Understanding Virginia Episcopal School Tuition and Financial Aid
Virginia Episcopal School (VES), located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg, Virginia, is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory boarding and day school for grades 9-12. Founded in 1916, VES is designed as a small, intimate academic community of students and residential faculty. The school aims to provide every student with the attention and resources needed to achieve their full potential in school, college, and life. This is achieved through a comprehensive curriculum, engaging faculty and staff, and a supportive community that encourages, enables, and guides students. Situated on a beautiful 160-acre campus, VES offers an environment where students can thrive.
Academics and Student Life
VES offers 17 AP courses, and in recent years, 31 students have scored 4 or 5 on their AP exams. The school boasts an impressive faculty, with 80% holding master's degrees or higher. The student population is 248, with a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, ensuring personalized attention.
Tuition and Financial Aid at VES
Understanding the cost of tuition and the availability of financial aid is crucial for families considering Virginia Episcopal School. Investing in a private school education is a significant decision, and VES strives to make its educational experience accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Comprehensive Fee
For the 2026-27 school year, the Comprehensive Fee is $77,700. This fee covers tuition, room and board, basic health center expenses, and most school-sponsored academic, athletic, and recreational activities. There are no additional charges for technology, course-related supplies and equipment, outdoor education, local special events, and most weekend activities, which at some schools could total as much as $3,500 per year. Personal expenses vary from student to student. A one-time expense includes a laptop computer, costing approximately $1,400 - $1,900, depending on the model.
Financial Aid Program
VES is committed to socio-economic diversity and provides several financial options to make the school affordable to more families. Approximately 35 percent of the student body receives financial assistance. Episcopal seeks applications from talented and motivated students, regardless of family financial resources. In 2025-26, approximately $8.3 million in aid was awarded annually, with the average need-based grant equaling about $56,143.
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Awards to qualified students are made in the form of grants and are based upon a demonstration of financial need, coupled with a student’s individual merit. While VES subscribes to the belief of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) that the primary responsibility for funding the cost of education resides with the family, it also understands that it is becoming increasingly difficult for a large percentage of families to afford independent school tuition.
Applying for Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Committee at VES keeps all financial information confidential. The school works with Clarity to assess financial need. Clarity offers a secure and streamlined approach to data and tax collection that is available on a computer or mobile device application. Upon completion of Internal Revenue Services Form 4506-C, IVES Request for Transcript of Tax Return, Clarity gains access to the requisite 2023 tax documentation for assessing your application.
To apply for financial aid, families must sign up for an account and complete the application on the Clarity website. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete and is mobile-friendly. Progress can be saved and returned to at any time.
Financial Aid Decision Process
The Financial Aid Committee is chaired by the Financial Aid Director and ultimately reports to the Admissions Director. Both returning students and admissions candidates are notified of financial aid decisions in March. The financial aid decision is communicated to parents along with the invitation for enrollment. Tuition grants are made for one year, and families must complete the Clarity application each year to be considered for financial aid.
Enrollment Deposit and Payment Options
An Enrollment Deposit of $7,800 (prorated for financial aid recipients) is required when a student enrolls for the year. The Comprehensive Fee is payable in either two or six installments.
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Merit Scholarships
Each year, between five and 10 merit scholarships are awarded to new students on the basis of academic and extracurricular merit. They range in value from $5,000 - $15,000 and are renewed annually.
Financial Aid for International Students
In special situations, it is possible for international students to receive financial assistance.
Overcoming Misconceptions
Many families, including alumni families, never bother to apply for financial aid, thinking the VES experience is simply out of reach. However, VES encourages all interested families to apply, as financial aid is available to those who qualify. School-sponsored activities are made available to everyone.
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