Mercersburg offers many types of financial aid, including
payment
plans, grants, and merit
awards.
The
financial aid committee understands
that a Mercersburg education is a significant investment, and it works
to determine a fair assessment of a family's ability to provide their
children with the outstanding education available here.
The
Endowment
Commitment of the Family
Late
Applications
Confidentiality
Appeals
The
Endowment
Tuition
only covers 50 percent of the true cost of a Mercersburg education. So
even a family that doesn't receive a financial aid package is, in fact,
being underwritten by the strong endowment and generous annual gifts
from alumni, families, and friends of the school.
Considering
the importance of these gifts, the committee urges every family to
participate in the Annual Fund. Participation aids the school
in
securing additional gifts for aid.
Commitment of
the Family
The obligation
for financing a child's education rests primarily with the family, including parents and extended family where appropriate.
The
Academy expects that a family will be willing to make significant
adjustments in the use of its discretionary resources—and access
supplementary resources available through family, work, and local
organizations. In every instance, the financial aid committee seeks
evidence that a family's commitment to their child's
education is at least as strong as the Academy's.
Late Applications
While
most students receive their financial aid package at the time of admission, there are often students whose packages are delayed
due to late applications or missing documentation.
Despite the
financial aid committee's dedication to helping those who are eligible,
there are always more academically talented students who qualify for
aid than there is funding available. Because of this, applications must
be completed by the deadline to receive full
consideration. All awards are provisional until an applicant's aid file is complete.
See the Financial
Aid Handbook for full
details.
Confidentiality
Mercersburg
maintains confidential financial aid records for all applicants. These
records are reviewed by the three members of the financial aid
committee, and occasionally by the head of school or assistant head for
finance and operations. All financial aid awards are confidential
agreements between the recipient family and the school.
The
financial aid committee considers financial aid awards strictly
confidential. The Academy does not share information with any other
party. Because of this, families may not discuss financial aid
information with anyone other than a member of the financial aid
committee. Awards can be withdrawn for breach of this expectation.
Appeals
All appeals regarding financial aid awards must be submitted in writing directly to the Assistant Head of School for Enrollment prior to submission of a signed contract and award letter.
Still have questions? Contact
the Financial Aid Office.
