Understanding Menlo School Tuition and Financial Aid

Menlo School, a private college preparatory school in Atherton, California, is committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and valued environment where every student can thrive. A crucial aspect of planning for education at Menlo is understanding the tuition and financial aid options available. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Menlo School's tuition costs, financial aid programs, and related information to help families make informed decisions.

Menlo School: An Overview

Menlo School is comprised of a middle school (grades 6-8) with approximately 230 students and a high school (grades 9-12) with about 600 students. Established in 1915, Menlo has a rich history of academic excellence and a commitment to preparing students for college and beyond. Menlo offers more than 50 student clubs in the Upper School and 25 in middle school, including a chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Model United Nations organization, Junior Classical League, Surfrider Foundation, Mock Trial, beekeeping club, chess club, garden club, and environmental club.

Tuition Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, Menlo School's tuition is $61,635, which includes most school expenses. This figure exceeds the average cost for a private four-year university. According to Head of School Than Healy, tuition will increase for the 2025-2026 school year. The current tuition is approximately a 6% increase from the 2023-24 school year.

Factors Influencing Tuition

Menlo’s Board of Trustees, a 30-member board composed of parents, school employees, and alumni, determines the school’s yearly tuition increase. The Board considers Menlo’s expenses and net income from the past year in determining if, and by how much, tuition should increase. Around 75 to 80 percent of Menlo’s expenses are covered by student tuition, according to Healy.

Chief Financial Officer Shelly Gupta identifies inflation as a significant factor impacting tuition due to its effect on staff compensation. Menlo compares its tuition against 20 peer schools with similar demographics and services in the Bay Area to ensure its level is fair. In setting the tuition, the Board of Trustees prioritizes competitive teacher salaries and low student-to-teacher ratios. Currently, Menlo is the 13th most expensive private school in its cohort of 20 peer schools.

Menlo’s average student-teacher ratio of 16:1, which requires more teachers on staff, also drives tuition costs. Menlo continuously evolves its curriculum and extracurricular offerings to meet new student interests and keep up with the times. Tuition allows the school to offer these unique experiences.

Additional Costs

In addition to tuition, families should consider other costs such as books and supplies, which average around $1,152 per year, and personal expenses, estimated at $4,824 per year. Transportation costs may also apply.

Financial Aid

Menlo School is committed to making education accessible to students regardless of their families’ ability to pay. Approximately 22 percent of Menlo families receive some form of financial aid. Menlo’s financial aid awards are strictly need-based (no merit or athletic scholarships) and can range from a few thousand dollars to the full cost of tuition.

Financial Aid Details

The average financial aid package awarded is $36,603. The average net price, which is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships, is $28,158 per year.

Applying for Financial Aid

Menlo uses the School and Student Services (SSS) platform as a starting reference point. Families use this secure online tool to complete the Parent Financial Statement (PFS), which provides Menlo an estimated family contribution based on income, assets, family size, debts, and liabilities. The financial aid application due date is March 2.

Read also: Menlo College Expenses

Financial Aid Principles

Menlo believes that funding an independent school education should be a high priority for all Menlo families and that parents are more invested in their student’s education if they contribute to the cost of tuition. Menlo is committed to providing aid during the student’s entire time at the School. Families must reapply for financial aid each year, and adjustments to an award can occur due to a change in a family’s financial situation.

Case Studies

Menlo’s financial aid award recipients represent a broad range of income levels. Here are a few examples:

Case 1: One child in a tuition-charging school (at Menlo). Total Income: $289,500. Net Worth: $335,000. Award: $14,735 (30% discount on tuition).
Case 2: Two children in tuition-charging schools (both at Menlo). Total Income: $223,000. Net Worth: $815,000. Award: $37,110 (76% discount on tuition).
Case 3: One child in a tuition-charging school (at Menlo). Total Income: $152,500. Net Worth: $1,237,335. Award: $34,110 (70% discount on tuition).

Understanding Net Price

The net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.

Additional Financial Aid Options

Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.

Grants and Scholarships

Scholarships and grants don’t need to be paid back.

Read also: Applying to Menlo College

Loans

Loans must be paid back.

Resources for Further Information

Menlo College offers resources for prospective students to estimate costs and explore financial aid options:

Net Price Calculator (NPC): Use this tool to estimate how much you may qualify for in financial aid.
Financial Aid Office: Schedule a call with the Financial Aid team for personalized assistance.

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