![Dana Hall campus in Wellesley, Mass.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1703014573/danahallorg/c0h1gevglx4bovvlqxos/5-26-20Dhal15060.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1703014573/danahallorg/c0h1gevglx4bovvlqxos/5-26-20Dhal15060.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1703014573/danahallorg/c0h1gevglx4bovvlqxos/5-26-20Dhal15060.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1703014573/danahallorg/c0h1gevglx4bovvlqxos/5-26-20Dhal15060.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1703014573/danahallorg/c0h1gevglx4bovvlqxos/5-26-20Dhal15060.jpg","width":1344}])
Did you know that annual tuition at most boarding schools across the country is approximately the same as the 2022 US median household income*? In short: most families could not afford an independent school education without financial assistance. As the topic of financial aid can be daunting, I’d like to share a few highlights to demystify Dana Hall School’s financial aid philosophy and program.
Each year, Dana Hall is proud to offer more than $5 million in financial assistance to new and returning students in every grade level. Many families are surprised to learn that all financial aid awards distributed by Dana Hall are grants (not loans) and thus do not require repayment.
As every family’s financial picture is unique, Dana Hall seeks to award families from a broad economic range, not only those families who have substantial need, but also those who need a bit of financial help to make Dana Hall a reality. We determine a family’s financial need based upon factors such as income and expenses, assets, family size, and the number of children for whom a family must pay tuition. There is no one type of family who receives financial aid at Dana Hall. In a typical year, awards range from 10%-99% of tuition. Our average grant is $44,135 ($59,944 for boarding students, $35,072 for day students), and families’ incomes vary greatly, from $10,000 to $500,000.
Dana Hall is committed to awarding financial aid to as many qualified families as possible. We are equally committed to ensuring that every student benefits from the full scope of what Dana Hall has to offer, so many financial aid awards include books, an iPad, Apple Pencil and a keyboard case, and a transportation stipend to assist with the cost of train/bus/airline tickets. The Financial Aid Office also has a discretionary fund that provides assistance with other expenses, such as hotel rooms for qualified families during orientation weekend and Family Weekend in the fall, funding for class rings, and tutoring.
Lastly, Dana Hall’s endowed travel fund enables students to benefit from life-changing global experiences. Students may receive assistance to participate in an international trip during their time in the Middle School and in the Upper School. In the recent past, students have enjoyed trips to South Africa, Greece, Canada, Italy, and Spain.
Dana Hall works to create a learning community of students whose backgrounds reflect the world our students will explore, improve, and lead. The financial aid we provide to students helps ensure that Dana Hall remains a place where a student’s passion, promise, and personality can shine, whatever her family’s financial situation.
Learn more about our financial aid program, special scholarships, and the application process.
*Source: Census.gov