If US is the right place for your student, then we want to make the finances work for your family. At the end of the day, it’s not about families working within the constraints of our budget but rather us working within the constraints of theirs.
CHRISTINA TOWNSEND HARTZ DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION & FINANCIAL AID
10-100%
Percentage of tuition our affordability program covers
$10.3 million
Total dollars awarded to families
50%
Percentage of our families who participate in our affordability program
Types of Aid
University School provides need-based aid to families who need financial assistance, and offers merit awards and scholarships to high-achieving students.
Need-Based Aid
Need-based financial aid at University School is designed to help families afford a high-quality education by considering their financial circumstances.
Important Dates:
Assistance ranges from $2,000 to $40,920.
The average household income of families receiving need-based aid is above $175,000.
For new families, the deadline to apply for need-based aid is Friday, January 16, 2026.
For returning families, the deadline is Friday, November 28, 2025.
Merit Awards & Scholarships
Each year, University School is fortunate to provide fully-funded scholarships to up to ten students entering ninth grade through the Jarvis Scholar Program. Merit awards are available to students and are based on test scores and GPA.
Over $400,000 in merit-based awards & scholarships are given each year.
Awards start at $2,500.
Merit recipients receive awards during all four years of high school.
Myth vs Reality
Myth
All schools offer the same financial package.
Reality
Schools may offer different financial aid awards based on their institutional policies. Schools may also use different names for aid (i.e. indexed tuition, flexpay, variable tuition) but the end goal is the same; we want to help families afford an independent school education.
Myth vs Reality
Myth
Financial aid is a loan.
Reality
Unlike college loans that need to be paid back with interest, our financial aid is an actual discount on the total cost of tuition that does not need to be paid back.
Myth vs Reality
Myth
Our family makes too much to qualify for aid and not enough to pay for the school.
Reality
This is a common misconception that often prevents families from pursing an independent school education. US works with each family to understand their unique financial situation and strives to make US a reality for all accepted.
Myth vs Reality
Myth
The financial aid application is too complicated.
Reality
On average, the financial aid application takes families approximately 45-minutes to complete. If you have your 1040(s) and any pertinent schedules, the process is really quite simple.
Myth vs Reality
Myth
There are too many hidden costs.
Reality
At US, we consider as many financial costs as possible when determining a financial aid award so that families do not experience hidden costs.
Payment Options
One Payment Plan
Families who wish to pay 100% of tuition will make one payment by August 15.
Two Payments Plan
Families who wish to make two payments will pay 50% of tuition on August 15 and the remaining 50% of tuition on January 15.
Quarterly Payments Plan
Families can choose to pay tuition in four equal payments. The payments would be due July 15, October 15, January 15 and April 15.
10 Payments Plan
Families can choose to spread tuition over ten equal payments beginning July 15 through April 15.
Our son entered US as a boy with more promise than means, and thanks to the school’s generosity we look forward to watching him graduate this year—a young man one step closer to reaching his true potential. If US is where your son belongs, don’t let assumptions about affordability stop you from applying. It was the encouragement of another US family familiar with the aid process that spared us from that mistake.
PARENT OF A SENIOR
Be Prepared
At US, we are dedicated to eliminating financial barriers to ensure access for boys across Northeast Ohio. We understand that navigating the complexities of financial aid can be daunting.
Our popular webinar, Affording a Private School Education, was crafted to alleviate anxiety throughout the process. We outline different forms of aid and provide guidance to help your family secure the necessary support, enabling your son to maximize his educational experience.
Register below to access our latest recording!
Connect & Learn More
Ms. Christina Townsend Hartz Director of Admission & Financial Aid
What are the tuition and fees for the 2025-26 school year?
Grades Junior K - 4: $20,320 - $34,200
Grades 5 - 8: $35,510 - $38,990
Grades 9 - 12: $40,480 - $42,250
What are the terms of the financial aid program?
Every financial aid application will be reviewed on an individual basis. Our guidelines are meant to assist the Financial Aid Committee with the issuance of financial aid awards.
Continuing families currently receiving financial aid will be given first priority. Adherence to deadlines is essential because funds will be allocated to other families if materials have not been submitted by the deadline.
Financial aid awards are for one year. Failure to comply with financial aid deadlines may disqualify a student from receiving aid. Misrepresentation, or failure to disclose completely all information on the Clarity Application, will result in the loss of financial aid.
What forms are required when applying for financial aid?
Families should fill out the Clarity Application and submit all tax documents and necessary schedules. The application should take approximately 30-45 minutes and the site is both desktop and mobile friendly.
When is the deadline to apply and for document submission?
New families should aim to complete their Clarity application by January 17, 2025. Upon submission, please do upload your 2023 federal tax return. Additionally, your 2024 federal tax information will be required by April 30, 2025.
All current families should submit their Clarity application by November 29, 2024. Upon submission, please do upload your 2023 federal tax return if you have not already done so. Additionally, your 2024 federal tax information will be required by April 30, 2025.
What are the considerations for special situations?
Non-Working Custodial Parents
If a family has children over the age of six, it is expected that both parents will be gainfully employed. If your spouse chooses not to work, then an annual salary based upon a 40 hour per week position (or an income based on working potential as determined by the financial aid committee) will be added to the income calculations for evaluation. There are circumstances such as caring for a disabled or elderly parent, a preschool child or a child with a long term disability that may exempt a family from this policy.
Unmarried Couples & Single Parents
The birth parent(s) and guardian(s) must report all income and assets.
Divorced or Separated Parents
University School policy for determining the financial need of students from separated or divorced families is derived from the underlying principle on which we base financial aid for all of our students—that is, parents should pay the educational expenses of their children to the extent they are able.
In situations where an applicant’s parents are separated or divorced, the term custodial parent is used for the parent with whom the applicant resides (or has resided with most often during the twelve months prior to the application). The other parent is referred to as the non-custodial parent. The application for financial assistance should be completed by the custodial parent.
Non-custodial parents are also expected to complete a Clarity application form.
We will consider the assets of both birth parents before making any award and cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. If either parent has remarried, the school will also consider the assets of the step-parent, always bearing in mind that the obligation of that step-parent is to his or her own birth children.
It is the responsibility of both custodial parents to submit the appropriate financial information. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to ask the non-custodial parent to complete the appropriate forms. If the requested information is not provided, the financial aid committee will not be able to review the application. Remarriage of either parent creates a new family unit with new relationships, but we believe that the natural (or adoptive) parents still have a responsibility for educational expenses despite any legal agreements to the contrary. Therefore, the income, expenses, assets and liabilities of the entire new family are considered pertinent to the birth (or adoptive) parents’ ability to contribute to the cost of education.
In accordance with this policy, the custodial parent should file the Clarity application. The non-custodial parent must file the application, as well. Applicants awarded aid and accepting the offer of admission to US will be required to submit a signed copy of their IRS Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ with all schedules and attachments for each parent and submit the 4506 through the Clarity website.
We will consider waiving the requirement for submission of the Financial Application for Parents who are separated or divorced by the non-custodial parent under the following circumstances:
Information is provided which clearly indicates that the location of the non-custodial parent is unknown.
Information is provided that the non-custodial parent has not provided support and has had no contact with the family for at least 5 years.
*In either of the above-mentioned situations, supporting documentation clarifying the situation will be accepted from a doctor, lawyer or other such person with knowledge of the family’s circumstances. There may be other extenuating circumstances, which would warrant our waiving this requirement.
What other fees do I need to pay?
Tuition does not include:
Books for grades 9-12 (books are purchased online; annual costs are approximately $500); before and after school care; optional field trips, such as international trips; some athletic equipment; optional sports fees; and optional club fees.
Families can request financial support for anything not included in tuition by contacting the Director of Financial Aid.
What about tuition refunds?
University School requires all parents to participate in the Tuition Refund Plan. The cost of this insurance protection is included in the annual tuition and fees. For more information see the Tuition Refund Guide.
What about athletic equipment?
Uniforms (except shoes and other specialized equipment) are supplied to members of most varsity, junior varsity, and freshman interscholastic teams. Otherwise, students must provide their own athletic equipment, which may be purchased at the School’s athletic store and billed at less than retail cost.
What are our transportation options?
Many parents choose to drive their sons to school or carpool with other families. Bus service from some area public school districts is also available. In addition, US offers shuttle bus service between the Shaker and Hunting Valley campuses at no cost.
Beginning in 2020-21, University School began a partnership with Laurel School and Hathaway Brown School to provide expanded transportation options for students throughout 33 Greater Cleveland communities. Families whose children attend more than one of these schools will be able to use one transportation service. This expanded transportation access will complement bus service offered from many public-school districts.
Transportation to the three independent schools will be available to and from the following communities: Aurora, Avon, Avon Lake, Bainbridge Twp., Bath, Bay Village, Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Chagrin Falls, Cleveland (Downtown), Cleveland (University Circle), Cleveland Heights, Concord Twp. (Lake County), Copley, Coventry, East Cleveland, Edgewater, Garfield Heights, Gates Mills, Hudson, Independence, Kirtland, Lakewood, Mentor, North Royalton, Richfield, Rocky River, Solon, Strongsville, Twinsburg, Westlake, Willoughby, and Willoughby Hills.
Transportation options include both one-way and round-trip, as well as contracts for a full year or for individual trimester sessions. Pricing ranges from $930 to $3,100.
For more information about transportation options, routes, times and pick up locations, please see the Transportation webpage. For questions, please contact Transportation Coordinator Karrie Butorac at 216.831.1984x7364.
