Affordability/Financial Aid
AFFORDING AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL EDUCATION
Beaufort Academy is strongly committed to seeking diversity within its student body and providing access to a BA education for deserving students regardless of financial circumstances. We therefore provide assistance to qualified students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need.
Roughly 37% of our students receive financial aid each year. Unfortunately, our funds are not limitless so it is given on a first-come, first-served basis granted based on available funds. Families requesting financial aid are urged to follow the guidelines presented below.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Families requesting financial aid information should contact the Admissions Office before applying for aid.
- Families must apply for aid directly through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) online at https://sssandtadsfa.my.site.
com/familyportal .
Complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS), submit to SSS and pay the $60 application fee.
*The Parents’ Statement (PFS) gives detailed financial information to the Service, which supplies Beaufort Academy with data concerning the family’s ability to contribute to their child’s education. The computation is based on a formula nationally accepted by independent schools. The Financial Aid Committee then reviews this information and uses it as the basis upon which to make an award. - Beaufort Academy requires information from both natural parents and any step-parents. In the case of separated or divorced parents, each parent must complete and submit a Parent’s Financial Statement. Please do not hesitate to call and discuss your situation since each case may be unique.
- An online Report of Financial need (RFN) is provided to BA by SSS. Upon receipt of all other required forms, including W-2/income verification and 1040 forms for all parents, the Financial Aid Committee begins the process of evaluating financial aid applications using guidelines recommended by the SSS. While the Financial Aid Committee uses the RFN as a guideline, the committee is not bound by the figures generated by the SSS.
- Upon reaching a decision, the Admissions Office will send you a letter with the determined amount.
PRIORITIES
The Financial Aid Committee has incorporated the following priorities in the allocation of funds. First, consideration for the budgeted dollars is given to renewal applicants. Second, returning students not previously receiving aid are considered. Third, applicants offered admission are considered. Finally, late applicants are considered if funds are available.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All information relating to the financial aid process is held in the strictest confidence. The only individuals with access to the financial aid files are the Headmaster and members of the Financial Aid Committee. If you have any questions regarding financial aid at Beaufort Academy, please do not hesitate to contact our Admissions Office at (843) 524-3393.
NOTE: Financial aid grants are awarded on an annual basis. The application process must be repeated each year a student is enrolled at BA, at which time the Financial Aid Committee evaluates the student’s academics, disciplinary, and other records at school. Normally, a family should expect that financial aid will be continued through a student’s career, but the Financial Aid Committee is empowered to increase or reduce the amount of the annual award based on changes in the family’s financial status, the student’s performance at BA, or both.