Financial Aid/Grants, loans...

[Karennnnn]

I suppose I could call, but you all have experience
What situation is financial aid awarded? I can't imagine that a family like mine would get it. We make a decent salary however the cost of living makes it near impossible to afford the almost $10k tuition per year for Waldorf for our son.
It sucks when you get to a point in your life where you make good money, however it's in a tax bracket where Uncle Sam gets most of it and Blue Cross gets the rest. GRR!!!
That said, aren't there educational loans available for private school? I've never heard of them but it seems like something I'd love to look into.
Or you could look at it another way... Spend the money now and maybe your child will be smart enough to get a full scholarship to college lol!! Just kidding
Take care,
Karen

[Deborah]

I've served on a financial aid committee at one waldorf school (they called it tuition assistance). Income levels varied widely and so did circumstances.

I would ask for a set of guidelines for applicaton, which should be in writing. Also ask about how they protect the confidentiality of the people applying. You'll have to share a fair amount of personal financial information and you want to make sure it will be handled carefully.

The school I worked for granted varying amounts of tuition help, from as little as 10% relief up to 90% relief, depending on the family situation.

I don't know about grants or loans or whatever to help with private school tuition. There may be something out there.

My daughter did support herself through college (I was in college at the same time), so I think her waldorf tuition turned out a bargain in the end. She also is a super person, but I don't know who should get the credit...

Good luck figuring it out and I hope it works out well for you.

Nana

[canndw]

Originally Posted by Karennnnn

What situation is financial aid awarded? I can't imagine that a family like mine would get it. We make a decent salary however the cost of living makes it near impossible to afford the almost $10k tuition per year for Waldorf for our son.

I can confidently say that this is handled very differently at various schools -- some focus on large awards to lower-income families, others on lesser grants to middle class. You have to wade in and find out.

Originally Posted by Karennnnn

That said, aren't there educational loans available for private school? I've never heard of them but it seems like something I'd love to look into.

Unless your financial situation will change for the better soon, I'd advise against it. Eight years (plus high school) is a long period to be borrowing money every year.

Originally Posted by Karennnnn

Or you could look at it another way... Spend the money now and maybe your child will be smart enough to get a full scholarship to college lol!! Just kidding

The hardest thing for most people, from what I've heard, is paying what the college thinks you should pay out of your current income. If you've had to carry private school tuition for years, you are more ready to handle college costs, because you don't have to radically change your spending habits.

Good luck. David