Financial Aid Policies and FAQs

If you are a current family reapplying for financial aid, you must submit the Clarity application by December 1, 2023.

If you are a new family applying to Dana Hall, you must submit the Clarity application by January 15, 2024. 

A: Although priority is given to U.S. Citizens, we do provide financial aid to international students on a limited basis.

A: All parents retain the obligation to contribute what they can afford to the education of their children, regardless of marital status. In most cases, the Financial Aid Committee will make an award only after considering the financial resources of all parents. The Financial Aid Committee will consider the net assets and earnings of both parents before making any award and may not be bound by the assertion that one parent disclaims responsibility for educational expenses. The custodial parent and non custodial parent are both required to complete a Clarity application. If the custodial parent has remarried, we will consider all assets of the step-parent, always bearing in mind the obligation of the step-parent to his or her own children.

A: In instances where one parent chooses not to work and has children who are in school full time, the Financial Aid Committee will recalculate financial need using an imputed, minimum income for the non-working parent. Note that this policy does not require the parent to work; it only attempts to adjust the level of need by accounting for the minimum income that the parent could earn if he or she chose to work. If a parent can document that they are disabled or otherwise unable to work (caring for an aged parent, for example), this policy would not apply.

A: All families must complete a Clarity application. If your family does not file taxes with the IRS, you may indicate your non-filing status in Clarity. Once the Clarity financial aid application is submitted, Dana Hall may require additional documentation. 
 

A: It is our expectation that families who begin at Dana Hall School paying the full tuition will continue to do so. The Financial Aid Committee will consider applications from returning Dana Hall families who have not received financial aid in the past should extraordinary circumstances arise. Families are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office directly.

A: Once the Financial Aid Office receives all financial materials, the Committee will review each family’s request. All financial aid is awarded on the basis of need as determined by the financial aid application and the Financial Aid Committee.

A: All financial aid awards are grants and do not require repayment.

A: Families must reapply for financial aid each year. If your family's financial picture remains largely unchanged from one year to the next, then so will our financial aid award. If a family’s need increases, we will make every effort to meet demonstrated need; however, we cannot guarantee that an award will be increased. Additionally, families must be in good financial standing with the School in order to be considered for financial aid. 

A: Yes. All families applying for aid must submit a new Clarity application each year.