Quality education requires investment. Hargrave’s transparent, all-inclusive pricing removes surprises while our comprehensive financial aid program makes the Hargrave experience accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Here’s everything you need to know about tuition and financial aid.
Tuition for 2025-26
Hargrave’s tuition structure is transparent and all-inclusive. Day Cadet tuition is $18,325. Boarding Cadet tuition is $46,700. International Cadet tuition is $56,700. These figures include everything: academic instruction with all six daily classes, room and board (boarding students), initial uniform issue (all uniforms provided), textbook rental for all courses, laundry service and dry cleaning, regular haircuts, all laboratory fees, infirmary fees and nursing care, and all club and sports activities participation.
This all-inclusive approach means you won’t encounter surprise fees throughout the year. The tuition covers comprehensive participation in the full Hargrave experience.
What’s Not Included
Transparency requires noting what tuition doesn’t cover. Additional costs include personal spending money, technology (personal computer required), private tutoring if needed, SAT/ACT testing fees, senior class trip and graduation expenses, optional summer programs, and travel to and from campus.
These additional expenses vary by family and student needs. Hargrave can provide estimates for planning purposes.
Financial Aid Philosophy
Approximately half of Hargrave families receive some form of tuition assistance. Our financial aid program reflects our belief that qualified young men shouldn’t be excluded due to financial circumstances. We offer multiple pathways to make Hargrave affordable for families committed to this investment in their sons.
Merit-Based Scholarships
Merit-based scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership, and service. Students with 3.0+ GPA, demonstrated leadership in school or community, and proven community service qualify for consideration. These scholarships are awarded first-come, first-serve, rewarding families who apply early.
Merit scholarships don’t require financial need demonstration. They recognize excellence and potential, making Hargrave more affordable for families who might not qualify for need-based aid but still benefit from tuition reduction.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Need-based aid is available through a confidential application process using the Clarity platform. This platform protects family privacy while providing Hargrave with information to assess financial need. The application considers family income, assets, household size, other children in private school or college, and special circumstances affecting finances.
Need-based aid decisions are made after admission. You must apply for admission first, then complete the financial aid application. Aid packages vary based on need and available funds.
Church Matching Funds Program
One of Hargrave’s most unique financial aid programs is Church Matching Funds. This program offers dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to 1/3 of tuition costs. Here’s how it works: Your church or faith community contributes toward your son’s Hargrave tuition. Hargrave matches that contribution dollar-for-dollar. Together, these funds can cover up to 2/3 of total tuition.
This program requires partnership between your family, your faith community, and Hargrave. Many families successfully use this program by presenting Hargrave’s mission and values to their church leadership and requesting support. Churches often appreciate investing in young men’s character development and faith formation.
Alumni Referral Discount
Hargrave alumni who refer new boarding students receive recognition, and the new family receives benefit. The Alumni Referral Discount provides $2,500 per new enrolled boarding student referred by an alumnus. This program rewards our alumni brotherhood while making Hargrave more accessible.
If an alumnus referred your family, mention this in your application to receive this discount.
Parent Referral Program
Current Hargrave parents can earn substantial tuition discounts by referring new families. The program offers $1,000 per boarding referral ($500 for day student referrals). With multiple successful referrals, parents can potentially earn $30,000 in total tuition discounts over time.
This program recognizes that satisfied Hargrave families are our best ambassadors. When parents enthusiastically share their positive experiences and refer friends, neighbors, and colleagues, we want to recognize that support.
Virginia Tax Credit Program
Qualifying Virginia families may benefit from the Virginia Tax Credit Program. This program provides tax credits for donations to approved scholarship organizations that support private school tuition. Details and eligibility requirements are available through Hargrave’s financial aid office.
Educational Loans
Educational loans are available through various lenders. Hargrave’s financial aid office can provide information about loan options, help families navigate the process, and offer guidance on which programs might best fit different circumstances.
Combining Financial Aid Sources
Families often combine multiple financial aid sources to make Hargrave affordable. For example: merit scholarship reduces base tuition, Church Matching Funds provide additional support, need-based aid fills remaining gaps, and Alumni or Parent Referral discounts reduce costs further. Together, these sources make Hargrave accessible to families who initially thought it financially impossible.
Financial Aid Application Process
To apply for financial aid, first submit your admission application. After acceptance, you’ll receive financial aid application instructions. Complete the required financial aid forms (through Clarity platform for need-based aid). Submit any additional documentation requested. Merit scholarships are considered automatically if your son qualifies. Indicate interest in Church Matching Funds during the application process.
Financial aid packages are sent with acceptance letters when possible, giving families complete financial information to make enrollment decisions.
The Average Package
The average financial aid grant at Hargrave is $11,000. This figure varies significantly based on need, merit, and funding sources. Some families receive smaller packages while others receive much larger assistance. Half of Hargrave families receive some aid—you’re not alone in needing financial support.
Early Application Advantage
Financial aid is awarded throughout the enrollment period, but early applicants have advantages. More funds are available earlier in the process. Merit scholarships are first-come, first-serve. More time exists to explore Church Matching Funds options. Families have longer to plan financially.
If financial aid is important to your family, apply as early as possible in the admissions cycle.
Honest Conversations
Hargrave’s financial aid office welcomes honest conversations about your family’s financial situation. If your circumstances are complex, if special factors affect finances, if you have questions about aid eligibility, or if you need help understanding the process—reach out. We want to work with families to find solutions.
The Investment Perspective
Hargrave tuition represents significant investment. Consider the return: 100% college acceptance for over a decade, average $4 million+ in college scholarships annually for graduates, academic preparation saving college remediation costs, leadership development valuable throughout life, and a lifelong brotherhood and network.
Many Hargrave graduates earn substantial college scholarships—sometimes exceeding Hargrave tuition costs. The academic preparation, study skills, and leadership development position graduates for merit scholarships at universities nationwide.
Making the Decision
Don’t let tuition prevent you from exploring Hargrave. Apply first, then evaluate financial aid packages. Many families who initially thought Hargrave was financially impossible discovered that combined aid sources made it achievable. You won’t know what’s possible until you apply.
Ready to explore tuition and financial aid options? Contact our financial aid office to discuss your family’s situation, learn about available programs, understand the application process, and get questions answered. We’re here to help make Hargrave accessible.
Contact us at 866-994-4582 or admissions@hargrave.edu in Chatham, Virginia.
