Financial Aid FAQ
What is financial aid?
Financial aid consists of funds given to families who demonstrate a financial need for assistance with tuition expenses at GPS. Funds are made available by hundreds of donors who are interested in making a GPS education available to outstanding girls who would otherwise be unable to afford such an opportunity. Awards are provided by GPS and do not have to be paid back.
How is financial aid determined?
To determine need, GPS uses the services of the School and Student Service (SSS) for Financial Aid in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This service uses information provided by the family on a Parents' Financial Statement (PFS) which asks for income, expenses, assets and liabilities. The family completes the PFS online. SSS computes the information provided by the family and determines an estimated need. The Report of Family Contribution is sent from Pittsburgh to GPS. The Financial Aid Committee at GPS uses this estimated need as a guideline in making awards.
Who can apply?
Anyone can apply for financial aid, but only students who have been accepted to GPS and demonstrate financial need, as determined by the School and Student Service, can be considered.
How much financial aid may I expect to receive?
Each case is considered individually. Every family should expect to contribute something toward their daughter's education. The total amount received will be based on demonstrated financial need, and the availability of funds at GPS.
Where do I get an application for financial aid?
The PFS is available to be completed online after November 15 at http://sss.nais.org. If you have application questions, you may contact Andrew Phelps of GPS at (423) 634-5440, or email andrewp@gps.edu, or NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) at (800) 344-8328, or email sss@nais.org.
Is there a deadline to be considered for financial aid?
The deadline to file the online PFS for all current students and new students is January 15. Although additional applications will be accepted after this date, it is possible that funds will be exhausted.
Is financial aid renewable each year?
A new PFS must be filed each year. Changes in your financial status may affect the size of your award.
What if there is a situation involving divorce and/or stepparents?
GPS expects both the custodial and non-custodial parents to participate in the support of their daughter at GPS. It is up to all parties involved to communicate and participate in good faith in the responsibilities. Custodial and non-custodial parents will be expected to submit a financial aid form.
Are merit scholarships available?
GPS does not award merit-based scholarships.
Are athletic scholarships available?
No, GPS does not offer athletic scholarships.
Are there any restrictions on financial aid students?
Each financial aid recipient is expected to maintain the highest academic standards for her, to conduct herself in a responsible and honorable manner, and to play an active role in the daily life of the school community. Failure to meet these expectations may result in review of financial assistance by the Financial Aid Committee midyear and/or at the end of the school year.
When will I be notified if I have received financial aid?
Financial aid decision notification will be made to new students in their acceptance packets. Notification to families currently receiving awards will take place by mid-March. After these dates, financial assistance is awarded only as funds are available.
