What To Say To A Family Who Asks This...

How often have you had a family approach you and ask, "do you think I will qualify for aid?" What has been your response? We recommend that you tell the family that they should apply for aid and let the CFS process help make that determination. However, if you feel that you must provide a basic response, here is one simple rule of thumb that you may find helpful:

• It is typical that when tuition exceeds 7-10% of a family's net monthly income it will become difficult for them to pay full tuition. These families will likely need some form of aid.

If your school is like most schools, you give away a lot of money in financial aid - mostly to families with multiple children enrolled, families who are employed at the school, or to pastor's families. All families wanting to apply for aid should be reminded that tuition aid will be awarded only to those who have demonstrated an actual need.

As a reminder: Once CFS vets a family's finances, the school has the sole discretion on who receives aid and the amount they will receive. Awards should never be granted by one person but a committee of 3 or more. School's should always have a written and published financial aid policy for families to read. If you would like a sample policy statement, please contact us.