Need-Based Scholarships

The need-based scholarship application typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete. The application is mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are able to save your progress and return at any time. 

View the Clarity Quick Reference Guide

View the  Clarity Family Application Guide

There is a $65 application fee to apply for a Need-Based Scholarship.  

Your 2024 1040 and W2 documents will be automatically transferred from the IRS when you complete the verification step within Clarity. You will need to manually upload your 2025 W2 (typically available in January). 

Science & Arts Academy takes the privacy and security of your personal information very seriously. Clarity is certified for both GDPR and SOC2 and uses enterprise-level security standards including end-to-end encryption of all personally identifiable information. For more information, please refer to Clarity’s Privacy Policy.

The priority completion deadline is January 31 for returning families and February 15 for new families.  Applications will continue to be accepted beyond the priority deadlines as funds remain available.​

Family circumstances range widely. There are no specific income guidelines or have restrictions on who may apply for a need-based scholarship. In calculating each family's ability to pay, Clarity considers various factors such as household income, family size, expenses, assets, liabilities, and more are considered. If you feel your family needs tuition assistance, it is to your benefit to apply.

No. Although the two processes occur concurrently, the need-based scholarship application is entirely separate from the application for admission. Applying for a need-based scholarship does not influence the admission decision in any way.  

In the case of divorce or separation, both parents are required to submit all needed forms. However, in the case of a documented court order which requires one parent to be responsible for all educational expenses, the other parent will be waived on those requirements to submit documents.

Clarity, an independent, third party company, conducts an analysis of all information provided in your application to determine your family’s financial need. This establishes a common base by which each family’s need can be measured fairly and equitably. Clarity provides SAA with a confidential financial overview, as well as a recommended award. SAA’s Need-based Scholarship Committee reviews this information and determines the final award. 

After receiving notification of your award, if you feel that it is not adequate to meet your needs, you may file an appeal in writing to the SAA Need-Based Scholarship Committee. An appeal should include additional or new information that was not available at the time of the initial award. The Need-Based Scholarship Committee will review the appeal and notify you if there is sufficient information to change the award.

Yes.  Families must submit a new need-based scholarship application through Clarity  each year and awards may vary from year to year depending on changes in the family’s financial situation. Clarity retains your information from previous applications, so it will be easier to reapply in subsequent years.

If you need technical support during the process of completing your need-based scholarship application, there is in-app support available through the “Help” button in the bottom left of the application, as well as email and phone support at support@clarityapp.com or 206-210-3752.  For general questions about SAA’s need-based scholarship program, please contact scholarhips@scienceandartsacademy.org.