Tuition & Financial Aid
A University High School education is one of the best gifts you can give your child. From exemplary teachers who invest in their classes and push their students to succeed to the freedom our students have to explore their passions and join any sport or club they want, the University experience represents an investment in a student’s future.
University High School is committed to making its premier educational program accessible to all students. We recognize that a University education is a sacrifice made by every family, regardless of tuition level, and we strive to keep tuition as low as possible while continuing to provide a high-quality, innovative, student-centered experience. The generosity of University donors subsidizes the cost of attendance for all students, and 75% of students in 2022-23 receive some form of need-based or merit aid.
Some people think they cannot afford an independent school education. Please don’t let that prevent you from checking us out. University High School will work with you to meet the costs associated with a University education to the extent that we are able.
Financial Aid
University High School offers financial aid as well as merit scholarships for students. 75% of our students receive some form of financial aid or merit scholarship. Financial aid is awarded based, in part, on the family’s income.
Families must apply to be considered for financial aid. See below for more information on the financial aid application process.
Download the Family Guide to Financial Aid
Wondering if University High School is a financial fit for your family? Download the Family Guide to Financial Aid from the National Association of Independent Schools for more information on questions to ask during the high school search, types of financial aid, and the application process.
Apply for University High School Financial Aid
The financial aid application deadline for the 2023-24 school year has now passed. Families who are interested in discussing their financial options for the 2023-24 school year should contact Taylor Newell, Director of Admission, at 317-733-4475, ext. 121 or tnewell@universityhighschool.org.
Merit Scholarships
University High School’s merit scholarships are awarded based on a student’s academic history, extracurricular involvement (in and/or out of school), and, in some cases, performance on the entrance exam. A student’s application for admission to University High School contains all the information needed to determine merit scholarship eligibility, so there is no separate application families must complete to apply for merit awards. There are three primary merit scholarships available at University High School.
Freshman Recognition Award
The Freshman Recognition Award is given to incoming freshmen who have exhibited exemplary academic success in their middle school program and who have demonstrated a passion for the arts, athletics, or community service. This one-time award (offered in the freshman year) ranges from $500 to $5,000.
Core Values Scholarship
The Core Values Scholarship is given to applicants who are high-achieving students in the classroom and who demonstrate in their daily lives the core values of University High School: diversity, commitment to excellence, personal responsibility, stewardship, creativity, and mutual respect, support, and trust. The award, renewable each year for students in good standing, ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.
Founders Scholarship
The Founders Scholarship is given to applicants who are high-achieving students in the classroom. Recipients also demonstrate involvement in their school community. The award, renewable each year for students in good standing, ranges from $2,000 to $3,000.
Tuition
Tuition for the 2023-24 academic year is $24,790
In addition to tuition, students are required to rent or purchase textbooks and a laptop. Please see the back-to-school resource center for additional information about our laptop program and requirements. Students who participate in athletics incur a participation fee. Some January Term classes have additional costs, and there will be a cost if the student elects to participate in the optional lunch program.
International students are charged an annual International Student Fee in addition to tuition. The International Student Fee for the 2023-24 school year is $6,700 per student.
Payment Options
In addition to cash or check payments made directly to University High School, parents may also pay tuition through their My BackPack accounts. My BackPack accepts payments of e-check as well as MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover card.
Tuition may be paid in a single installment (due in July), in two installments (due in July and December), or in ten installments (due monthly beginning in July and ending in April).