Affording Berwick

List of 11 frequently asked questions.

• What is financial aid?

  Financial aid is a grant awarded by Berwick Academy that bridges the gap between the full cost of tuition and a family’s ability to pay. Unlike a loan, a financial aid award (grant) does not need to be repaid.

  
  
  

• How do I apply for financial aid?

  To be considered for financial aid, families must demonstrate financial need by completing the application through Clarity Tuition no later than January 15. For more information on the application process, see Clarity’s How to Apply: Quick Reference Guide. Please don’t hesitate to contact Director of Financial Aid, Jenn Gaudet, with any questions.

• How is financial aid eligibility determined?

  Eligibility for financial aid is determined according to a family’s demonstrated need. Financial need is determined through careful and thorough analysis of the information provided on the Clarity financial aid application, which includes but is not limited to: income, assets, number of dependents, children attending tuition-charging schools, living expenses, medical expenses, debts, unusual expenses, and any information provided on a family's federal tax returns. Berwick utilizes the analysis provided by Clarity alongside our financial aid policies and professional judgment in order to determine a family’s financial need.

• Will applying for financial aid impact my child’s chances for admission?

  Berwick Academy is committed to admitting the most qualified students, regardless of their family’s ability to afford the full tuition. However, despite our robust financial aid budget, our resources are limited and demand for aid often exceeds our availability of funds. There are circumstances in which we want to accept a student but can’t meet their full financial need, so this student would be accepted, but placed on a waitlist for financial aid. If/when funds become available, we would offer that student the requisite funding to enroll.

• Will my child receive a similar grant in future years?

  Yes, you can expect to receive approximately the same financial aid award for the duration of your child’s enrollment, barring any significant changes in your financial circumstances. Families who are awarded financial aid must reapply annually in order to maintain funding.

• Does Berwick provide assistance with campus-related expenses, not just tuition?

  Yes! For those students with significant financial need, Berwick does provide supplemental aid to support many campus-related expenses. This support includes, but is not limited to: books and school supplies, bussing to/from campus, laptop, sports/activity gear and equipment, music and dance expenses, ticket to the prom, tutoring, test preparation, travel opportunities, etc.

• Does Berwick offer merit scholarships?

  Berwick does offer a limited number of merit-based scholarships. These scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Admission Committee and typically don’t exceed $5,000. When families apply for financial aid, their child will also be considered for several endowed scholarship grants. These grants are funded through the generosity of devoted Berwick alumni, parents, former parents, and friends of the Academy.

• What if our family experiences a financial hardship or emergency while our child is enrolled at Berwick?

  By the time the school year starts, our entire financial aid budget for that year has been allocated. However, we are sometimes able to offer assistance to families whose circumstances have changed dramatically by granting them financial aid for the following academic year and/or offering flexible payment schedules.

• What if I miss the January 15 application deadline?

  Berwick does not hold funding to accommodate applicants who miss the January 15 deadline, so it is significantly harder to receive financial aid if you apply late. We are occasionally able to accommodate late applications, but we strongly encourage families to adhere to the deadline before all funding has been allocated.

• Are loans available?

  Berwick does not provide student loans; however, our families sometimes procure loans from other sources.

• How do I pay my child’s tuition? Are different payment schedules available?

  Families can select from a variety of payment plans when submitting their child’s enrollment contract. Tuition can be paid in full, in two installments, or in 10 payments spread throughout the school year.