List of 13 frequently asked questions.

• Q. Are decisions about admission and financial aid made separately?

  Yes. The admissions committee selects students for admission without knowledge of who may have applied for financial aid.

• Q. If a student is admitted and demonstrates financial need, will they automatically receive a grant?

  Each year more qualified applicants apply than we are able to support with our financial aid budget. Therefore, not every qualified applicant can be guaranteed the financial support that might be needed for them to enroll and attend CSW. We keep a short financial aid waitlist for admitted students who we are not able to fund in the first round of offers. In the event that additional funds become available, students on that waitlist may be offered financial aid awards. 

• Q. Is financial aid available for international students?

  No. The system CSW uses to assess a family's financial need is based on the U.S. income tax filing. For that reason, CSW is only able to consider applicants for financial assistance who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents holding a green card, and if all parents file U.S. income taxes.

• Q. How much financial assistance is available?

  CSW currently awards over $3 million a year through its tuition assistance program. Individual awards range from roughly 10% to nearly full tuition.

• Q.

  How much does it cost to apply? Are fee waivers available for the cost of the application?

  There is a $50 non-refundable fee to apply. Waivers are available based on income and are determined by SSS.

• Q. Do many families qualify? Who should apply?

  Roughly 30% of the student body receives financial assistance, and grants range in size partial and nearly full grants to students who qualify. Families with a wide range of income levels apply for aid. 
  
  Example financial aid case studies

• Q. How do families apply for financial aid?

  Parents must apply for financial aid online. CSW uses the tuition assistance calculation service established by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and its School and Student Services (SSS) to make decisions about financial aid awards. CSW requires that all parents contribute to the cost of education for their child to the extent that they are able. If a student’s parents are divorced, separated, or were never married, each parent household will be asked to individually complete their own financial aid application. The application and more information can be found here.

• Q. What if one parent is not working?

  CSW may impute wages for a non-working parent when reviewing an application. We welcome comments in the PFS to learn more about the circumstances of a household’s employment status.

• Q. When do families know if they will receive financial aid?

  Provided that all documentation is completed by January 15, 2023, decisions regarding both admission and financial aid are sent out together on March 10. For returning families, aid awards accompany re-enrollment contracts sent out in February. 

• Q. If a student enrolls without financial aid, can they apply in future years?

  The Financial Aid Committee will consider applications from returning families who have not received financial assistance in the past. However, since aid is budgeted annually and is based on projected and known expenses, it is not guaranteed that the school will be able to meet the need of families in this situation. It is our expectation that students who enroll at CSW paying full tuition will continue to do so throughout their time at CSW. Families who encounter unexpected financial challenges are should contact Julie Johnstone directly through financialaid@csw.org. 

• Q. Do families need to re-apply for aid each year?

  Yes. While we are committed to supporting families who receive tuition assistance, awards are not automatically renewed each year. Families who have received financial aid will be invited to apply for the next year. Families who receive tuition assistance may expect to receive a similar level of aid from year to year provided that the family’s and the school’s financial circumstances remain essentially the same. A significant change up or down in the financial profile may result in a change in the tuition assistance package. Returning CSW families are asked to submit applications and supporting materials by December 15, 2021. 

• Q. What is included in tuition?

  For all students, athletic uniforms, field trips, and most weekend activities are covered in the cost of tuition. Families receiving more than 50% tuition assistance qualify for a loaner laptop that the school can provide for the student’s academic use. For boarding students, tuition includes room and board, all meals, and transportation to and from school to connect to public transportation options (e.g. train or bus station, airport). For day students, lunch is included in tuition. Breakfast and dinner are available for a fee. 

• Q. Do families need to pay back financial aid?

  Financial aid is given as a grant and not a loan, so there is no re-payment necessary for aid received.