Choosing the right educational path for your child is a significant decision, and understanding the financial investment is a crucial part of that process. At St. Peter’s Prep, we are committed to providing transparency regarding tuition and fees, ensuring prospective students and their families have a clear picture of the costs associated with a Prep education. This guide outlines the tuition, mandatory fees, and payment plan options available at St. Peter’s Prep for the upcoming academic year.
Tuition Costs at St. Peter’s Prep
The tuition for the 2024-25 academic year at St. Peter’s Prep is $23,320. This tuition directly supports the core of our educational mission. A significant portion is allocated to the salaries and health benefits of our dedicated faculty and staff, the individuals who are committed to nurturing and guiding our students. Furthermore, tuition funding is essential for maintaining and enhancing the programs that directly enrich the student experience at St. Peter’s Prep, ensuring a high-quality and comprehensive education.
It’s important to note that tuition covers approximately 80% of the actual cost to educate each student at St. Peter’s Prep. The remaining portion is generously subsidized by the contributions of our alumni and other donors, reflecting the strong community support for a Prep education. This philanthropic support helps to keep tuition increases manageable. Over the past decade, St. Peter’s Prep has maintained responsible tuition growth, with average annual increases in the single digits, specifically around 4.78%. This commitment to controlled tuition increases helps to ensure a St. Peter’s Prep education remains accessible to a diverse range of families.
Understanding Mandatory Fees
In addition to tuition, there are mandatory annual fees that are essential for supporting the vibrant student life and resources at St. Peter’s Prep. These fees are separate from tuition and are due in full on June 1st. These encompass:
- Activity Fee: $750 – This fee supports a wide array of student activities, clubs, and events throughout the academic year, enriching the co-curricular experience and fostering a dynamic school community.
- Book Fee: $300 – This fee covers the cost of essential textbooks and learning materials required for coursework, ensuring students have the resources they need for academic success.
- Technology Fee: $250 – In today’s educational landscape, technology is integral. This fee supports the technology infrastructure and resources that enhance learning and provide students with essential digital tools.
St. Peter’s Prep is committed to simplifying costs for families. In recent years, we have actively eliminated extraneous fees, such as charges for Freshman Arts Day or Frosh-Soph Retreats, streamlining the overall financial commitment. Beyond these mandatory annual fees, the only other charges are for “opt-in” experiences. These are optional programs and services that families can choose to participate in, such as educational trips, private music lessons, Advanced Placement (AP) exam fees, SAT preparation courses, and access to the Browning Center. We believe in transparent and predictable costs, and therefore, St. Peter’s Prep does not engage in mandatory fundraising activities, raffles, or sales that place fundraising burdens on parents. Furthermore, we are committed to inclusive access to athletics. We do not operate on a “pay-to-play” system for sports, which can often become a significant expense for families at other institutions. St. Peter’s Prep also does not charge for transportation for athletes or fans to sporting events, nor are there separate athletic fees. Even milestone events like graduation are designed to be cost-inclusive, as St. Peter’s Prep does not have graduation fees. Lastly, reflecting our commitment to accessible spiritual development, fees related to our optional Emmaus and Kairos retreats have been eliminated, with only a minimal reservation charge remaining.
Flexible Tuition Payment Plans at St. Peter’s Prep
Understanding that families have diverse financial situations, St. Peter’s Prep offers flexible tuition payment plans. The payment amount for each plan is calculated after any awarded tuition assistance and scholarships have been deducted, ensuring these plans are accessible and beneficial for families receiving aid. We offer the following options:
- Annual Payment Plan: For families who prefer to pay in a single installment, the full payment amount is due on or before July 1. This plan offers simplicity and does not incur any service fees.
- Semi-Annual Payment Plan: This option allows for two payments, with installments due on July 1 and December 1. This plan provides more flexibility in payment timing and includes a single $55 service fee, which is conveniently combined with the tuition amount.
- Monthly Payment Plan: For maximum flexibility, the eleven-payment option allows for payments to be made on the first day of each month, from July 1 through May 1. This plan allows for budgeting tuition costs throughout the academic year. The monthly payment plan includes a single $110 service fee, also combined with the tuition amount for ease of management.
We encourage prospective families to explore the comprehensive scholarship and financial aid programs available at St. Peter’s Prep to further assist with tuition costs. Information on these programs can be found on our Admissions pages. We hope this guide provides a clear understanding of the tuition, fees, and payment options at St. Peter’s Prep. We are dedicated to making a Prep education accessible and are here to assist you through the admissions and financial planning process. Your Prep journey begins here!
