Tuition and Financial Aid

Established by Gerry Lenfest ’49 and awarded to an exceptional child or grandchild of a Mercersburg Academy alum entering the ninth or 10th grade. The Legacy Scholar will be provided full tuition, room, and board each academic year through graduation.

Established by the Lenfest Foundation and awarded to an outstanding day student applicant entering the ninth or 10th grade. The Preparatory Scholar will receive full tuition each academic year through graduation.

Awarded to exceptional student applicants for outstanding citizenship and overall contributions to their current school communities. 1893 Scholars are chosen from the general pool of applicants.

Established by Gabriel Hammond ’97 in memory of his mother, Elda Arce, and awarded to outstanding 9th-grade applicants.

Established by Kathleen and Steve Guttman ’64 and awarded to outstanding applicants, with preference given to South Florida residents.

Established by Deborah Simon ’74 in honor of former Head of School Douglas Hale and awarded to outstanding applicants.

Established in memory of Tom Leslie ’66, the school’s first Black graduate, and awarded to outstanding applicants with financial need from an underrepresented population.

Established by Jean and Richard Witmer ’70 and awarded to outstanding applicants from Central Pennsylvania.

Established by Judy and Allen Zern ’61 and awarded to outstanding applicants, with preference given to those from underrepresented populations.

All domestic boarding applicants who are offered admission and whose families qualify for full need-based financial aid are automatically considered for named scholarships. Candidates must have strong academic records and standardized test results, broad extracurricular participation, and exemplary personal character.

Sometimes named scholarships are offered to students applying through access programs in major metropolitan areas. Other times the recipients are from rural areas and are not working with a consultant or placement agency. In some cases, the recipients live in communities where local schools lack the resources to allow the students to take full advantage of their academic abilities.

In general, named scholarship recipients are:

• Academic high-achievers with A or high-B averages and SSAT scores in the 75th-80th percentiles.
• Engaged and curious learners and leaders.
• Prone to show their interest and commitment to learning as participants in an after-school/extracurricular learning program.
• Well-rounded students who will contribute to the Mercersburg Academy community beyond the classroom and who exhibit the school’s principles of “Hard work, fair play, and clean life.”

Applicants who have completed their application by January 31 and have been identified by the Admission Committee as a potential candidate for a named scholarship will be notified and may be given an opportunity to further demonstrate their interest in Mercersburg.

In addition to full tuition, room, and board, named scholars receive $5,000 in funding for incidental charges. Below is a list of expenses that the stipend typically covers:

• Rutherford Health and Wellness Center charges (including overnight visits)
• Tablet or laptop and technology repairs required as a result of normal wear and tear
• Cell phone with basic coverage for calling and texting
• Required textbooks and miscellaneous supplies (including a graphing calculator)
• Private academic tutoring
• Required sports equipment, including practice packs
• Vocal or instrumental lessons
• Transportation to and from home and required off-campus appointments
• Mercersburg spirit wear
• $20/week cash allowance for use at the school store and student cafe
• Standardized test registration fees (ACT, SAT, and SAT subject test)
• College application fees
• New laptop and iPad that will meet the student’s needs at the college where they enroll
• Other expenses as appropriate, including summer enrichment and a study-abroad experience