Affording UPrep
As a student on financial aid, UPrep was always there for me, always found ways to make sure I had everything I needed, and made sure that I did not feel excluded or left out. For me, that was so important." –UPrep alum
Located in Seattle, as part of our independent school's mission, UPrep seeks to create a diverse student community. We recognize that, for some students, affording the full cost of attendance is not possible. For this reason, financial aid is an essential element, allowing us to welcome students from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
UPrep Financial Aid Program
This year, UPrep awarded $4.06M in need-based financial aid to almost 20% of our enrolled students. Financial aid comes in the form of grants, not loans, that do not need to be repaid. For the 2024–2025 academic year, these grants ranged from $8,190 to $45,950 and are supporting families with annual incomes ranging from $20,000 to more than $250,000. In determining each family’s contribution, we consider a number of factors including income and expenses, assets, unusual expenses, liabilities, and how many children are attending tuition-charging schools.
Our Financial Aid program covers not just tuition, but also all other fees associated with the UPrep experience. Students receiving financial aid also receive funds to assist with textbooks, lunch, transportation, technology, field trips and retreats, global experiences, dances, and other co-curricular activities.
For most related expenses, we use a percentage based model to determine the family’s contribution amount. This means that if a student has been given a tuition grant that is equivalent to 80 percent of the total cost of tuition, UPrep will also contribute 80 percent toward any fee associated with that student’s education here. Please read our Financial Aid Profiles for examples of this percentage-based approach.
Our financial aid program covers not just tuition but also all other fees associated with the UPrep experience.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
UPrep's Financial Aid program is designed to make a UPrep education possible for all families based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. UPrep is proud to use the Clarity application to determine a family's level of financial need based on the information that families share in the application which includes assets, income, expenses, and debts.
To get started, please go to the Clarity application and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity application is also mobile-friendly, so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $60 fee to submit, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools. If you are interested in a financial aid application fee waiver, please email financialaid@universityprep.org.
Please remember to return to your dashboard after you complete and submit your Clarity application, as UPrep requires you to upload additional tax documentation including:
- 2023 and 2024 Tax Return (Form 1040) and all applicable schedules
- 2023 and 2024 W2s and/or other income statements (ex: most recent pay stubs, Supplemental Security Income, Form 1099, etc.)
- Statement of Explanation (when applicable: see "Family Circumstances")
- Additional documents as needed
The deadlines for completing the financial aid application including providing relevant supplemental documents are Thursday, February 6 for Upper School applicants and Friday, March 6 for Middle School applicants.
Here are some tips for completing the financial aid application process:
- Begin gathering documents early! The financial aid application requires a lot of specific information regarding items like your household expenses, medical/dental expenses, investment/retirement funds, etc. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the application as soon as possible, so you can understand what information is required and begin collecting the documents you’ll want on hand to fill it out accurately.
- File your taxes as soon as possible. Your most up-to-date tax information is essential to completing the financial aid application. You will need to submit your 2023 and 2024 tax returns, including all schedules, K-1(s), form 1120s, and W2s to Clarity in order for your application to be complete. If this will not be possible given your circumstances, please be in touch with financialaid@universityprep.org as soon as possible.
- Explore resources from Clarity. If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the "Help" button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@claritytuition.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.
Financial Aid by Household Income
| Income Range | % of FA Recipients | FA Grant Range | FA Grant Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-$89,999 | 26.13% | $24,630 – $45,590 | $44,508 |
| $90,000-$129,000 | 6.31% | $36,290 – $45,650 | $42,816 |
| $130,000-$189,999 | 28.83% | $31,150 – $45,170 | $40,561 |
| $190,000+ | 38.74% | $8,190 – $40,900 | $27,300 |
UPrep does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran's status, disability, use of a trained service animal, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to admissions and administration of all of its programs, as well as to all areas of employment.