Tuition Aid Verification & IRS Compliance

Yes. Schools should make tuition assistance available to all families through a consistent application process. Access to applications should not be limited based on assumptions about a family's financial circumstances. Providing equal access to apply helps support an objective and nondiscriminatory process.

A written policy is strongly recommended. Schools should document how tuition assistance decisions are made, the criteria used to evaluate applications, and who is responsible for approving awards. Clear policies help ensure consistency and support compliance efforts.

Yes. Schools may establish multiple assistance funds with different eligibility requirements. For example, one fund may be based solely on demonstrated financial need, while another may include additional requirements such as church membership. However, all applicants within the same fund should be evaluated using the same criteria and process.

Exceptions should be documented and reviewed through a formal process. Schools should maintain written records explaining why an exception was granted and how the decision was made. Proper documentation helps protect both the school and the family.

No. Applicants should be evaluated using consistent criteria, but award amounts may differ based on individual circumstances or the rules of a specific assistance fund. Consistency in the evaluation process is important; identical awards are not required.

Schools should keep confidential records related to the tuition assistance process, including applications, financial analyses, award decisions, documented exceptions, committee notes, and relevant communications. Maintaining accurate records helps support transparency and accountability.

BeneFAQ provides schools with a secure, objective tuition aid verification process designed to support consistent decision-making. Schools receive clear financial analysis and documentation that can help strengthen their tuition assistance procedures and recordkeeping practices.