Financial Assistance
We believe that extraordinary students should be rewarded with extraordinary opportunities.
That’s why, all the way back in 1921, Walter Annenberg was accepted and enrolled at Peddie, having been denied admission at other schools because of his religious and ethnic background. Peddie saw promise in him. Annenberg went on to lead one of America’s most influential media empires. In 1993, he awarded Peddie the largest financial gift ever given to an independent boarding school. His goal was to ensure that deserving students could attend Peddie, no matter the cost.
At Peddie, we are committed to finding ways to help extraordinary students attend our school. Almost 40% of our students receive financial assistance, including merit-based scholarships.
23 Questions with Peddie
Director of Financial Aid Peter Park ’07 is the best tour guide there is, whether you’re navigating your financial aid application or just trying to find the library.
Frequently asked questions
Will applying for financial assistance affect admission decisions?
Admission applications are reviewed without regard for a family’s ability to pay. Only in the final phase of the selection process is the committee “need aware” when weighing admission decisions against available funds. If you think you need assistance, you should apply.
If we receive financial assistance in our first year at Peddie, will we receive the same award in subsequent years?
You must reapply every year for financial assistance. You can expect your level of funding to be consistent each year as long as your family’s financial circumstances remain consistent. Adjustments in financial assistance awards are made based on income, employment, number of children in tuition-charging schools, etc.
If we do not receive financial assistance in our first year at Peddie, is there a chance we might get it in subsequent years?
You may apply for financial assistance each year and, depending on the applicant pool, additional financial assistance may be available, but it is most prudent to assume that you will not get assistance. Financial assistance requests for students currently enrolled (but not receiving financial assistance) are reviewed after determinations are made for new students and current students receiving assistance who have completed all application requirements on time.
Are international students considered for financial assistance?
Peddie has exceptionally limited funds available for international applicants. However, all students who complete their application and interview by our deadline of January 15 will be considered for our selective merit scholarships.
Does Peddie offer scholarships?
Peddie offers a select number of merit scholarships. Merit scholars come from diverse backgrounds. We select them based on their ability to strengthen all aspects of our community and make the most of their Peddie experience.
Merit scholarships are open to all applicants regardless of financial need.
Are there any special obligations for students who receive financial assistance?
Financial assistance recipients have no work commitment beyond that of any Peddie student. We expect each student, regardless of financial assistance, to maintain the high personal and academic qualities evidenced at the time of admission to Peddie.
What if we have more than one child in school?
The Financial Aid Committee will take tuition expenses into consideration for all children in schools that charge tuition (excluding graduate school). Peddie requires that families apply for assistance at each institution in which they have a child enrolled. Peddie cannot subsidize tuition for other tuition-charging schools.
When will we be notified about our financial assistance determination?
New students: If the completed financial assistance application and all supporting documents are received on time, you will receive your financial assistance determination with your admission decision on March 10. Late applications will be considered upon completion and those financial assistance decisions are dependent on the amount of funds available.
Returning students renewing financial assistance applications: If the completed financial assistance application is received on time, returning student families will receive award notifications when issued the re-enrollment contract.
Does Peddie provide fee waivers?
Yes, Peddie grants means-based application fee waivers to students who qualify for financial assistance. Families who qualify for a fee waiver for the Parents’ Financial Statement, as determined by SSS, will be eligible to receive a fee waiver for the Standard Application Online (SAO). If you have questions about this process, please contact financialaid@peddie.org.
What if our financial situation is changing significantly right now?
If extenuating circumstances are affecting your family’s financial stability, please submit the documentation that outlines these factors as part of your financial assistance application.
Parents who return to school or change jobs as a personal choice must realize that a resulting decrease in their family income cannot be underwritten by financial assistance from Peddie.
If parents are divorced or separated, who fills out the financial assistance application?
Each parent/family/household, regardless of custodial arrangements, must submit a complete financial assistance application.
What if we own our own business or farm?
If you own a business or farm, you must submit tax documentation for partnerships and corporations to School and Student Services (SSS) (IRS Schedule K-1, Form 1065, Form 1120, Form 1120S).
What if our family’s financial situation is complicated?
Please submit a detailed letter about any circumstances that Peddie should consider when determining your financial need. Be as specific as possible with dates and figures.
Few things are as essential as education.”
Your financial assistance team
Ask them anything at fa@peddie.org.
Peter Park
Michael O'Neill
M.A., SUNY Buffalo MAH
