Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid at Harrisburg Academy

Who may apply for financial aid?
Anyone may apply. The following table may help you measure your own family circumstances relative to affording an Academy education. Please keep in mind that this is only a guideline as each family's financial circumstance is unique. Awards may vary according to your family size, scope and nature of family assets, number of children in tuition-charging schools, and other factors.  If you feel that the cost of an Academy education may be beyond your reach, then you should complete the aid application forms.

How do we obtain a financial aid application?
Families can complete a Parent Financial Statement (PFS) online or send in a paper version.  Please refer to this information sheet for details.

How does Harrisburg Academy determine financial aid awards?
Financial aid is determined through analysis of a family’s financial resources, including both income and assets. To determine fair and equitable aid awards, the Academy subscribes to the principles and the needs analysis system of the School and Student Service (SSS) for Financial Aid as provided by the National Association. Families can complete a PFS online or send in a paper version. To complete the application process, families must also send to SSS a copy of complete 2009 and 2010 tax returns with all schedules and W-2s. Families filing tax returns in the United States must sign, but not date, Form 4506-T and also send the form in to SSS. SSS will process the application and make the results available to Harrisburg Academy's Office of Admission and Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Committee uses this information to make decisions about financial aid awards.

If I am self-employed or own my own business, do we need to include any additional forms?
Yes, if you are self-employed or own your own business, you must also provide a copy of your 2009 and 2010 Schedule C and/or E along with any other pertinent information as part of your completed return.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Harrisburg Academy's Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

What if parents are divorced or separated?
The Financial Aid Committee will consider the assets of both natural parents before making an award. Thus, both the custodial and the non-custodial parent need to file a separate PFS and send in a copy of their complete 2009 and 2010 tax returns will all supporting schedules and W-2s to SSS. If either parent is remarried, the assets of the stepparent are considered, bearing in mind the obligations of that stepparent to his or her natural children. Parents should feel free to contact the Director of Admission and Financial Aid if they have any specific questions regarding their divorced or separated status.

If we have more than one child applying for financial aid, do we have to complete more than one financial aid application?
No. Please note that the Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) now allows you to apply for up to three children.

What if our tax information isn't available at the time of the application?
If your 2010 tax forms are not completed by the application deadline, then estimate your tax information on the PFS form and be sure to also submit your complete 2009 tax return. The PFS must be submitted by March 1 to ensure preliminary consideration among the initial group of awards. Final action will not be taken, however, until the entire application procedure, including the receipt of tax forms, has been completed. Initial computations based on the PFS will be adjusted to reflect figures shown on the tax forms.

What happens if we miss the deadlines?
Meeting the March deadline is imperative. Funds are not reserved for late applications or for those whose PFS or tax forms are received after stated deadlines. Families applying late, however, should proceed, realizing that limited funds, may be available, but are not guaranteed.

When will we be notified if we receive an award?
The Office of Admission and Financial Aid will mail financial aid decisions to parents of all newly admitted students within three weeks of the family's acceptance of the offer of admission.  If deadlines are met, returning families will receive their financial aid award in March and April.  Financial aid award letters must be accepted within the stipulated deadline, typically two weeks from the date of the letter.

What kind of financial aid awards can we expect in following years?
Financial aid awards are subject to review annually, and families must file new applications each year. Provided that the family's financial circumstances have not changed, the family may assume that its financial aid will be renewed at the original level of funding.  

Is our application confidential?
Yes. All applications for financial aid are held in strictest confidence throughout the application process. Only the Director of Admission and Financial Aid and members of the Financial Aid Committee have access to the records.

Is there financial assistance for the application fee?
Waivers for the financial aid application are available based on the national guidelines for free and reduced lunch.  To determine if your family is eligible for a fee waiver for the financial aid application, please contact the Director of Admission and Financial Aid.