We invest in the power of young women and believe that an NCS education
should be available to girls with ability and promise, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Deadlines to Submit

 
Current NCS Families: Dec. 1, 2018
New Applicant Families: Jan. 15, 2019
 
Please note that applications for admission are also due by Jan. 15, 2019.

Financial Aid Downloads

Financial Aid

Education is enhanced by diversity, and one of our strategic goals is creating an increasingly inclusive school. So that our community includes families of every socioeconomic status, NCS provides more than $4 million in financial aid annually. For 2019-2020, 19% of the student body receives financial aid. Amounts range from 7% to 98% of total tuition costs, and the average award for tuition is $34,233; NCS also makes awards for extracurricular activities, including Extended Day, travel opportunities, and more.
 
Financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, which we define as the difference between a student's educational expenses and the family's resources. NCS does not offer academic, artistic, or athletic scholarships.

How to Apply

All families who feel that paying for NCS would create financial hardship are encouraged to apply for aid. If in doubt, apply. All financial aid information is kept confidential and separate from student records. Applications for financial aid are considered after an admission decision has been reached. Policies and Procedures can be read in full here.
 
NCS uses recommendations from Tuition Aid Data Services (TADS), a data-analytics service, in determining eligibility for financial assistance. Applicants for financial aid need to complete a Financial Aid Assessment directly through TADS. Be sure to list National Cathedral School as a recipient. For assistance, please call the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 202-537-6374.
 
To apply for financial aid, please submit the following via TADS:
  • One-page signed policy acknowledgment of Financial Aid Policies and Procedures;
  • A financial-aid application; and
  • Your 2016 and 2017 tax forms (including W-2s) and other required documents.
Include all applicable tax schedules. Those who own private businesses, rental properties or farms should submit complete business tax returns. Those with limited partnerships must provide copies of the partnership return and K-1s. We maintain strict confidentiality of all financial materials you provide.
 
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 202-537-6374.

List of 8 frequently asked questions.

  • Q. Can you consider our application for financial aid if we have not provided all the requested information?

    No. We cannot grant financial aid to a family if the application is incomplete. TADS will notify you if your application is incomplete or any supplemental information is required.

  • Q. How are my financial status and ability to pay evaluated if I am separated or divorced?

    NCS believes that the primary responsibility for paying for a student’s education rests with parents having legal custody for the student. Financial aid is awarded based on ability to pay, not willingness to pay. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all parents with legal custody to complete all steps in the application process. Please contact the Office of Admission and Financial Aid with any questions.

  • Q. If my student received financial aid for one year, will we automatically receive aid each of the following years?

    No, you must reapply for financial aid every year. As long as your family’s financial situation does not change significantly, you will likely continue to qualify for a similar level of assistance.

  • Q. Does NCS offer a sibling discount?

    NCS does not offer a sibling discount. If enrolling two students in an independent school presents a financial burden to your family, we encourage you to apply for financial aid.

  • Q. How much does it cost to apply for financial aid?

    The fee for completing your TADS assessment is $39 (no matter how many schools you are applying to). The turnaround time is approximately one week after the receipt of all documents. If you prefer to mail in a paper copy of your assessment and supporting documents, there is a much longer turnaround time, so we highly recommend you complete your TADS financial aid assessment online. NCS has a limited number of fee waivers available for families; please contact our office at 202-537-6374 for more information.

  • Q. How is our family's financial need determined?

    TADS uses the information you provide to determine the amount your family can contribute toward your student’s educational expenses. The result of this evaluation is reported to NCS, as well as to any other schools to which you are applying that use TADS for financial aid analysis. Some factors taken into account are: income (both taxable and nontaxable), assets (home equity, savings, bonds, etc.), expenses, indebtedness, family size, and the number of students attending tuition-charging schools.

  • Q. Do we have other options if our family's full need is not met?

    We offer payment plans that may help make payments easier on your family’s budget. You may also look for other forms of financial assistance that may be available through your place of employment, community organizations, or local foundations.

  • Q. Other questions related to financial aid?

    Please don’t hesitate to phone the Office of Admission and Financial Aid at 202-537-6374.