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  • We seek motivated, high-achieving, talented students with character and promise—

    and then we partner with parents to make Rabun Gap an affordable choice.
When Andrew Ritchie founded Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 1903, his main aspiration was to offer an exceptional educational experience to all students, regardless of their ability to pay. Today, we remain committed to this central pillar of our mission.

Our admissions and financial aid staff works with families to make a Rabun Gap education a reality for their child. Each family’s situation is different, and there are many different levels of financial aid awarded. We also offer interest-free, monthly payment plans.
All students receive some level of support in our commitment to affordability because the school’s endowment provides resources to keep tuition lower than many of our peer schools.

Unlike most independent schools, the majority of our students (75%) receive need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. This commitment creates a community of students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, one of Rabun Gap’s unique assets. We value diversity in all forms and offer your child an opportunity to grow and learn in a community reflective of their future.

2023-2024 Tuition

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  • Day

    PreK3 
    $6,950

    Lower School Day Student
    (Grades PreK-5)
    $11,100

    Middle School Day Student (Grades 6-8)
    $21,550

    Upper School Day Student (Grades 9-12)
    $24,350
  • Domestic Boarding

    Middle School Domestic Boarding Student (Grades 6-8)
    $63,350

    Upper School Domestic Boarding Student (Grades 9-12)
    $60,950
  • International Boarding

    Middle & Upper School International Boarding Student (Grades 7-12)
    $69,500

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  • Financial Aid Deadlines

Families receive notification of their child’s financial aid award with acceptance. The grant offer is confirmed once Rabun Gap receives the student’s signed contract and non-refundable enrollment deposit.

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  • Early Decision New Families (Boarding Only)

    December 1
  • All Returning Families

    December 1
  • Regular Decision New Families

    February 1

How to Apply

Rabun Gap Nacoochee School is proud to use the Clarity Application to determine a family’s eligibility for need-based financial aid. Both domestic and international applicants are required to use this application when applying for need-based assistance. Financial aid grants are made for one year only -  therefore, you must reapply each year.

To get started, please go to the Clarity Application, and create an account. The application typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. The Clarity Application is also mobile-friendly so you can complete it from anywhere. You are also able to save your progress and return at any time. At the end of the application, there is a $55 fee to submit. 

If you need support during the process of completing your application, in-app support is available as well as email support at support@claritytuition.com in both English and Spanish. The application itself is also fully translated into Spanish.  Additionally, you may contact Nichole Healy, Director of Financial Aid at nhealy@rabungap.org

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  • Our Financial Aid Program

    Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School’s financial aid and scholarship program seeks to provide qualified, motivated students from a broad socioeconomic background with the opportunity to attend Rabun Gap. However, Rabun Gap recognizes that the primary responsibility for financing an independent school education rests with the student’s parents. We recognize that parents must plan carefully and make sacrifices to meet a full year’s education expenses. We are committed to working with families to simplify the financial aid application process and payment options so that the focus can be on your child’s education.
    Read More

Situations that Affect Financial Aid Awards

  • Number of siblings attending Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
  • Number of siblings attending college
  • Temporary changes in income
  • Health or crisis circumstances

Merit & Special Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available upon admission to new students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership skills, and are of excellent character. Currently, Rabun Gap offers the following merit-based and special scholarship programs for students new to the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School community. Merit scholarships cannot be combined.

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  • Alumni Scholarships

    These scholarships are designed to recognize our legacy students. The structure for the Alumni Scholarships are as follows:

    • $1,500 reduction in published tuition for Lower School day students
    • $2,500 reduction in published tuition for Middle School day students
    • $5,000 reduction in published tuition for Upper School day students
    • $10,000 reduction in published tuition for boarding students
    The applicant must have a parent, grandparent or legal guardian that attended Rabun Gap. This scholarship cannot be combined with any other merit or special scholarship. The family can apply for additional need-based aid, if desired. Alumni should notify the Admission Office of their year of attendance to qualify for this scholarship. The Alumni Scholarship is awarded upon acceptance to Rabun Gap.
  • Presbyterian Fellows Scholarships

    Presbyterian Fellows Scholarships are academic and character awards for Middle School and Upper School students. Presbyterian Fellows Scholarships are available to students who are active members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) entering Rabun Gap for the first time. Nominees for this scholarship must receive an endorsement letter from the Session of a Presbyterian Church, (PCUSA), indicating that the student is an active and participating member of their nominating Presbyterian Church. Minimum requirements are that the student must have achieved grades of “B” or better and demonstrate strong moral character and citizenship.

    For more information about this merit scholarship, contact Nichole Healy at nhealy@rabungap.org, or at 706-746-7722.
  • The Woodruff Scholarships

    The Woodruff Scholarships are academic and character scholarships for Middle and Upper School students. Minimum criteria for Woodruff scholars are as follows: have achieved grades of “B” or better, score in the top 25% on the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), and demonstrate strong leadership skills and abilities (as indicated on teacher evaluation forms). No action is required by the family for this scholarship; this is awarded upon acceptance to Rabun Gap.

Contact Us For More Information

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  • Photo of Nichole Healy

    Nichole Healy 

    Director of Financial Aid
  • Photo of Cortney Dowdle

    Cortney Dowdle 

    Director of Admission

Next Steps

To learn more about making Rabun Gap affordable for your family, please call our Admission Office at 706-746-7720 or email admission@rabungap.org
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.