family situation is different.

In the case of parents who are divorced or separated, who should complete the tuition assistance application?

In such cases, the household of each parent must apply for tuition assistance by completing the application online at factstuitionaid.com.

When will the tuition assistance be awarded?

A letter stating the amount of the award is sent shortly after the student has been accepted and completed enrollment for the 2012-2013 school year. Families are encouraged to complete the enrollment and tuition assistance process early to ensure that tuition aid grants are still available.

Does CCHS help those families with more than one child enrolled?

Absolutely. If a family feels they have a need, we encourage them to participate in our financial aid program. If a family does not receive financial aid, a $650 discount is given for the second child enrolled at CCHS and a $1000 discount for the third child.

How is my confidential family information handled?

CCHS cares deeply about respecting your privacy. FACTS, our outsource aid service, is a reputable firm that provides the initial evaluation step. FACTS serves thousands of private schools and has a confidential and reliable process. After FACTS finishes their evaluation of your application and tax forms, they send us a recommendation for an award. Our financial aid committee reviews the FACTS recommendation and any additional information that you have sent CCHS. Your family financial information or aid award amounts are maintained within the business office exclusively.

Is it important to get my application in early?

Yes. Each year a financial aid budget is established by the Board of Directors. Covenant will continue to award financial aid until the budgeted amount has been reached. If you complete the process early, you have a better chance of receiving an award.

What do you suggest if we still can't afford CCHS after receiving an aid award?

Many families use a variety of sources to help fund their child's education. Extended family (grandparents, aunts, uncles) are often able and interested in helping. Occasionally churches have Christian education support funds. Many parents don't realize that educational loans, often associated with funding college, are often available for high school as well. We also encourage families to explore potential new sources of income (spouse work, teenager summer job, etc.).

Is Christian education and Covenant Christian High School really worth it?

God has entrusted all of us with financial resources. Some more, some less than others. But, we believe that there are few things more important than our children's education. Christian education has eternal significance. Covenant Christian High School is prepared to partner with you.

What if I have more questions?

Please contact Deb McWhorter (Financial Manager) at debbiemcwhorter@covenantchristian.org or (317) 390-0202.