10 Great Boarding Schools for Under $20,000

Many boarding schools charge tuition of more than $40,000 a year. Here are ten schools which charge half as much or less. Now bear in mind that a school which has a lower base tuition may not in fact be less expensive than a school which charges a higher base tuition. That's because the amount of financial aid which the more expensive school might offer could make it the less expensive alternative. These are issues you need to think about when choosing a school.

Academy of the Holy Family, Baltic, CT

The Academy of the Holy Family was founded in 1847. It is a small girls boarding school operated by the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. It affords its students college preparation together with a solid foundation in the Catholic faith and values.

School Type: girls, boarding/day school
Grades: 9-12
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Enrollment: 50
Church Affiliation: Catholic
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:5
Tuition: $19,531
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 99%
Admissions Deadline: Rolling/March 31

Advanced Academy of Georgia, Carrollton, GA

Advanced Academy is affiliated with the University of West Georgia. Programs like the one offered by the Academy are fairly uncommon. Talented and gifted high school students have the opportunity to work at a college level while still in high school. But be warned: the admissions requirements for Advanced Academy are demanding. So is the academic work.

School Type: Coeducational, boarding school
Grades: 11-12
Church Affiliation: Non-denominational
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Enrollment: 100
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:20
Tuition: $10,050 for non-Georgia residents. $5,500 for Georgia residents
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 33%
Admissions Deadline: Jan 15/Jul 1/Rolling

Bronte College of Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Bronte College of Canada is located in suburban Mississauga which actually makes it very convenient to Toronto's Pearson International Airport. The school is strictly college prep. It has a formalatmosphere with a uniform code which is typical of most Canadian private schools. The College partners with the University of Guelph to offer college level courses to some students.

School Type: Coeducational, boarding school
Grades: 9-12, PG
Church Affiliation: Non-denominational
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Enrollment: 100
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:16
Tuition: $11,200
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: n/a
Admissions Deadline: Rolling

Camden Military Academy, Camden, SC

In line with most military schools Camden Military Academy approaches the education of its students as more than just academics. It focuses on educating and developing the 'whole man' as its philosophy states. This school has been around for more than a 100 years. If you are looking for a military school for your son, CMA should be on your list.

School Type: boys, boarding school
Grades: 7-12
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Enrollment: 302
Church Affiliation: Non-denominational
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:8
Tuition: $17,595
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 30%
Admissions Deadline: Rolling

Carson Long Military Institute, New Bloomfield, PA

Founded in 1842 Carson Long Military Institute is the oldest military boarding school in the U.S. It has also been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools since 1929. More importantly, Carson Long prides itself on being a preparatory school which prepares young men for life and learning. If you are considering a military school for your son, put CLMI on your list.

School Type: boys, boarding school
Grades: 6-12
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Enrollment: 137
Church Affiliation: Non-denominational
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:7
Tuition: $16,500
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: n/a%
Admissions Deadline: Rolling

Family First Academy, Erie, PA

FFA is affiliated with Erie First Christian Academy. Located in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania, the school offers 8th-12th grades for boarders. Surrounding its students with positive ideas and a strong sense of spirituality in a warm, nurturing community atmosphere is what this Christian boarding school is all about.

School Type: coed, boarding/day school
Grades: 8-12
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Enrollment: 241
Church Affiliation: Christian
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:16
Tuition: $18,000
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 40%
Admissions Deadline: Rolling/March 31

New Mexico Military Institute, Roswell, NM

New Mexico Military Institute offers a rigorous academic and military training designed to challenge and fully develop cadets to their fullest potential. Generous financial aid is available. The Institute also has a two year college program as well as solid preparation for potential nomination for the five service academies.

School Type: Coeducational, boarding school
Grades: 9-12, PG
Church Affiliation: Non-denominational
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Enrollment: 870
Faculty to Student Ratio 1:12
Tuition: $11,732, $8,492 for New Mexico residents
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 75%
Admissions Deadline: Rolling

Oakdale Christian Academy, Jackson, KY

Oakdale Christian Academy was founded in 1921. It is a small residential school offering a Christ-centered preparation for college level work and life. The school is affiliated with Central Christian College allowing students to take dual-credit courses.

School Type: Coeducational, boarding school
Grades: 7-12
Acceptance Rate: n/a
Enrollment: 57
Church Affiliation: Free Methodist
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:7
Tuition: $14,900
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 90%
Admissions Deadline: Rolling

Subiaco Academy, Subiaco, AR

Subiaco Academy is a Catholic boys' college prep school in the Benedictine tradition. It has a two year college as part of the campus. That's a nice transition for many students into the college level work of a university. The Academy is committed to providing its students a fine boarding experience. Extracurricular activities, sports and residential life combine to create that special experience which is a Benedictine education.

School Type: boys, boarding school
Grades: 8-12
Acceptance Rate: 65%
Enrollment: 175
Church Affiliation: Catholic
Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:9
Tuition: $17,300
Percentage of students receiving financial aid: 90%
Admissions Deadline: Jul. 31 / Dec. 1