The Question Everyone Asks (But No One Says Out Loud): “Why Isn’t Tuition Enough?” 

We believe in radical transparency at Mount St. Mary Academy. And we know that there is one question that hovers over every fundraising appeal we send out. It’s usually whispered at cocktail parties or wondered about while writing a check:

“I already pay tuition. And it’s not a small amount. Why are you asking me to donate to the Annual Fund on top of that?”

It is a fair question. Actually, it’s a great question. And the answer lies in the unique economic reality of independent schools—a reality that looks very different from the business world.

The “Gap” Explained

Here is the hard truth: At almost every private, independent school in the United States, tuition does not cover 100% of the cost of educating a student.

In fact, according to the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), tuition typically covers only about 80% to 85% of the true cost. This is what we in the industry call “The Gap.”

At MSM Academy, your tuition dollars are working incredibly hard. They cover the essentials: the lights, the heat, insurance, basic salaries, and building maintenance. They keep the school running. But if we relied solely on tuition to cover everything, the price tag would have to jump significantly—potentially by thousands of dollars per student.

Doing that would price out many wonderful families and alter the inclusive, diverse fabric of our community. We choose to keep tuition lower to remain accessible, and we rely on the Annual Fund to make up the difference.

Surviving vs. Thriving

But the Annual Fund isn’t just about plugging a hole in the budget. It’s about the difference between a school that’s functional and a school that’s exceptional.

We call this the “Margin of Excellence.”

Think of it this way:

• Tuition buys the textbook.
• The Annual Fund buys the author of the book coming to speak to the class, signing copies, and inspiring a future writer.
• Tuition keeps the science lab open and the lights on.
• The Annual Fund buys the 3D printers, the robotics kits, and the advanced genetic testing software that turns a high school science class into a collegiate engineering firm.
• Tuition hires a teacher.
• The Annual Fund sends that teacher to a national conference to learn the latest pedagogical techniques, which she then brings back to your daughter’s classroom to spark a new way of learning.

Why Participation Matters More Than Amount

You might think, “Well, I can only give $50, does that even matter?”

Yes. It matters immensely. When we apply for grants from large foundations to build new facilities or launch new programs, the first question they ask is often: “What percentage of your current parents support the Annual Fund?”

High participation sends a signal to the outside world that our community believes in this mission. It unlocks external funding. It builds momentum. A gift of $25 or $50 is a vote of confidence in the teachers and the administration.

“We ask for participation because we believe that everyone in our community—parents, alumnae, and friends—plays a role in our success,” says Bryanna Prince ’12, Director of Institutional Advancement. “Every gift, no matter the size, goes directly into the student experience. It’s an immediate investment in the ‘now.’ It’s the coffee for the faculty meeting, the costumes for the play, the bus for the championship game.”

So, the next time you see an Annual Fund appeal, please understand: We aren’t just asking for money. We’re asking you to partner with us in closing the gap between “good enough” and “extraordinary.” We’re committed to giving our girls a world-class education, and the Annual Fund is the resource that makes that promise a reality.

Click to explore the many ways you can support our mission and make a difference in the lives of so many young women.