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Helping Families Afford a Harding Education
We know choosing a Christian school is a financial sacrifice for many families. We are committed to making a Harding education as affordable as possible. There are three primary avenues of tuition assistance available–scholarships, state funds, and financial aid. We also offer a discount for families with multiple children enrolled. See below for details.
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Multi-Child Discount
Multi-Child Discount: A family’s second enrolled child receives a $400 tuition discount per year. Each additional child receives a $600 discount per year.
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Scholarships
Several third-party scholarships are available for Harding families.
MOST Scholarship
The MOST Scholarship is available for preschool–grade 2. The MOST McDonnell Scholarship is available for rising 9th graders. https://www.memphisscholarships.org/Additional Scholarships
For information about additional third-party scholarships, please contact the admissions office. -
State Assistance Programs (ESA and EFS)
ESA
The Tennessee Department of Education’s Education Savings Account Program allows eligible students to use state and local money toward education expenses, including tuition and/or fees. Families must apply through the state website here.EFS
The Tennessee Department of Education’s Educational Freedom Scholarship Program (EFS) allows K–12 students to use state funds toward education expenses, prioritizing tuition and fees. Applications are considered on a first-come first-served basis. Families must apply through the state website here and designate Harding Academy as their school. -
Financial Aid
All families applying for financial aid must first apply for the state ESA and EFS programs (see details above).
Financial aid is available for families with students in grades K–12 and is determined by an independent, third-party provider—FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment.
Families should submit their completed tuition assistance applications by February 1 to receive priority consideration for awards. Applications for tuition assistance will continue to be accepted after March 1 for the upcoming school year. However, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to additional limitations based on available funding.
Financial Aid FAQs
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How is financial need determined?
Financial need is defined as the difference between tuition and the amount the family is able to pay. Factors used to determine financial need include but are not limited to family income, assets (home equity, college funds, investments), family size, the number of children attending tuition-charging institutions (excluding daycare, preschool, and graduate school), medical expenses, school loans, and other debts. Harding Academy uses the services of FACTS to determine financial need.
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Is tuition assistance automatically renewed each year?
No. Families receiving tuition assistance must reapply each year. Changes in income, family status, and the number of children attending tuition-charging institutions may cause an increase or decrease to an award.
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What if families apply for tuition assistance for more than one student to attend Harding Academy?
Both natural parents need to identify each child for whom they are applying for assistance on the FACTS online application. If parents are married, only one application per household is required. If parents are separated, divorced, or never married, all parents who are legally obligated to pay for educational expenses are required to complete an application for their respective household.
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What if the parents are divorced, separated, or never married?
The tuition assistance committee will consider the income and assets of both natural parents, if living, before making an award.
If either parent remarries, the committee will also consider the income and assets of the step-parent, keeping in mind the obligation of that step-parent to his or her natural children. If either parent lives in a household with another adult, Harding Academy may consider the income and assets of that individual depending on the circumstances.
In view of this policy, it is necessary for both natural parents and their current spouses, if applicable, to complete FACTS application(s) as instructed online. If all required applications and forms are not received, the Tuition Assistance Committee will not review the application. If you are seeking an exception to this policy based on special circumstances such as court orders, please submit your request in writing to the tuition assistance committee.
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Does the fact that one parent does not work have an effect on a tuition assistance award?
Yes. If one parent does not work, annual compensation based upon a 40-hour workweek earning minimum wage will be imputed when determining eligibility. This imputation of income will not take place when the non-working parent is caring for a pre-school or disabled child or a disabled or elderly parent. Please address this factor in the remarks section of the online application.
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When and how will I receive notification on the status of my application for tuition assistance?
Processing of fully completed applications will start in March. Once a decision is made, families will receive notification by email of either the amount of assistance awarded or a declination of their application for assistance. This communication will come in mid-March.
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Will my tuition deposit be refunded if I withdraw my student after an application for tuition assistance is denied, or if I choose not to accept the tuition assistance award?
No. The tuition deposit is required to reserve your student’s position for the next school year. It is non-refundable.
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What should I do if I have additional questions about tuition assistance at Harding Academy?
Contact customer support at FACTS with any questions regarding the online application process, including questions regarding tax information and other supporting documents. If you have a question they are unable to answer, please email the tuition assistance office.