August 08, 2023
Making private school tuition affordable
By Kari Stockwell, Director of Admissions
I recently sent a survey to our newsletter subscribers to ask their perception of Columbia Independent School. Many respondents named small class sizes, challenging academics, a focus on STEM education, and our independence from religious organizations or government entities as the top benefits of enrollment.
By far, the most common challenge to enrollment named by respondents was the cost of tuition. While CIS tuition reflects the cost of properly educating students in Central Missouri (Columbia Public Schools spends a similar amount per student), I recognize that many families need to find ways to reduce their out-of-pocket costs in order to consider enrollment at CIS.
To address this valid concern, I wanted to share a few ways families can make CIS more affordable.
1. Apply for Flexible Tuition. This program allows families to apply for a lower tuition rate – often 10-14% of their adjusted gross income (AGI, a number on your tax return). Families must apply through Blackbaud Tuition Management, and students must complete the admissions process before an offer will be shared. But, this is a common way families reduce the cost of tuition, particularly when they are enrolling more than one student.
2. Apply for Merit Scholarships. New and returning students in Grades 6-12 can apply for merit scholarships each spring, for awards for the following school year. These scholarships are based on a student’s academic achievement, citizenship and leadership, and some renew each year a student remains enrolled at CIS. Bonus: merit scholarships are in addition to any Flexible Tuition awards.
3. Apply for the MOScholars award. The Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program, or MOScholars, is a state program that awards scholarships to qualifying Missouri students – those with Individual Education Plans or those that live in low-income households. Several CIS families have taken advantage of this new program! Funds are limited by the state budget, but families can apply for a waiting list if all scholarships have already been awarded for the school year.
4. Pay tuition with a 529 plan. Thanks to a 2018 change in the tax law, families can now pay K-12 tuition with funds in a 529 college savings plan. And while 529 accounts cannot be used for Junior Kindergarten tuition, JK does qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit, just as any preschool expenses would.
Many families at CIS view tuition as an investment in their child’s future – they are willing to take on the expense because CIS offers a richer experience and a family-like environment. If you have questions or concerns about the cost of tuition, please contact Kari Stockwell at (573) 777-9257 or admissions@cislions.org.