New Process for Financial Aid Applications

This year, we have streamlined the process to help ensure that all students and families have a clear understanding of their financial responsibilities. To apply for financial aid  students and families will need to submit the following documents:

1. The FACTS application - This application is required for all students seeking financial assistance to attend Sunnydale. https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/4NDPS

2. Financial Plan - After the application has been processed with FACTS we will make a financial plan with you.

Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, and we encourage families to submit alternate required documents as early as possible to avoid delays in the processing of financial aid packages.

Increased Parent Contribution

In response to rising costs of education, we are also adjusting the expectations for parent contributions. This adjustment means that parent(s) may be asked to contribute a higher amount towards the overall cost of tuition and fees than in previous years. We understand that this may be an additional financial burden, and we are committed to working with families to identify other potential sources of assistance, such as donations from family members, churches, or scholarship opportunities.

If you believe that your financial circumstances have changed or if you encounter special situations that may impact your ability to contribute, please reach out to our office as soon as possible. We are here to discuss your options and work with you to ensure that the financial aid package reflects your unique situation.

Student Contribution - Summer Work Requirement

Additionally, to help balance the financial aid package and ensure that students are contributing to their educational expenses, we are introducing a student contribution requirement. Starting this year, students will be expected to earn at least $2,000 through summer work or other self-funded opportunities. This contribution will be factored into your overall financial aid package and is meant to promote a sense of financial responsibility as well as lessen the financial burden on families.

For those who have difficulty securing employment, because of age or eligibility we offer volunteer scholarships. We also partner with our sister summer programs (literature Evangelism & Summer Camp) and match funds contributed to their school bill up to $2,000.

Next Steps

We understand that these changes may bring about questions, and we encourage you to reach out to the Business Office for guidance. We are here to assist you with understanding the new application process, calculating the parent contribution, and exploring ways to meet the student contribution requirements.

Thank you for your attention to these important updates. We look forward to supporting you throughout this process and helping make a Christian education more accessible and affordable for your family.

If you have any questions, please contact Bette Patterson at 573-682-2164 x203 or bpatterson@sunnydafe.org

Questions & Answers

What is FACTS?

FACTS is an acronym for Financial Assessment for Christian Tuition Subsidy. It is an independent assessment service which assesses the financial needs of applicants' families. The goal of the Sunnydale Adventist Academy Scholarship program is to financially assist the families in the Conference. FACTS helps in this by providing information based on solid analysis of key financial factors.

Why is FACTS called an "application"? Will I be receiving scholarship monies from FACTS?

No, you will never receive a scholarship award from FACTS. Applicants are not applying to FACTS For scholarship funding assistance. When applicants submit a FACTS application, they are essentially “applying" to the FACTS company to have a financial assessment done for them.

Does FACTS require a fee for this service?

Yes. FACTS requires a nonrefundable $45 fee payable to FACTS at the time the application is submitted. (do not send the $45 fee for FACTS to the Sunnydale Academy).

Is there a choice of languages available?

Yes. Applicants may fill out the FACTS application in English or Spanish.

How do I apply online?

Apply online at www.factsmgt.com/grant-aid

Step 1: Select Applicant Sign In
Step 2: New Users select Create an Account.
Step 3: Returning Users enter their existing Username and Password
Step 4: Submit the $45. Fee online by credit/debit card.

After completing the online application, applicants should mail or fax all supporting documents to the FACTS company

Required Documentation

Depending on your application some or all of the following documents may be required.

  • Copies of U.S. Individual Income Tax Return

  • 2024 IRS Federal Form 1040 and supporting schedules (Schedule 1, Schedule 3)

  • 2023 IRS Federal Form 1040 and supporting schedules (Schedule 1, Schedule 3)

    • Dependent statements if claiming more than 4 dependents

  • Copies of W-2 Wage and Tax Statements

  • Copies of supporting documentation for household Nontaxable Income.

A complete list of required documents will be available once you have submitted your application along with instructions on how to upload your documents.

Is there anything that will trip me up?

YES, there is one major item that is a possible snag for boarding academy eligible online applicants.

Section 2, applicants are asked to give information for the school they will be attending in the fall. Boarding students must enter a specified code.

  • Enter zip code 65240

  • Select Sunnydale Adventist Academy

If I have a sibling planning to attend the academy also, do we each need to fill out FACTS application?

NO! Please do not submit multiple applications. FACTS will process on application per household, the $45 fee will cover all applicants from the same household.

What happens after I submit my FACTS application?

Your FACTS application goes directly to the FACTS company located in Lincoln, Nebraska. After receiving your application and supporting documentation, the FACTS company enters the information in their system for analysis.

After the analysis is completed, FACTS will electronically send the information directly to the business office at Sunnydale Adventist Academy.

Applicants should allow four weeks for the FACTS application to be processed. Sunnydale Adventist Academy scholarship personnel recommend that applicants complete FACTS in ample time before the July 15 deadline.

Is my FACTS information confidential?

Yes. Sunnydale Adventist Academy will not release FACTS information.

Scholarship Expectations

The Sunnydale Adventist Academy program carries specific responsibilities and expectations for all participants. These expectations are discussed below.

Attendance Grades

* The one grade that receives the highest priority in the quarterly review is the attendance grade. Academic grades are important, but the evaluating committee considers the attendance grade as the most important. Students are expected to attend class - every class, every day

Academic Grades

* Scholarship participants are expected to maintain a passing academic grade.

Citizenship Grades

* Scholarship participants are expected to remain in good standing socially.

Life Skill Practicum

* Meeting life skill practicum assignments responsibly is a crucial factor in the scholarship program

* Being on time/ prompt
* Completing assigned tasks
* Communication with life skill practicum teacher
* Self disciplined

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

* Parents/ guardians are expected to abide by the financial plan created at the time of Enrollment.

Sunnydale Adventist Academy will review student attendance, academic progress, citizenship reports and monitor life skills practicum and account status reports periodically.