Phillips Exeter Academy Tuition 2026: Costs, Fees & Aid Guide

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🎓 Phillips Exeter Academy tuition 2026-27

Phillips Exeter Academy Tuition 2026: Boarding, Day Student Cost, Fees, Aid and Payment Guide

Phillips Exeter Academy tuition searchers usually want one thing first: the real cost. For 2026-2027, Exeter lists $71,797 boarding tuition, $56,077 day tuition, and $900 estimated books and supplies.

The better answer is not just the sticker price. Exeter is need-blind, meets 100% of demonstrated need, awards more than $29 million in grants, and says families with income under $125,000 may qualify for free tuition if asset rules are met.

This guide answers boarding tuition, day tuition, books, hidden costs, financial aid, free tuition income rules, Clarity application steps, deadlines, payment plans, contacts and map.

💰 Cost table 🎁 Aid rules 📝 Apply for aid
$71,797

2026-27 boarding tuition listed by Exeter.

$56,077

2026-27 day student tuition listed by Exeter.

$900

Estimated books and supplies for both boarding and day students.

$125K rule

Families under this income may qualify for free tuition, with asset review.

Quick answer: what should families budget for Exeter?

A simple tuition-plus-books estimate is $72,697 for a boarding student and $56,977 for a day student.

The final family cost can be much lower after aid. Exeter says aid is given as grants, not loans, and families should apply if they think they may need help.

Best parent takeaway: Do not reject Exeter only because of the sticker price. Exeter’s aid program can include tuition, books, academic supplies, computer support and non-tuition help for eligible families.

Exeter tuition guide quick navigation

💰 Tuition and books 🔎 Popular search answers 🎁 Financial aid facts 📝 How to apply for aid 📦 Extra costs to plan 💳 Payment planning 📅 Deadlines ☎️ Contacts and map

Phillips Exeter Academy tuition and costs 2026-2027

Exeter’s official cost table is short, so users need the numbers translated into practical family planning.

Phillips Exeter Academy 2026-2027 tuition and estimated books/supplies
Student type Tuition Books & supplies estimate Simple tuition + books estimate What families should know
Boarding student $71,797 $900 $72,697 Best starting number for families searching Exeter boarding tuition.
Day student $56,077 $900 $56,977 Best starting number for local families comparing day-school cost.
Important: This table does not mean every family pays the sticker price. Exeter says approximately half of students receive assistance each year.
Estimated family cost = Exeter tuition + books/supplies + travel + personal/optional costs − Exeter grant aid − non-tuition support
Official source: Exeter’s Tuition & Costs page lists 2026-2027 boarding tuition, day tuition and estimated books/supplies.
Open Exeter Tuition & Costs

Phillips Exeter Academy financial aid: what actually matters

Exeter’s aid page is important because it changes the meaning of the sticker price.

Need-blind

Admissions decisions are made without regard to family financial circumstances.

100% need met

Exeter says it meets demonstrated need for admitted students.

$29M

Assistance awarded as outright grants, not loans.

48%

Students receiving financial assistance.

Exeter aid details families should know
Aid topic Official-style detail Family action
Free tuition income guideline Families earning less than $125,000 may pay no tuition, subject to asset review. Apply for aid instead of assuming Exeter is unaffordable.
Free tuition support Exeter says it covers tuition, books, academic supplies and provides a computer stipend under the initiative. Ask what your aid award covers beyond tuition.
Average boarding grant $57,832 average annual grant listed for boarding students. Use the aid estimator for your family’s situation.
Average day grant $40,711 average annual grant listed for day students. Day families should still apply if cost is a concern.
Non-tuition help Exeter lists more than $1 million in non-tuition support for books, laptops, music lessons, study abroad and more. Ask about travel, books, laptop and activity support if admitted with aid.
Merit scholarships Exeter aid is based on financial need, not merit. Do not plan around academic or athletic merit scholarships.
Official aid links: Financial Aid & Tuition · Financial Aid Calculators

How to apply for Exeter financial aid

Exeter uses the Clarity Application for financial aid. The process starts in September and the deadline is January 15.

Mark financial aid on Gateway On the Gateway to Prep Schools Candidate Profile, indicate that you intend to apply for financial aid.
Use the exact same student name Exeter asks families to use the exact same name and date of birth on all application and aid materials.
Complete Clarity by January 15 Exeter says Clarity takes about 30 minutes and securely collects financial information and tax documents.
Budget the Clarity fee The Clarity submission fee is $65, and the application can be shared with other Clarity schools for no extra charge.
Return to the dashboard Exeter may require additional documentation, including business or partnership tax documents.
Ask early if family structure is complex Divorced, separated, remarried, business-owning and non-working-parent situations may require extra review.
Critical rule: Families who may need aid during a student’s Exeter years should request aid when they apply. Exeter warns that aid may not be available later unless there is a significant change in family circumstances.
Official application link: Apply for Exeter Financial Aid

Costs families should plan beyond Exeter tuition

Exeter’s official table lists tuition and books/supplies. The real family budget can include more items depending on the student.

Possible Exeter family budget items
Cost item Why it matters What aid families should ask
Books and supplies Exeter estimates $900 for 2026-2027. Families under the free-tuition initiative may receive books and academic supplies support.
Computer / laptop Students may need a reliable computer for coursework. Exeter says eligible families may receive a stipend toward a computer.
Travel Boarding students may need flights, train/bus tickets or family travel. Exeter says aid can support supplemental costs like travel.
Music lessons Private lessons can add cost for arts-focused students. Exeter lists music lessons among non-tuition support examples.
Study abroad / global opportunities Some optional programs may involve extra cost. Ask if aid can support travel or program-related expenses.
Personal spending Laundry, clothing, dorm items, activities and daily needs can add up. Ask what the aid award does and does not include.
Best question to ask Exeter: “If my student receives aid, which non-tuition expenses can be covered or supported?”

Exeter payment planning: what parents should know

Exeter says families can choose from a variety of payment plans. The public page does not list every plan detail, so families should confirm exact options after admission or with Exeter directly.

Before choosing a plan

Confirm the amount due after financial aid, deposit rules, billing schedule and whether optional expenses are included.

If applying for aid

Wait for the aid award before judging whether the listed tuition is affordable.

If paying full tuition

Ask about available payment plan choices, due dates, payment methods and late-fee rules.

If family income changes

Contact Financial Aid quickly. Exeter considers aid changes when there is a significant change in family circumstances.

Payment tip: Keep admission deposit, tuition bill, aid award, Clarity confirmation, parent portal access and payment confirmations in one folder.

Important Exeter tuition, admission and aid dates

Missing Exeter’s admissions or aid deadline can affect the family’s options.

Exeter admissions and financial aid timing
Date / timing What happens Family action
July Admissions application opens and interviews can be scheduled. Start inquiry, Gateway profile and interview planning.
September Financial aid application process begins. Start Clarity and gather tax/financial documents.
January 15 Admission application materials due. Submit required forms, essays, recommendations and transcripts.
January 15 Financial aid application materials due. Complete Clarity and upload requested documents.
March 10 Admissions decisions released. Review decision, aid award and next steps together.
Do not wait until January: Financial aid may require tax documents, parent information, business records or separate household applications.

Exeter financial aid documents and family situations

Exeter’s aid process looks at family ability to pay. Some families may need more documentation than expected.

What may affect Exeter financial aid review
Situation Why it matters What to prepare
Two legal parents living separately Exeter considers the financial resources of both living legal parents. Each household may need a separate financial aid application.
Remarried parent Exeter may consider obligations and resources involving the step-parent. Prepare household financial information clearly.
Business or partnership income Exeter may request extra business or partnership tax documentation. Have business returns and supporting records ready.
Non-working parent Exeter may assign income for a non-working parent unless circumstances explain it. Prepare explanation and documentation if applicable.
Significant assets Assets can affect eligibility even if income is under $125,000. Do not assume automatic full aid without completing Clarity.

Phillips Exeter Academy tuition contacts, address and map

Use Admissions for application questions and Financial Aid for aid, Clarity, tuition affordability and family documentation questions.

Phillips Exeter Academy Admissions Office

Best for: application, Gateway, interview, admission deadline, application fee, applicant portal.

Phone: 603-777-3437

Email: admit@exeter.edu

Main address: 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH 03833-2460

Open How to Apply

Phillips Exeter Academy Office of Financial Aid

Best for: tuition affordability, Clarity, aid deadline, parent documents, free tuition initiative, non-tuition support.

Phone: 603-777-3341

Email: financialaid@exeter.edu

Main address: 20 Main Street, Exeter, NH 03833-2460

Open Financial Aid & Tuition

Before contacting Exeter: Have student name, applicant portal details, Gateway information, household income range, parent/guardian structure, Clarity status, tax document questions and deadline questions ready.

Phillips Exeter Academy map

Parent checklist before deciding Exeter is too expensive

Start with the right student type Boarding tuition is $71,797. Day tuition is $56,077. Books and supplies are estimated at $900.
Use the aid calculator Check Exeter’s Financial Aid Profiler and Estimator before assuming your family will pay full tuition.
Apply for aid at admission If you may need aid at any point, request it when applying. Later aid may not be available without major family change.
Prepare Clarity early The aid application starts in September, costs $65 and is due January 15.
Ask about non-tuition support Aid may help with books, laptops, travel, music lessons, study abroad and other approved costs.
Compare net cost, not sticker price Exeter’s listed tuition is high, but grants can dramatically reduce the family cost.

FAQs about Phillips Exeter Academy tuition 2026

How much is Phillips Exeter Academy tuition for 2026-2027?

Boarding tuition is $71,797 and day student tuition is $56,077. Books and supplies are estimated at $900.

How much is Exeter boarding tuition with books?

Boarding tuition plus estimated books and supplies is $72,697 before financial aid and other personal or travel costs.

How much is Exeter day tuition with books?

Day tuition plus estimated books and supplies is $56,977 before financial aid and other family-specific costs.

Does Exeter offer financial aid?

Yes. Exeter is need-blind and says it meets 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students with grants that do not need to be repaid.

What income qualifies for free Exeter tuition?

Families earning less than $125,000 may qualify for free tuition, but significant assets relative to income can affect eligibility.

Does Exeter financial aid cover more than tuition?

It can. Exeter says it provides more than $1 million in non-tuition support, including books, laptops, music lessons, study abroad and more.

What is the average Exeter financial aid grant?

Exeter lists average annual grants of $57,832 for boarding students and $40,711 for day students.

Does Exeter give merit scholarships?

No. Exeter aid is need-based. Families should apply for aid if they need assistance.

When is the Exeter financial aid deadline?

The financial aid application deadline is January 15. The application process begins in September.

What is the Exeter application fee?

The application fee is $60 for domestic and international applicants. Fee waivers are available for students intending to apply for financial aid.

Bottom line: Phillips Exeter Academy’s 2026-2027 sticker price is $71,797 for boarding tuition and $56,077 for day tuition, plus $900 estimated books and supplies. But Exeter is need-blind, meets 100% of demonstrated need, awards more than $29 million in grants, and says families under $125,000 income may qualify for free tuition if asset rules are met. Families should compare the net aid result, not just the sticker price.

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