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The purpose of the variable tuition program is to make Christian education accessible to more families, by providing a reduced rate. We base reduced rates on each family’s specific financial situation. Variable tuition is a need-based financial aid structure – similar to those used by other private schools, colleges, and universities. Any family with children in Kindergarten or above in need of assistance may apply.
Factors like income, family circumstances, and the cost of living in the Fredericksburg region are reviewed by a third party: FACTS Grant & Aid. Each request is then reviewed by the FCS Financial Aid Committee, who makes the final award. Currently, 71% of our students receive a reduced tuition due to either variable tuition or one of the other discounts we offer (multiple child, advanced pay, alumni, or employee discount).
Variable Tuition – Application Process
The 2025-2026 school entrance application must be completed before variable tuition assistance is considered.
Before you begin your application on the FACTS Grant & Aid website, you’ll want to have applied for the students and grade levels needed and have the following documents ready. They will need to be uploaded to FACTS Grant & Aid to supplement your application.
- Completed 2024 Federal Tax Return including all supporting tax schedules
- 2024 W-2 forms for all individuals listed on the tax return
- Documentation for Social Security income and Child Support
- A letter written to the Variable Tuition Review Committee about your financial circumstances, including the amount that you feel that you can pay monthly
A Look Into the Process
What does the FCS Financial Aid Committee look at and how do they decide?
- Family Circumstances
The first thing consider by the committee are the specific family circumstances. Every letter submitted is carefully read to determine if a financial tuition need exists. While numbers tell us a lot, they don’t always provide the full story. This is why the letter is so critical. Not only does it give the committee the opportunity to pray for the family, but it alerts the committee to any extenuating circumstances.
- Discretionary Income
Discretionary income is calculated by taking the total income from the tax return and subtracting out any necessary, day-to-day expenses. These expenses include things like mortgage/rent, car payments, medical expenses, etc. FACTS also provides an estimate for utilities, groceries, apparel and miscellaneous expenses for a family of the applicant’s size in the area in which they live. Necessary expenses do not include things like streaming or paper subscriptions, memberships to gyms/clubs, housekeeping or yard services, etc. When the expenses are subtracted from the total income, this gives us the family’s discretionary income. If the discretionary income is greater than that family’s tuition and fees, it is usually determined that there is no financial need. However, the committee always looks to see if there are extenuating circumstances that might not be explained by numbers alone.
- Other Considerations
When looking at a family’s application, the committee also considers their other expenses (such as vacations) and sources for tuition (a well-funded 529 savings account, for example).
In the absence of extenuating circumstances, the committee aims to taper families off assistance by awarding slightly less each year.
If you have specific questions about what constitutes a necessary expense, please contact Amanda Kaeser at akaeser@gofcs.org.
Variable Tuition – Important Dates
| Application Completion Date | Award Notification Letter Mailed |
| By March 15, 2025 | By April 30, 2025 |
| By April 15, 2025 | By May 31, 2025 |
| By May 15, 2025 | By June 30, 2025 |
| After May 15, 2025 – Applications subject to closing | Contact the Business Office |
Children’s Tuition Fund
When you apply for variable tuition, your application will also be evaluated to see if your family is eligible to receive assistance through the Children’s Tuition Fund. You can learn more about this program by clicking the button below.