Financing a Boarding School Education (Updated September 16, 2025)
Sending a child to boarding school is a major financial commitment. With tuition now rivaling or exceeding the cost of many colleges, families are asking how they can realistically make this investment in 2025. The good news is that financial aid, scholarships, and new tuition models are expanding, giving more families access to these opportunities.
This guide provides the latest data, practical advice, and real-world examples to help families plan for a boarding school education in today’s landscape.
Tuition Costs in 2025
Boarding school tuition has continued to rise in recent years, though financial aid is helping offset the increases for many families. According to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS):
The median tuition for seven-day boarding is about $72,000 per year.
Five-day boarding averages between $58,000–$65,000, depending on region.
Day tuition is typically lower, averaging $35,000–$40,000. (NAIS)
Individual schools can vary widely. For instance:
Blue Ridge School (VA) lists 2025–26 seven-day boarding at $68,850 and five-day boarding at $57,500.
Army and Navy Academy (CA) charges $60,750 for boarding students and $41,800 for day students.
These figures underscore the importance of looking at both sticker price and net cost after aid.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The majority of boarding schools now provide substantial financial assistance. Trends for 2025 include:
Between 25% and 40% of boarding school students receive some form of need-based aid. (NAIS)
The median financial aid award is roughly $21,000–$25,000.
Elite schools with large endowments are increasingly adopting sliding-scale tuition models, pegging costs to a family’s income.
Some schools cap tuition at 10% of household income for families under specific thresholds.
For example, Peddie School (NJ) now dedicates over $11 million annually to financial aid, with awards often covering 70% or more of tuition.
Other Costs to Plan For
Beyond tuition, families should budget for:
Uniforms, books, and supplies: $1,000–$3,500
Travel and transportation: varies, especially for international students
Health insurance: $500–$2,000 annually
Extracurriculars and trips: can add several thousand per year
These “hidden costs” can significantly affect affordability, particularly for families not receiving aid.
New Models of Affordability
Boarding schools are innovating to broaden access:
Sliding-scale tuition: Deerfield Academy offers free tuition to families earning under $150,000 and caps costs for higher incomes.
Full-ride scholarships: Rare, but available at certain schools for outstanding students with financial need.
Greater transparency: More schools are now publishing average net tuition and typical aid packages, helping families make informed comparisons.
Families can also explore lists of least expensive boarding schools to identify options that may align with their budgets.
How Families Really Pay
In practice, most families use a mix of strategies:
School-based aid — the largest source of help.
External scholarships — from foundations, nonprofits, or community organizations.
Payment plans — monthly installments instead of lump-sum tuition.
Savings and 529 plans — some families use education savings accounts that cover K–12 private tuition. (U.S. Department of Education)
Questions to Ask Schools
When researching, parents should press for clear answers:
What percentage of students receive aid, and what’s the average award?
Does the school offer merit scholarships in addition to need-based aid?
What is the total net cost, including fees and extras?
How stable is the financial aid program?
Expert Perspectives
“Sticker price can be shocking, but families should know that published tuition is not what most pay. The average award significantly lowers the cost.”
— Sarah Levin, Director of Financial Aid, NAIS
“Affordability has become a competitive advantage. Schools that clearly communicate net costs and offer income-based tuition models are attracting a more diverse applicant pool.”
— Mark Hamilton, Admissions Director, Blue Ridge School
Conclusion
In 2025, the cost of a boarding school education is higher than ever—but so are the opportunities for financial assistance. With median tuition over $70,000 and rising, families must be proactive, researching aid options, asking tough questions, and comparing net costs rather than headline prices.
The landscape is improving. More schools are committing millions in aid, adopting sliding-scale tuition, and publishing clearer affordability data. For families willing to explore and apply early, a boarding school education can be an attainable investment in their child’s future.
