Admissions Expert Ryan Abramson
Are you looking for private school financial aid?
Toolbox For K-12 Parents
Trying to figure out how to pay for private school can be stressful. You might be asking, “How does my family get financial aid for private school?” or “Where do we even start?” The truth is, you’re not alone—and there’s a smart, honest way to get the help your family needs.
Ryan Abramson has spent more than 25 years helping families just like yours make sense of the financial aid process. Based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Ryan leads Oakridge Leaders, where he uses his real-world experience to guide families through every step of applying for aid.
Understanding Financial Aid Options for Private Schools
Navigating the world of private school financial aid can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. There are a lot of words: SAO (Standard Application Online) - the SSAT - the HSPT (High School Placement Test) - Clarity - SSS - FACTS - and more!
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As someone who has worked in admissions and financial aid for decades, Ryan understands the questions parents have, the mistakes that can be avoided, and the best ways to maximize support. His goal is simple: take a confusing process and make it clear and manageable.
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Ryan believes that knowledge is power. When families have the right information—and a plan—they can unlock opportunities that might have felt out of reach. He doesn’t sugarcoat things, but he always keeps it real. And that honesty is exactly what families need when they’re making big decisions about their child’s education.
COMMON FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
Key To Getting Financial Aid #1
Be Honest
Will the school find out about our beach house, trust fund, or fancy vacations?
Yes. Most schools use financial aid software like Clarity, and trained financial aid officers are skilled at spotting inconsistencies. It’s nearly impossible to lie your way through the process—and it’s not worth trying.
As a longtime private school and Catholic school financial aid director, I can promise you this: honesty builds trust, and trust gets results.
Key To Getting Financial Aid #2
Don't Be Embarrassed
You’re not alone. I’ve spoken with thousands of families over the years, and the truth is—I forgot the details of each case as soon as the meeting ended. That’s why I always took notes.
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Financial aid professionals care about confidentiality. Our job is to help—not judge. Don't let embarrassment stop you from getting the support your family deserves.
YOU CAN BE YOUR BEST ADVOCATE!
Types of Private School Financial Aid
Need-Based Grants
Grants are the most common form of financial aid at private and Catholic schools. These are based on your family’s financial situation and don’t need to be repaid. They often come directly from the school’s budget.
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How does private school financial aid work when it comes to grants?
Most schools calculate your need using a tool like the Clarity financial aid program, which evaluates income, assets, and family size. It’s not about having zero income—it's about showing what your family can reasonably contribute.
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Key Ryan Abramson Tip: In most cases, a "grant" is just uncollected tuition. There’s no secret bank account—it’s simply a discount that makes the school more affordable for your family.
Scholarships
Scholarships are typically merit-based. Some are for academics, others for the arts or athletics. But not every school offers them.
Do all private schools offer scholarships?
No. Some top-tier independent schools actually avoid merit scholarships altogether. They believe every admitted student is already exceptional. But many Catholic schools and smaller independent schools do offer them—especially at the middle and high school levels.
Payment Plans
If you can’t pay all at once, don’t panic. Most private schools offer flexible options.
What if I can’t pay the tuition upfront?
You’ll usually see plans that let you pay monthly (often over 10 months), quarterly, or semi-annually. Just be aware—there’s often a small fee to spread out payments.
Tips and Tricks to Getting Financial Aid
Knowledge is Power When Applying for Financial Aid to Private, Independent and Catholic Schools
Here’s what works, plain and simple:
✅ Start Early
Deadlines come fast. Start gathering your documents as soon as you start applying to schools. Early applicants often receive better awards.
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✅ Be Thorough
Use Clarity or whichever platform the school recommends. Double-check your numbers. A small error can cause delays—or hurt your chances.
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✅ Share Special Circumstances
Lost a job? Caring for a family member? Dealing with medical bills? Speak up. You never know—there may be a donor or scholarship that fits your exact situation.
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✅ Explore Outside Scholarships
Search online and ask around. You’d be surprised how many small organizations offer help. Look for “elementary private school scholarships” or “high school scholarships near me.”
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✅ Connect With the School’s Financial Aid Office
These people are your allies. Be respectful, be real—and don’t be afraid to ask for a grant. The worst they can say is “no,” but they might just say “yes.”