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��ñ�� School Financing Options at a Glance (Updated September 2025)

Choosing a boarding school is not only about academics, community, and extracurricular opportunities—it’s also about navigating costs strategically. In 2025, the average boarding school tuition in the United States ranges from $40,000 to $72,000 per year, with selective schools often exceeding $80,000 annually (National Association of Independent Schools). On top of tuition, families should budget for technology, health insurance, athletic participation, and personal expenses, which can add $5,000–$10,000 to the total yearly cost.

Still, families have more financing tools at their disposal than ever before. From traditional payment plans to financial aid, tax-credit scholarships, and specialized loans, careful planning can make a top-tier education attainable.

One Payment

Paying tuition in a single lump sum remains the simplest option. Many schools reward this choice with a 2–4% discount, saving thousands of dollars on an $80,000 bill. While sundry charges such as music lessons, horseback riding, or weekend excursions are billed separately, the upfront payment removes the administrative costs tied to installment plans.

Example: A family paying $65,000 in full could save $2,600 with a 4% discount—equivalent to covering a semester’s worth of sports fees.

Two Payments

Some families prefer dividing tuition into two installments, typically in July and December. Splits vary—50/50, 60/40, or even 70/30 depending on the school’s policy. For instance, a $60,000 tuition might require $36,000 upfront in July and $24,000 in December.

This method balances flexibility and predictability without committing to monthly payments.

Financing a ��ñ�� School Education (Updated September 16, 2025)

Sending a child to boarding school is a major financial commitment. With tuition now rivaling or exceeding the cost of many colleges, families are asking how they can realistically make this investment in 2025. The good news is that financial aid, scholarships, and new tuition models are expanding, giving more families access to these opportunities.

This guide provides the latest data, practical advice, and real-world examples to help families plan for a boarding school education in today’s landscape.

Tuition Costs in 2025

��ñ�� school tuition has continued to rise in recent years, though financial aid is helping offset the increases for many families. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS):

• The median tuition for seven-day boarding is about $72,000 per year.

• Five-day boarding averages between $58,000–$65,000, depending on region.

• Day tuition is typically lower, averaging $35,000–$40,000. ()

Individual schools can vary widely. For instance:

• Blue Ridge School (VA) lists 2025–26 seven-day boarding at $68,850 and five-day boarding at $57,500.

• Army and Navy Academy (CA) charges $60,750 for boarding students and $41,800 for day students.

These figures underscore the importance of looking at both sticker price and net cost after aid.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The majority of boarding schools now provide substantial financial assistance. Trends for 2025 include:

• Between 25% and 40% of boarding school students receive some form of need-based aid. ()

• The median financial aid award is roughly $21,000–$25,000.

• Elite schools

How Much Does ��ñ�� School Really Cost in 2025?

Every parent asks: “How much will it actually cost?” In 2025, understanding boarding school costs means looking beyond sticker prices to financial aid offerings, student-faculty dynamics, and school-to-school variations. This guide answers the key questions to help you plan confidently.

What Does "��ñ�� School Cost" Include?

• Tuition covers classes.

• Room and board covers housing, meals, and campus life.

• Additional fees may include tech fees, health services, travel, or supplies (varies by school).

Average Annual Cost in 2025

• Five-day boarding (students return home weekends): about $55,425 per year.

• Seven-day boarding (full-time on campus): around $69,150 per year.
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These numbers reflect national averages, not accounting for school prestige or location.

Cost Range at Leading Schools

Here are representative examples to anchor expectations:

��ñ�� School Scholarships and Financial Aid: A Parent’s Guide

For many families, the dream of sending a child to boarding school feels out of reach because of high tuition. The reality, however, is that financial aid and scholarships make boarding schools accessible to a wide range of students. In fact, nearly 40–45% of boarding school students receive some form of financial assistance.

This guide explains what types of aid are available, how to apply, and what families can realistically expect to pay in 2025.

Understanding ��ñ�� School Costs

Before diving into scholarships, it helps to understand the full cost of attendance.

• Tuition:Covers academic instruction.

• Room and Board: Includes housing, meals, and student services.

• Additional Fees: Technology, health, activities, textbooks, and travel.

In 2025, the average boarding school tuition is between $60,000 and $80,000 per year, depending on the school and location. Five-day boarding options average around $55,000, while seven-day boarding averages about $69,000.

Types of ��ñ�� School Financial Aid

1. Need-Based Aid

Most aid is need-based and calculated from a family’s income, assets, and household circumstances. Schools typically use third-party evaluators to determine eligibility.

2. Merit Scholarships

Some schools offer awards for academic excellence, artistic talent, athletic ability, or leadership. These scholarships are less common but can significantly reduce tuition.

3. Full-Ride Scholarships and Income Caps

There are only a handful of free boarding schools in the United States. Most were founded many years ago by visionary, community-minded individuals who believed that children from the working class and poor families should have the same educational advantages as children from families with money. The impact these schools have had on society is enormous. The benefits to thousands of students and their families are priceless.

As you read about these schools and watch the videos, remember that all these schools believe emphatically that an education does not consist solely of academics. Each school understands that a child needs nurturing and counseling to make the most of the opportunities before him. In addition, these schools expect the child's family to be involved. His education is a partnership of three: home, school, and student. That's what it takes to provide the solid foundation a child needs to succeed in his adult life.

Girard College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Stephen Girard was one of the richest men in America when he founded in Philadelphia. The school is unique in that all students board at the school from 1st grade through 12th. For free. The school serves approximately 580 students in Grades 1-12. Almost 100% of its graduates matriculate to college.

'The school's benefactor, Stephen Girard (1750-1831), left his generous estate to educate and care for needy children. As long as Girard College has existed, all its students have received full scholarships, benefited from strong academic and