Financial Aid

List of 22 frequently asked questions.

• Should I apply for financial aid?

  First, consider the total annual cost of a Chaminade education as outlined above.  Then, calculate your ability to cover this cost. Consider all sources of income, adjust priorities and spending as able, and review assets available for use. If after this analysis you believe you cannot cover all of the annual cost, we encourage you to apply for financial aid.

• Does applying for financial aid affect school admission decisions?

  No. The committee which reviews candidates for admissions is “need blind.” They do not consider whether someone has applied for financial aid as part of their decision.

• Who can apply for financial aid?

  Any student currently enrolled or new applicants for admission to Chaminade can apply for financial aid. Generally, aid will only be awarded for newly accepted students and current students enrolled for the following school year and whose tuition account is current.

• Can I complete the application in paper format instead of online?

  All applications must be submitted via the FAST link on our website. If you are not comfortable with online applications it is suggested that you attend one of the Financial Aid Workshops. Information is available on our webpage.

• What if my family cannot afford the financial aid application fee?

  If you believe you cannot afford the financial aid application fee, please email financialaid@chaminade.org. The school has a limited number of waiver vouchers and if your family meets the income threshold, you may qualify for the use of an available voucher.

• How are financial aid grants determined?

  Chaminade relies on the assistance of FAST (an online service) in calculating the level of demonstrated need of each applicant based upon a completed application. These calculations consider gross income, nontaxable income, assets, liabilities, family size, number of children in tuition charging schools below the college level, and situations where the income level does not support the spending level, among other items. Included in this calculation is an allowance for basic living expenses and taxes. The Financial Aid Committee reviews this data and will adjust the amounts based upon additional knowledge about your unique situation.

• What documents do I need to submit in addition to filling out the financial aid applications?

  You will need to submit:
  
  

  1. Your year-end paystub for all jobs worked in 2020. This is the last check issued in 2020. If you are receiving Social Security, unemployment or disability compensation, you will need to submit a copy of these stubs.
  
  

  2. If self-employed, send the first two pages of your 2019 IRS Form 1040, Schedules C, and E if applicable unless this was previously submitted to Chaminade or Form 1120 for Corporation with 25% or more ownership.
  
  

  3. A copy of your mortgage statement, home equity statement or page 1 of your rental agreement.
  
  

  4. Documentation regarding child support — court documents or check copy.
  
  

  5. Support documentation for receipt of CalFresh, SNAP or Section 8 housing assistance.
  
  

  6. By Tuesday, March 16, 2021, submit a complete copy of your 2020 STATE and FEDERAL tax return including all schedules and business tax returns, such as K1’s and 1120 for Corporations. These are submitted directly through the FAST system.
  
  

  7. A copy of your 2020 W2 and/or 1099 for all jobs worked.

  The above documents will be needed for all adults in the household and should be submitted directly to FAST no later than Friday, January 8, 2021. Additional documents not limited to credit reports and/or IRS tax transcripts may be requested at the time of review.

• What if my tax return has not been filed in time to submit it with my aid application?

  It is recommended that you make an appointment with your tax consultant early in order to ensure your return is completed by Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Tax returns must be received for your application to be considered complete and eligible for funding. All awards granted are contingent upon receipt and review of these documents.

• What if I have children at other schools that charge tuition?

  If you have children at other K‐12 schools that charge tuition, the cost of their education is considered as part of the school’s review of your situation. If you are applying for aid from Chaminade, we expect you to apply for assistance at all schools. In situations where one of the schools does not have a financial aid program, a note should be included with the application explaining that.
  
  College tuition is considered an investment rather than an expense, as it generally pays for itself with higher future wages. As such, many families and college students will utilize federally subsidized loans, as well as aid that may be available at the college level.

• What happens in cases of parental divorce or separation?

  Regardless of the marriage status, the school does consider both biological parents as responsible for their child’s education, regardless of any legal assertions to the contrary. Therefore, Chaminade requires both biological parents to complete financial aid applications.

• What happens if one or both divorced parents have remarried?

  In cases of re-marriage, all adults in each household must submit their information in the application. In the case of a step-parent, their income and assets are to be included in the application and we will consider obligations a step-parent has towards his/her own natural children.

• What allowances are made if one parent cannot be located or refuses to complete the application?

  Chaminade understands that some family situations can be very difficult. In such cases, a letter may be submitted to Chaminade from a priest, school official, social worker or attorney confirming that the other biological parent cannot be located or refuses to participate in any aspect of their child’s life. The letter writer cannot be a relative of the applicant. The letter must state the following, as applicable:
  

  1. The whereabouts of the other biological parent is unknown.
  2. The other biological parent has provided no support and has had no contact with the family for at least two years.
  3. It is in the family’s best interest not to have further contact with the other biological parent.
  4. Any other extenuating circumstances that the individual believes the school should consider.

  This letter should be submitted directly to Chaminade College Preparatory, Financial Aid Office, 10210 Oakdale Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311.

• Is there a limit to the financial aid available?

  While the school does have a generous amount of funds available for granting, there is a limit to the funds available and no guarantee that all demonstrated needs will be met. In keeping with its Marianist family spirit, Chaminade generally gives priority to returning students, new Catholic students, new students who are siblings of existing or past Chaminade students, and new students that are children or grandchildren of Chaminade alumni. Additionally, we consider students who are rated highly by the Admissions Committee, but also endeavor to award grants to families with varying levels of need in line with our mission to have a diverse student body.

• Is the aid awarded for one year only, or for each year my child attends Chaminade?

  Aid awards are for one year only. Families on aid must re-apply for each subsequent year they wish to receive such assistance. While there are no guarantee as to future aid grants, normally once a family is receiving financial aid, they will receive grants of similar amounts in future years unless their financial situation changes. However, students in the financial aid program are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing.
  
  In cases where a family’s financial situation deteriorates, more aid may be granted. Conversely, if a family’s financial situation improves or new information comes to light, aid awarded may be reduced or eliminated if the Financial Aid Committee deems such action appropriate.

• If my family has an unexpected financial emergency; can I apply for financial aid after the deadline?

  We understand that sometimes a family’s financial situation can change unexpectedly. While funds are more limited for these types of grants, we encourage you to apply if needed. When applying late, please email financialaid@chaminade.org that you are submitting an application. Additionally, we encourage you to contact our Tuition Manager to discuss your situation and possible alternative solutions.

• Can I still apply for financial aid after the deadline?

  Yes. The bulk of financial aid funds are utilized in meeting the demonstrated needs of families applying by the filing deadline. However, funds may become available for grants subsequent to the deadline. Thus, if you are truly in need, we encourage you to apply as we may still be able to help you. Late applications that are completed and submitted by April 15 will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee in May. Those submitted/completed after April 15 but before June 30 will normally be reviewed in early August. We encourage families to pay all required tuition payments pending notification of awards in case sufficient aid is not available.

• When will I know if I have been awarded financial aid?

  Applications will only be considered if they have been filled out completely and all requested documents have been submitted. For new families applying to Chaminade with their financial aid applications submitted by the due date of January 8th, a financial aid decision letter will sent to you by early March. Returning families applying for assistance by the due date should have a response by the end of April. For late applicants, please refer to the question regarding late application.

• Can I appeal the financial aid decision if I believe it is insufficient?

  You may appeal the financial aid decision if your financial situation has changed or you believe the Financial Aid Committee may have misunderstood your current situation. In such cases, you may be asked for additional documentation. Please email financialaid@chaminade.org for instructions to submit an appeal.

• Will my family have to repay the financial aid?

  No. Financial aid is a grant, not a loan. If at some future date your family’s financial situation improves, we hope you will consider making a donation to our financial aid program to help enable other deserving students to attend Chaminade.

• Does Chaminade offer scholarships?

  Merit Scholarships are open to all newly applying middle and high school students. This includes students matriculating from our middle school to our high school.  We seek outstanding applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence in their current school and outstanding citizenship and service to their community. Students with the highest demonstrated qualifications will be eligible for the highest amount of merit scholarship. Merit Scholarships can be combined with Tuition Assistance based on demonstrated need

• Will my financial aid status and information remain confidential?

  The school takes seriously its responsibility to maintain confidentiality over all financial aid information and records. It is recommended that you redact any social security numbers listed on your supporting documents and that you personally scan or mail your documents to FAST. Chaminade must comply with any legal requests from courts or attorneys to provide documents. Parents are expected to keep their financial aid awards confidential and not discuss them with other families or teachers.

• What if I have additional questions?

  Please email any questions to financialaid@chaminade.org.