Frequently Asked Questions

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• Q. Do you offer merit scholarships based on academics, athletics, arts, or other special interests?

  A. No. Belmont Hill's program of financial aid is entirely need-based: awards are made solely on the basis of a family's ability to pay. As part of the ISL (Independent School League), Belmont Hill is bound by rules that restrict all financial aid to need-based awards.

• Q. Will applying for financial aid affect my son’s admission decision?

  A. Admission applications are read without regard for a family’s ability to pay. While the Admission and Financial Aid processes are separate and distinct, at the end of the process, the Admission and Financial Aid Committees must weigh admission decisions against available financial aid funds. Belmont Hill is fortunate to award $5.6 million in financial aid each year, but these funds are not unlimited.

• Q. How are financial aid awards calculated?

  A.

  Belmont Hill uses School and Student Services (follow this link to the SSS website) to process our financial aid applications. SSS collaborates with the National Association of Independent Schools and is used by most independent schools to calculate need. Based on the financial information you submit, SSS provides an estimated amount your family can contribute to educational expenses. Among other things, SSS takes into account:

  • Income of both parents
  • Family assets
  • Age of both parents
  • Number of dependents
  • Number of children in tuition charging schools

• Q. What is the policy for divorced, separated, or never married parents?

  A. Belmont Hill expects both parents to contribute to educational costs. The custodial parent (and spouse) and the non-custodial parent (and spouse) must both submit a Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) and all tax forms as stated in the SSS instructions. If the whereabouts of the non-custodial parent are unknown, contact the Director of Financial Aid for further instruction.

• Q. Will my financial aid award remain at a similar level as long as my son is in school?

  A. Yes, your financial aid award will remain at a similar level as long as your financial situation does not change. Please be aware, however, that annual tuition adjustments will affect the amount your family contributes.  Changes to your financial situation that could further affect your family contribution (as outlined by SSS) include, but are not limited to, changes in the following: income, assets, business profit/loss, family size, and number of children in tuition-charging schools.  Financial aid awards are reviewed each year using your current financial documents. Families must complete the PFS (Parent Financial Statement) and submit required tax forms every November to establish need for the next academic year.

• Q. Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

  A. Yes. Financial aid awards are recalculated each year. Families must complete the PFS and submit required tax forms every November to establish need for the next academic year.

• Q. What are the document deadlines?

  A.

   

  	New Students	Returning Students*
  Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS)	January 15	November 15
  2018 and 2019 federal income tax return (1040) and all supporting schedules and w-2 forms	January 15	November 15
  2020 federal income tax return (1040) and all supporting schedules and w-2 forms	March 1	March 1

   

  *If you are a returning student applying for financial aid for the first time, please contact the Director of Financial Aid by November 15.
  

   

  Please submit documents to SSS (http://sss.nais.org/Parents)

• Q. Will failure to meet deadlines affect my possibility of receiving aid?

  A. Yes. Financial aid is considered for families (both new and returning) that meet the document deadlines prior to considering those who apply late.

• Q. Is financial aid available for expenses beyond tuition?

  A. Yes. Beginning in the fall of 2020, each financial aid student's percentage of aid granted for tuition will apply to many areas of school life beyond tuition. In addition, all financial aid students are eligible for assistance to defray costs associated with the School's BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program.

• Q. Where should I indicate the effect COVID-19 has had on my family finances?

  A. If your family finances have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, the "Other Considerations" field at the end of the PFS is the best place to include that information, and supporting documents (unemployment information, last pay stub, current balance sheets/P&L statements for businesses, etc.) should be uploaded under "Additional Documents."