List of 10 frequently asked questions.

• What if I'm past your deadline?

  Applications for financial assistance will be reviewed as funds remain available. You may contact Susan Trenkle at financialassistance@collegiate-va.org or 804.740.4895.

• Is there an income cut-off?

  We do not make general statements about income eligibility because there are several other factors which can impact demonstrated need outside of income. However, families of various income levels may be eligible for financial assistance. 

• How is need determined?

  A completed Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) is used as the starting point. The PFS asks for information including, but not limited to, family size, number of children in tuition-charging schools, indebtedness, medical expenses, unusual expenses, as well as, income and other assets such as savings, investments and home equity. Our uniform document requirements allow for consistent and fair treatment of applicants and objectivity in application review. Collegiate considers the School and Student Services analysis along with a family's lifestyle choices in spending its financial resources and our own institutional discretion in making financial assistance awards. Available funds at any given time are also considered.

• What does Collegiate require in addition to the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS)?

  • Form 1040 federal tax return with all supporting schedules 
  • Forms W-2 and 1099 as applicable
  • For business owners, federal business tax return and all supporting schedules such as Form 1120-S or Form 1165 and Schedule K-1
  • Form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, if you have a child in college
  • For first-time applications, a copy of the student's Birth Certificate

  Note: Other documents will be required depending on family circumstances.

• What if I am divorced/separated or never married?

  We believe that both parents are responsible for contributing toward the educational costs of their children. Accordingly, both natural parents and/or guardians are required to complete the financial assistance application (if living in separate households) and provide the required additional documents. Exceptions are rare. No financial information will be shared with the other parent/guardian in the case of separate applications. If you have questions, please contact Susan Trenkle at financialassistance@collegiate-va.org or 804.740.4895.

• With whom is my information shared?

  All financial information is strictly safeguarded. Only those who are directly responsible for determining need will have access to your information. By necessity, the Student Billing Coordinator will also have knowledge of awards.

• What fees are there outside of tuition?

  Required Expenses:
  

  • Books and supplies for students not receiving financial assistance ($30-$750 depending on grade level)
  • A laptop computer is required for Grades 9-11 (minimum one-time cost of $700)
  • Athletic equipment/gear (sport specific)
  • AP Examinations/SAT/ACT

  
  Optional Expenses (among others):
  

  • Lunch plan (click here for lunch plan brochure)
  • Snack bar/Estes Café (separate from lunch plan)
  • Music lessons
  • After-school care
  • After-school enrichment programs
  • School-related travel
  • Athletic team apparel
  • Athletic camps

• Is there financial assistance for non-tuition related expenses?

  There are some funds available to help families with other costs such as school-related travel and activites and certain educational needs not included in the cost of tuition. There is an application process to be considered for these funds.
  
  Click here for the application for school-related travel. Click here for the application for other non-tuition related expenses.
  
  

  Some families receiving financial assistance may also be eligible for financial assistance for our after-school program.

• Can I use my 529 funds to pay tuition?

  A 529 plan is a savings plan that helps families save for future qualified education expenses. In a 529 account, your money can grow free from federal taxes and be used to fund qualified K-12 and higher education expenses. Virginia taxpayers enjoy the additional benefit of a state income tax deduction on contributions to their Virginia529 accounts.

  
  Starting January 2018, with the passing of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 529 account owners can also use up to $10,000 per year in 529 funds toward a beneficiary's private K-12 school tuition.

  
  Anyone wishing to use 529 funds for K-12 tuition expenses will need to first open up a Virginia529 account as they would for a college savings account. If you already have a 529 account, you may use those funds, up to $10,000 per calendar year, to pay for K-12 tuition costs. If you do not already have an account and choose to open one, you can do so at https://www.virginia529.com/new-savers/invest/.

   

• What payment plans are offered?

  • One-Payment Plan: Pay tuition in full by July 28.
  • Two-Payment Plan: Pay 60% of the tuition by July 28 and the remaining 40% by Jan. 28. This is the most widely used plan.
  • Ten-Payment Plan: Pay tuition in 10 monthly installments, beginning July 28, with subsequent payments due by the 28th day of each month through April. A surcharge is added to the annual tuition and divided into 10 installments.
  • Twelve-Payment Plan: Families with three or more children enrolled at Collegiate may divide their payments into 12 installments, with the first payment due in July and subsequent payments due by the 28th day of each month through June. A surcharge is added to the tuition and spread over the 12 installments.

  
  Financing options are available through Your Tuition Solution. For more information, you may call Jennifer Quindoza, Controller, at 804-741-9754.