ADMISSIONS
Tuition FAQs
General FAQs
Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows families to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their families’ financial situation. Thus, this makes a Traverse City Christian education affordable to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.
Any family (current or new) of a kindergarten through twelfth-grade student may apply for Variable Tuition if they are concerned about affording the full tuition rate at Traverse City Christian School and they think they may qualify for the program. Many factors are considered when determining the tuition amount a family is able to pay, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family. The resources available for the family in a given year must also be considered in light of the Variable Tuition awards available at Traverse City Christian.
An application for Variable Tuition does not affect the re-enrollment or admission process. Regardless of financial need, parents should initiate the re-enrollment or admission process as early as possible. Families may apply for Variable Tuition only after they have applied for re-enrollment or admission to the school.
It is not possible for a family or the school to estimate the tuition level for which a family qualifies without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. Applications are submitted directly to FACTS Management, a third-party agency. FACTS Management evaluates the application based on criteria set by the school and makes a recommendation to the school’s Variable Tuition team. Families are notified of the tuition level for which they qualify from the school’s financial office.
Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every deserving student. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.
Yes.
Typically within 2 weeks of providing all the required information to our confidential third-party service.
During the “Early Decision” and “Open Enrollment” portion of our Application Timeline the cost to apply for Variable Tuition is $30. During “Special Consideration” and “Mid Year Transfer” timeframes the cost is $50.
Prospective Family FAQs
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.
Yes. For new students, application to Traverse City Christian School and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to exit range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive Variable Tuition that is more than our published range.
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. A student may be admitted to the school but placed on a waiting list for Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.
No. The Traverse City Christian School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to financialaid@tcchristian.org
Current Families FAQs
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.
Yes. A family that does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.
Yes. Re-enrolling Traverse City Christian students who submit an application by the published deadline will receive priority consideration.
Yes. For returning students, the re-enrollment agreement must be completed before the application for Variable Tuition can be considered.
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to exit range of Variable Tuition to those who are at the entry level of the range. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.
No. Every family is required to make a financial investment in their child’s education. Our commitment to providing Variable Tuition means that we are sharing in that investment with you. No family will receive Variable Tuition that is more than our published range.
No. The Traverse City Christian School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.
Questions about Variable Tuition should be directed to financialaid@tcchristian.org