Variable Tuition
Extending the opportunity for a Southside Christian School education to as many families as possible
What is Variable Tuition?
FAQs
❖ Who decides my Variable Tuition amount?
SCS uses an independent, third-party organization called FACTS, to collect the financial data used to determine the Variable Tuition. The analysis provided by FACTS, along with other information provided by the family on the application is used by the school to calculate the final Variable Tuition.
❖ Why do I have to provide this personal and confidential information?
FACTS must verify your expenses and household income to assist us in making an informed decision about the amount of financial assistance needed for each family.
❖ How can I check the status of my application?
Once you have completed the online application, you will be able to log on to the FACTS to check the status of your application. We will also email you the results within 10 business days of all information being verified.
❖ When will I be notified of our Financial Aid award? It takes approximately 3 weeks to complete the process. You will receive an email with award information as soon as it is available.
❖ Can I discuss my situation with SCS? If you have extenuating circumstances, there is a place on the application at the end to explain your situation.
❖ Do I need to apply every year?
Yes, a new application is needed for each year.
❖ If I do not qualify for the Variable Tuition this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes, we recognize a family's unique financial situation may change from year to year. A family that does not qualify this year is always welcome to apply for the following year.
❖ Does variable tuition apply to the Preschool program?
No, Variable Tuition is only available for Kindergarten-8th grade students.
❖ Will my application for Variable Tuition influence my student's application for admission?
No, Variable Tuition is calculated independently from admission decisions.
❖ We have not yet completed our taxes. How will this affect our process?
Please make your best estimates and submit by the deadline, May 15th. You may return to your application and update as needed. Upload the tax documents once completed.
How does it work?
Variable tuition offers families of Kindergarten-8th grade students the opportunity to apply for a discounted tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate.
Our Variable Tuition program is a sliding scale in which families pay a percentage of tuition based on factors including annual household income, bank account and investment portfolio total (not including retirement accounts), mortgage/rent and other debt payments. This is an optional program and only interested families need to apply in order to participate. The process replicates the familiar process of applying for a scholarship/tuition assistance.
We use a confidential third-party company called FACTS to assist us in determining if you qualify for a variable tuition. We are here to help throughout the process and answer questions that may come up. If you can't find the answer here, please feel free to reach out. As in everything we do, we strive to treat every family with care and respect for the individual. All information remains confidential.
Variable tuition allows discounts as high as 50% of the full tuition amount.
Here are the steps to apply:
Step 1: Submit an application which includes a $40 non-refundable application fee. The application will require you to submit your Federal 1040 Form for 2023.
Applications must be submitted by May 15th.
Step 2: After submitting your application, FACTS will review all of your information. Please note, this can take 1-2 weeks.
Step 3: Within 10 business days after FACTS has verified your information, SCS will email you with your tuition rate for the 24-25 school year. This whole process takes approximately 3 weeks. Monthly payments start in July.