Financial Aid

Students in all grades are eligible to apply for financial aid; however, funding is typically reserved for the main school entry points of sixth and ninth grades.

Malvern Prep does not offer traditional merit scholarships awarded primarily based on entrance exam scores. 

Instead, a select number of Augustinian Fellowship Awards—typically about five each year from an applicant pool of more than 250—are granted to top applicants entering 9th Grade. These awards are determined through a highly selective, holistic committee review process that includes admission officers, counselors, academic and school community representatives, and members of school leadership.

Exemplary entrance exam results, generally within the very top range of the applicant pool, are considered, but equal or greater emphasis is placed on mission alignment, leadership potential, community involvement, and overall academic achievement. Augustinian Fellowship Awards are conferred at the time of admission and require no separate application.

Though a prospective student-athlete may qualify for need-based financial aid, Malvern Prep does not offer athletic scholarships.

Due to the personal nature of each family’s financial profile, as well as the complexity of the factors considered in the financial aid application, there is no set minimum or maximum income threshold to qualify for need-based aid. Factors such as a family’s net income and assets are weighed against others, including but not limited to household expenses, debts, and the number of children attending tuition-charging schools.

Malvern receives an increasingly high volume of requests for financial aid each year with respect to limited funding and budgetary constraints. For this reason, need-based financial aid is competitive, and students may be offered admission but not financial aid.

529 Plans are tax-advantaged investment accounts to save for educational expenses. Traditionally intended for college tuition, recent tax reforms enable families to disperse up to $10,000 from 529 accounts to pay for private school tuition. Please note: Regulations vary by state and are subject to change.

School policy requires that divorced, separated, or remarried parents submit the information of both natural parents and step-parents when applicable. In addition, guardians of students or students residing with relatives or grandparents must submit the financial data for the appropriate parties. Trusts, court decrees, and/or divorce settlements must also be submitted to our Admissions Office. All documentation will be kept confidential.

We take a holistic approach when reviewing each family’s Clarity application, looking at income, assets, liabilities, family size, and necessary expenses such as medical and transportation costs. While some allowances are made for retirement savings and similar obligations, families should understand that, in general, we expect most available discretionary income to be prioritized for tuition. We also consider overall spending patterns and lifestyle choices so that aid is directed to families who genuinely need support in order to make a Malvern education possible.

These may include—but are not limited to—country or social club memberships, second homes or rental properties, multiple or luxury vehicles, frequent travel or vacations, private athletic training, and high-cost extracurricular activities. While we understand that every family has unique circumstances, we expect families to prioritize educational expenses when seeking need-based aid.

Not necessarily. However, families whose discretionary spending significantly impacts their demonstrated need may receive a reduced award—or no award at all. Our goal is to direct aid to families who are making reasonable financial decisions in light of the costs associated with an independent school education.

If you experience a significant change in circumstances—such as job loss, medical hardship, or other unforeseen events—you are welcome to contact us to discuss a possible re-evaluation. Appeals should be submitted in writing to financialaid@malvernprep.org.