Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone applying for admission to Taft is eligible to apply for financial aid. Current families receiving financial aid must reapply annually; aid is guaranteed for returning families who applied at time of admission, and remain qualified financially. Families who do not apply for aid as part of the admissions process must demonstrate a significant change in financial circumstance after enrollment in order to be considered for future aid. Taft cannot guarantee financial aid for families who do not apply for aid at the time of application.

We are very proud to support 35% of our students though our $9.3 million financial aid budget, and are committed to working very hard with every family to try to make a Taft education possible. Still, we cannot guarantee that every family’s financial needs can be met. All awards are based on demonstrated need and the availability of funds in our current-year budget; awards are not based on merit.

“Over the last 40 years, the school’s commitment to financial aid has increased 3,850%. Forty years ago our $200,000 financial aid budget could support only 16 percent of students. During Head of School Willy MacMullen’s tenure in particular, the board of trustees has prioritized increasing the financial aid budget, so that today 35 percent of Taft students are supported through need-based financial aid.”

Michael Hoffman
Director, Financial Aid

Taft initially employs a “need-blind” approach to reviewing applications for admission. Sometimes, as the process advances, we find that overall applicant need exceeds our financial aid budget. In those cases, it may become necessary to weigh need as one of a multitude of factors influencing our admissions decisions.

“Access, Achievement, and Affordability are the three goals of the Taft Financial Aid office. Although most students receiving financial aid likely overlap in multiple categories, the “AAA” definition is the simplest way to categorize how our office allocates aid. Access in financial aid means providing enrollment opportunities to talented students for whom the resources of a Taft education and diploma can truly be life changing.”
Michael Hoffman
Director, Financial Aid

Taft subscribes to the School and Student Services (SSS). Run by Community Brands, SSS is dedicated to helping families navigate the path to an independent school education.

*Family income, family size, and the number of students in tuition-charging schools are all considered in awarding aid.

In addition to the awards reflected in the table above, 7 faculty/staff children receive a $51,700 tuition remission benefit, and 44 international boarding students receive an average award of $62,000.

Limited financial assistance is available to foreign nationals. International families should complete the PFS online to the best of their ability and be prepared to submit translated tax and income documents if requested.

The Financial Aid Committee will consider the income and assets of custodial, non-custodial, and stepparents before making an award. As such, each household must submit a separate Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS) through School and Student Services (SSS). We recognize that each family situation is unique, and welcome your inquiries at (860) 945-7777 or admissions@taftschool.org.

Yes. All applications for financial aid are held in the strictest confidence, and reviewed only by the Director of Financial Aid, members of the Financial Aid Committee, and the Director of Admission.

Unlike many other institutions, Taft does not require financial aid recipients to fulfill work commitments beyond that of any Taft student. Each student is simply expected to maintain the high personal and academic qualities evidenced at the time of admission to the school.

Information about financial aid awards is included in new student acceptance packets in March. Financial aid awards are mailed to returning families in April.

Recognizing that life moves quickly and change happens fast, we want to be sure that we have the most current and complete picture of your finances. To that end, we do require returning families to reapply for aid each year. And while the size of the award may vary as family circumstances and tuition costs change, you should expect that assistance will continue throughout your child’s Taft career.

Note: The filing deadline for returning families is March 1; awards are made in early April.