Making Education Affordable

The most helpful guideline comes from personal knowledge of your family's finances.

If your family can pay roughly $3,000 each month for 11 months, you are probably not a good candidate for financial aid.

If, after reviewing your situation, you feel you will need aid but are uncertain whether you will qualify, it is generally best to apply. 

The assumption is that all parents/guardians of school-age children have the ability to contribute to the family's income, and aid awards are adjusted accordingly.

We know special circumstances can make it difficult for all parents/guardians to be employed. Explaining such circumstances in your application enables us to understand your unique situation. 

Generally, we assume all parents/guardians share financial responsibility for their children regardless of marital status or child custody arrangements. Therefore, each parent/guardian will need to complete the financial aid application to provide a realistic picture total family resources. 

We recognize there are are unique family situations, and urge you to contact Explorer West's business office if you have questions.

Applications for financial aid are submitted to a third party (Clarity), along with a copy of your tax return and other tax documents.

We receive an analysis from Clarity that helps us determine your family contribution towards educational expenses. We then use those results as a guide in allocating financial aid. 

The more information and explanation you can provide regarding your individual circumstances, the better we will be able to assist you. 

Please be assured that the members of the Admissions Committee do NOT know which families are applying for financial aid.

Once admissions decisions have been made, the Director of Admissions and the Financial Aid Committee work together to determine how many and which new students requiring financial aid can be accepted within the limits of our financial aid budget.

Returning student financial aid applications are due by January 14, 2027.

Incoming (new) student financial aid applications are due by Feburary 4, 2027. 

Yes, you must apply for financial aid every year, even if you have received aid in the past.

Families who qualify for aid generally continue to receive it throughout their child's enrollment at Explorer West. However, awards may fluctuate to reflect changes in a family's financial circumstance, available funds, and community need. 

For returning students: Financial aid award decisions will be communicated with enrollment agreements in February, 2026.

For incoming students: Financial aid award decisions will be included with admissions offers on March 20, 2026.