Financial Assistance

Step 1: Check the box that asks if you intend to apply for financial aid on the application for admission.

• We strongly encourage families to apply for aid during the application process if they believe at any time during their child's tenure at Culver they will need financial aid.

Step 2: Complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS).

• The Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) submitted through the School and Student Services Portal (SSS) serves as the financial aid application. 
• SSS provides Culver with a recommended family contribution based on information provided in the PFS. Culver's Financial Aid Committee then determines a family's financial aid package based on a thorough evaluation of the SSS recommendation and individual family circumstances.
• In the case of divorce/separation, both natural parents and step-parents are required to submit a PFS.
• You may begin the PFS online in the School and Student Services Portal (SSS) beginning October 2, 2018. 

Step 3: Upload all required financial documents through the SSS portal.

• Beginning October 2018, Culver Academies is moving to a prior-prior year tax documentation model. This means we will collect income information from earlier tax years. All documentation must be received by January 15 in order to receive full consideration for financial aid. The following documents must be submitted electronically through SSS.
  • 2016 and 2017 federal tax returns and W-2 forms with all filed schedules and attachments (or IRS form 1099 if self-employed).
  • Tax documentation for trusts, partnerships, and corporations if applicable (Form 1041, IRS Schedule K-1, Form 1065, Form 1120, or Form 1120S).
  • Canadian residents: complete a PFS and upload your 2016 and 2017 tax returns.
  • International students: complete a PFS and upload a completed copy of the International Student Financial Aid Profile and proof of income in SSS.

While we aim to provide as much financial support as possible, the submission of a Financial Aid Application, or the demonstration of need, does not guarantee a financial aid award.

• October 2: Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) available online through School and Student Services (SSS).
• January 15: Deadline for submission of financial aid application and all supporting documentation for new and returning students.
• February-March: Financial Aid Committee reviews completed financial aid requests for all students.
• Mid-March: Financial aid notifications distributed to families.

• What determines eligibility for financial aid?
  The Culver Academies Financial Aid Committee offers aid based on family need and the availability of funds. Financial aid decisions are made after the student has been accepted to Culver Academies. All students are required to apply annually.

• Are International Students eligible for need-based financial aid?
  Limited need-based financial aid resources are available for Canadian and international students.

• Will a request for financial aid influence the admission decision?
  Initial admissions file reviews are need-blind; however, Culver is need aware in the final selection process.

• What do I need to submit to apply for financial aid?
  Parents must complete the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) online at sss.nais.org after October 2, 2018. Approximately 24 hours after submission and payment of the PFS, you will have access to upload and manage the required documents.

• Which documents do I need to upload to SSS?

  • 2016 and 2017 federal tax returns and W-2 forms with all filed schedules and attachments (or IRS form 1099 if self-employed).
  • Tax documentation for trusts, partnerships, and corporations if applicable (Form 1041, IRS Schedule K-1, Form 1065, Form 1120, or Form 1120S).
  • Canadian residents: complete a PFS and upload your 2016 and 2017 tax returns.
  • International students: complete a PFS and upload a completed copy of the International Student Financial Aid Profile and proof of income in SSS.

• Will my financial aid package change from year-to-year?
  Culver reserves the right to adjust your financial aid package if there is a significant discrepancy between the two (2) years' tax returns. Additional financial information and records may be requested by Culver Academies. It is the parents' responsibility to provide adequate financial information in order for Culver Academies to make a decision concerning eligibility for tuition assistance.

• What happens if the parents are divorced or separated?
  Culver Academies considers the assets of both natural parents and/or step-parents before releasing a financial aid package, and cannot be bound by the assertion that one parent has disclaimed responsibility for educational expenses. Both natural parents and any step-parents must submit a PFS online.

• Is there a minimum income a family must have in order to be considered for financial aid?
  No, net income is not the only factor used in making financial aid decisions.  Assets, debts, and number of dependents are among the various factors that Culver Academies considers, and these factors may have an influence on financial aid decisions.

• Once a PFS is submitted is a financial aid package guaranteed?
  No, due to the limited availability of financial aid resources, financial aid packages are not guaranteed. Additionally, Culver is not always able to meet 100% of full demonstrated financial need.

• Is financial aid renewed each year automatically?
  No, Culver Academies requires families receiving financial aid to reapply each year. However, once financial aid has been awarded, it is reasonable to expect that it will be renewed each year, providing a family’s situation does not change substantially.  Changes in a family’s financial situation could result in an increase or decrease in financial aid, depending on individual circumstances.  Although Culver Academies makes every attempt to continue financial aid once it has begun, awards may be eliminated or adjusted if financial, academic, or behavioral factors warrant such action.

• Are the financial aid awards kept confidential?
  Yes. The Financial Aid Committee does not discuss financial information with anyone except those directly involved in the decision process.

• Is it possible, aside from financial aid at Culver Academies, to help families meet educational expenses?
  Yes, Culver Academies has a 10-month tuition payment plan available.

• Is there a repayment obligation involved when a family receives aid from Culver Academies?
  No, all awards are need-based grants or merit awards funded by the generosity of Culver Alumni and Friends of Culver Academies.

• What is the difference between a need-based award and a scholarship/merit-based award?
  Need-based awards are given to those who show a demonstrated family need through SSS.  Scholarship/merit-based awards are given to those who demonstrate academic or leadership excellence through the application process and are usually selected by special Faculty Committees and the Financial Aid Committee.

• Are there different types of scholarships?
  Yes, we have four (4) full scholarship programs – Batten, Duchossois, Roberts, and Huffington.  Each Distinguished Scholarship has its own unique set of selection criteria. Learn more about our Distinguished Scholarships here.