Affording MMA

We have chosen Clarity as our financial aid application provider in order to better serve both our current and prospective families. We are confident that this change is going to make the process of applying for financial aid easier for families. Clarity offers a streamlined, mobile friendly application that can be completed in as short a time as 20 minutes. Additionally, Clarity removes the need to upload your 2024 W2 and 1040 by transferring them directly from the IRS. Families will be required to give consent through the Clarity application in order to request their tax returns from the IRS. This reduces the amount of information that you will need to enter manually and makes it possible to complete the application quickly and efficiently. 

Both prospective and current families may apply for financial aid through Clarity.

All incoming and current families must apply using the Clarity application.

The Clarity application is mobile-friendly and typically takes less than thirty minutes to complete. You are able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $65 fee, and you can share your application with additional schools that accept the Clarity Application for no additional charge. Simply use the dropdown menu in the application to select those schools.

If you need support during the process of completing your application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the screen, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752, in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.

Yes, current families receiving financial aid are required to apply annually. Aid will only be applied to a student’s re enrollment contract if the renewal process is complete and the current year’s tuition/food accounts are current. 

No. A merit scholarship is based on specific achievements that a student has demonstrated. A student receiving a merit scholarship may still apply for need-based financial aid.

Merion Mercy uses the Clarity Application to determine financial eligibility based on a combination of factors, including family income, expenses, assets, debt and family size. Based upon this information, Clarity provides a recommended financial award which is then reviewed by the Financial Aid Committee, who makes a final award decision.

Financial aid awards are made on a yearly basis. Families requesting financial aid are required to submit applications each year. Families are encouraged to inform the school if their financial circumstances change. Your initial financial package will remain the same unless your family circumstances dramatically change.

Financial aid applications and award data remain confidential within the Financial Assistance Committee. Likewise, MMA expects families to keep their awards confidential.

529 Plans are tax-advantaged investment accounts to save for educational expenses. Traditionally intended for college tuition, recent tax reforms enable families to disperse up to $10,000 from 529 accounts to pay for private school tuition. Please note: Regulations vary by state and are subject to change.

School policy requires that divorced, separated, or remarried parents submit the information of both birth parents and step-parents when applicable. In addition, guardians of students or students residing with relatives or grandparents must submit the financial data for the appropriate parties.

Merion Mercy does not offer athletic scholarships. MMA is a member of the PIAA, which does not allow member schools to offer athletic scholarships. Being a member of the PIAA allows qualifying athlete teams to participate in district and state competition following the conclusion of regular season play.