A  UCDS education is an investment in your child's future. UCDS provides a quality education that will equip your child with a solid academic foundation and a lifelong love of learning. We understand the importance of making a UCDS education available to all families and make this possible by offering financial aid and payment plans.

Financial Aid

Financial aid awards are just that - awards. They are not loans and do not have to be paid back. Awards are based on financial need and are computed individually. Several factors are used to determine the amount of the award including family income, debt and school tuition for other children in the family. Decisions are made by the Financial Aid Committee based on recommendations from the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) office.

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?

1. Ask for the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) by calling 206-547-UCDS (8237) or emailing financialaid@ucds.org.

2. Complete and submit financial aid forms to School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) as soon as possible and prior to the due date. Please give complete and accurate information. If PFS applications are submitted late or with incomplete information, families may get only a fraction-or none-of the aid for which they might be eligible. You may submit your PFS either by standard mail or online. The deadline for submission is no later than February 15, 2008.

3. Please make a copy of your completed PFS and submit it to UCDS by February 15, 2008. Include a copy of your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040) with all supporting schedules and 1099 and W-2 form(s). Final decisions by the UCDS Financial Aid Committee will be based on the most recent tax year's data. If the current year's document is unavailable before February 15, 2008, a tentative award will be made based on the previous year's tax data. This award will be contingent upon receipt of the most recent tax year's data (due no later than April 20, 2008) and may fluctuate according to changes in your financial situation.

4. If you receive income from a trade or your own business, please request a Business/Farm statement to be submitted with your financial aid forms. If you are divorced, separated, or have never been married, both parents will need to submit separate PFS forms.

5. Families new to UCDS will be notified of their aid status when they receive their enrollment contract. Current UCDS families will be notified at the end of April.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my child's admission be affected if we apply for financial aid?

  Not at all. The admission process is separate from the financial aid process. A student must first be accepted by the Admission Committee before his or her financial aid application can be considered by the Financial Aid Committee. The Financial Aid Committee will then determine whether a student receives an award and how much will be granted for the academic year. What determines whether or not a student qualifies for financial aid? All financial aid awards are based on financial need. Financial aid awards are computed individually based on recommendations from the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS). SSS uses a uniform methodology in which a family's unique financial circumstances are assessed in a consistent manner. Keep in mind, financial aid is not determined solely by income; other factors including assets, debts and additional children in tuition-charging schools, are also considered.

• Do all financial aid awards cover the full cost of tuition?

  No. The Financial Aid Committee awards scholarships and makes financial aid decisions based on each family's financial need. Some grants may provide up to the cost of a full tuition. The average financial aid award for the 2007-08 school year is equivalent to approximately 52% tuition.

• When will I hear about a financial aid decision?

  Financial aid applicants new to UCDS are notified of the status of their awards with their acceptance letter.

• After receiving an award, do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

  Yes. All financial aid recipients need to reapply each year for financial aid. With that said, UCDS is committed to supporting current financial aid families who qualify for aid in subsequent years.

• Some schools tend to have costs outside of tuition. Is there help with these costs?

  Yes. For families needing extra help, we have funds available to defray the full cost of field trips, our extended day program, and other additional costs. If UCDS provides at least 40% financial assistance for tuition, then required curricular charges will be supported as the same percentages.

• Is there a discount for siblings?

  We do not give discounts for siblings. However, families are welcome to apply for financial aid for each child.

• How do I apply for financial aid if I'm separated or divorced?

  For families that are divorced or separated, we request complete financial information from both natural parents. Both parents send separate PFS forms and all accompanying materials to UCDS. All adults (stepparents, significant others, partners, grandparents, etc.) contributing to household income are also required to disclose financial information. Failure to produce necessary documents can jeopardize the granting of awards.

  SSS then makes recommendations for contribution for each household. The Committee takes into consideration the total contribution of both households and the number of adults contributing to each household. The award is then granted to the student not the parents. A letter of award is sent to each household. UCDS expects the parents to make their own payments.

• Do I have to pay back financial aid?

  No. Financial aid is used to offset the cost of a UCDS education. Aid awarded by UCDS is a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid by the family.

• Do I have to pay my tuition all at once?

  No. There are several tuition payment options for families at UCDS. These options will be outlined when an enrollment contract is offered.