Financing a Uhs education

Tuition

Tuition at University High School for the 2009-2010 school year is $31,500. Annual tuition is set by the Board of Trustees in early February, at the same time the new budget is approved. In recent years tuition increases have been in the range of 5% to 13%. The School's operating budget for 2008-2009 is $13.1 million; tuition income is $10.2 million, leaving a sum of $2.9 million not covered by tuition.

Financial Responsibility of Parents

A gap between tuition income and expenses is common among independent schools. Some would ask why not just charge each family what it costs to educate their child? We answer: we try to keep tuition as affordable as possible for as many families as possible.

UHS is an independent school, one of approximately 1,000 schools nationally which belong to the National Association of Independent Schools. We do not answer to a higher bureaucratic authority; we decide who will be our students, who will be our faculty, what will be the curricular and extra-curricular programs we provide our students. For this cherished independence, there is a price. University is not supported or subsidized by any government, religious or private organization. We are run by an independent Board of Trustees, all of whom are volunteers.

To close the tuition/expense gap, we turn to current parents, past parents, alumni, trustees, faculty, friends, foundations, and corporations on an annual basis. At UHS, the annual development efforts come in the form of the Annual Fund and the Decorator Showcase, the parent fundraiser for financial aid and enrichment. We also mount capital campaigns for specific purposes and overall institutional advancement, including the building of our endowment. Parent support is both exceptional and critical in these successful efforts. One way of looking at these two different fundraising categories is: the Annual Fund and Decorator Showcase, providing funds for the School's annual operating budget, are like checking accounts; capital drives, which provide funds for endowment-building and special projects, are like savings accounts.

And so we turn to current parents and alumni to be supporters and volunteers within our community. We ask everyone to give what they can and to go beyond dollar gifts and contribute volunteer time, when they can, in the many opportunities organized by the Parents' Association, including committee and staffing work at the annual Decorator Showcase.

These are the responsibilities and expectations we count on to make University High School flourish, to engage you along with your child in the spirit of this community, and to provide your child with the finest education we, together, can create and provide.

Financial Aid

Any student interested in University High School should apply for admission regardless of the family's financial situation. Because the School is committed to a diverse student body from varying backgrounds, University High School has a strong need-based financial aid program which provides financial assistance to families who otherwise cannot afford the full tuition cost. In 2007-2008, students at University High School receive a total of about $1.6 million in financial assistance in the form of non-repayable grants. Over 24% of our student body receives some level of aid. Grants range according to family needs.

Any family who, after carefully reviewing its own means and any other options such as the payment plan, believes that its resources are not enough to meet tuition cost is encouraged to apply for financial aid. It is important, however, for families to know at the outset that unfortunately the School does not have the resources to meet the need of every family who qualifies for financial assistance.

Eligibility

First, the School must determine if a family is eligible for financial aid; if so, the School must then determine what level of assistance is needed. To evaluate eligibility and level of need, the School uses the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). This organization provides a common base by which each family's needs can be measured fairly and equitably.

SSS analyzes the "Parents' Financial Statement" (PFS) and recommends to University High School a family contribution; in some cases, SSS will determine that a family does not need financial assistance. The Financial Aid Committee at the School then uses the SSS recommendation as a guideline, in conjunction with copies of tax returns and schedules, in making a final decision.

Decisions and awards are mailed with the admissions acceptance packet in March. Thus, all admitted students will know upon admission whether a financial aid award has been made.

Applying for Aid

Please call the Admissions Office to receive a financial aid application packet. There are four parts to filing an application for financial aid:

1. Completing UHS Application for Financial Aid (available November 2009)
2. Sending to the school copies of 2008 and 2009 federal income tax forms and schedules along with a copy of W-2 forms.
3. Filing a "Parents' Financial Statement" (PFS) with the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) by January 14, 2010.
4. Filing an IRS Form 4506 Complete confidentiality throughout the financial aid application process is assured.

Payment Plans

The School's standard payment plan requires families to pay 60% of tuition on June 15 prior to the year of enrollment and the remaining 40% (less the enrollment deposit) on January 15.

The School offers a payment option through the UHS Ten Month Payment Plan is interest-free and costs $50.00 for enrollment. Further information is available from the Business Office.

The Student Affairs Fund

High school will often involve expenses for students beyond tuition, fees, and books. University High School has established "The Student Affairs Fund" to provide financial assistance to students for participation in school sponsored activities. Students request funds for school-related expenses such as sports equipment, school dances, plays, or outdoor education trips. The fund is intended to allow all members of the school community to participate fully in school functions regardless of their financial circumstances. A student need not be receiving financial aid in order to apply to the Student Affairs Fund.

Questions? Call Karen Kindler, in the Office of Admission, at (415) 447-3104.