Variable Tuition FAQs
Think again. Westminster Catawba Christian School offers Variable Tuition. Tuition at WCCS is not a “One-size-fits all.” It’s a range. A range that spans from 60-88% of the full cost of education. Variable Tuition adjusts tuition rates to meet your family’s unique financial position. No family at WCCS pays the full cost of education.
What is Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. This program allows a family to apply for reduced tuition that is right for their financial situation. This makes a Westminster Catawba Christian School education accessible to many qualified students who could not otherwise join our school community.
How Does Variable Tuition Work?
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 Westminster Catawba 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 WCCS.
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, a third-party agency. FACTS 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 by the school’s business office.
Unfortunately, the school is not able to provide Variable Tuition to every student who applies for Variable Tuition. We work within the available resources to make the school accessible to as many students and families as possible.
Do I need to apply to Westminster Catawba Christian School to receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Yes.
Upon completion of my Variable Tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Our first round of Variable Tuition awards will be confirmed by the end of March, 2017. For subsequent awards after this date, you can anticipate to hear back from us 2-3 weeks after providing all required information to our confidential third party service, FACTS.
Should every new Westminster Catawba Christian School family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.
Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.
If I do not receive Variable Tuition this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not receive Variable Tuition is welcome to reapply the following year.
Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to WCCS and application for Variable Tuition are two separate processes. However, new families may complete both application processes simultaneously.
Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.
What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who receives Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances receive Variable Tuition, 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.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
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.
Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
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.
Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The WCCS Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.
Whom should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions from new families about Variable Tuition should be directed to Jane Wilson, Director of Admissions and Development, at jwilson@wccs.org or 803.328.5456.
Should every returning WCCS family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not able to pay the exit range of the Variable Tuition should submit an application.
Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.
If I do not receive Variable Tuition this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family that does not receive Variable Tuition is welcome to reapply the following year.
I’m currently receiving a tuition discount, financial assistance, or a scholarship from WCCS. How does this work for Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition will take the place of financial assistance. Families who have previously applied for and/or received financial assistance from WCCS should not anticipate much change in the process of application or awarding. Because of the way we are marketing Variable Tuition, we are better able to communicate the actual range of what families might anticipate to pay.
WCCS Scholarships such as the AACC Scholarship and the Barnes Scholarship, as well as the South Carolina ECENC Scholarship will still be available to qualifying students.
Tuition discounts for members of Westminster Presbyterian Church and Multi-Child Families will still be available to qualifying families.
Do returning students receive priority over new students when applying for Variable Tuition? Yes. Re-enrolling WCCS students who submit an application by the published deadline will receive priority consideration.
Do I need to apply for re-enrollment separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For returning students, the re-enrollment process must be completed before the application for Variable Tuition can be considered.
What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who receives Variable Tuition?
A wide range of families with a variety of circumstances receive Variable Tuition, 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.
Are some families awarded full tuition?
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.
Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The WCCS Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.
Whom should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions about Variable Tuition from re-enrolling families should be directed to Susan Westbrook in the Business Office at swestbrook@wccs.org or 803.328.5475.
Other Required Fees
Enrollment Fee - $175/student is charged annually and payable at the time of online enrollment.
Optional Fees
Parents may choose any of the following optional services for additional fees - ESC (Extended School Care), EXCEL (for students with special needs), and our Food Service Program.
