Affording Saint Mary's Hall
We believe that access to a world-class independent school education should never be limited by a family’s financial circumstances.
We welcome students from a wide range of economic backgrounds and partner with families to make an SMH education possible. To support this commitment, we offer several pathways to help manage the cost of tuition, including need-based financial aid, merit and mission-driven scholarships, and Texas Education Freedom Account options.
Families are encouraged to explore the resources available and learn more about how SMH can help make an extraordinary education accessible. Select the tabs below for details on each option.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
The SMH financial aid program provides tuition assistance to qualified students with demonstrated need, and we encourage any family who may need assistance to apply. Moreover, we are proud to partner with Clarity to assist us in determining a family's need. Most families can apply in 20-30 minutes or less, and customer service is available in both English and Spanish. The application - which is $65 - is also just as easy to complete on a mobile device as it is on a computer.
Financial aid consideration is for students in Forms 1-12 who have been accepted to or are currently attending Saint Mary's Hall.
Financial aid applications will open Friday, October 3, 2025.
The deadline for submitting your financial aid application to Clarity is Friday, December 5, 2025. Financial aid applications can be submitted past deadline and will be considered as funds are available.
How to apply
New Students
- Apply to SMH.
- Complete the financial aid application through Clarity by December 5, 2025, which should take 20-30 minutes or less. Financial aid applications will open Friday, October 3, 2025. For guidance on submitting the financial aid application, view Clarity's Family Application Guide. The Family Application Guide is also available in Spanish.
- Clarity offers two options for enhanced tax verification process: “Clarity” and “IRS.” The IRS pathway is significantly faster, allowing for the tax documents to transfer to Clarity within 24 hours.
- If the financial aid application and all documents have been submitted properly and on time, financial aid decisions will be communicated at the same time as admission decisions.
Returning Students
- Complete the financial aid application through Clarity by December 5, 2025, which should take 20-30 minutes or less. Financial aid applications will open Friday, October 3, 2025. For guidance on submitting the financial aid application, view Clarity's Family Application Guide. The Family Application Guide is also available in Spanish.
- Clarity offers two options for enhanced tax verification process: “Clarity” and “IRS.” The IRS pathway is significantly faster, allowing for the tax documents to transfer to Clarity within 24 hours.
- If the financial aid application and all documents have been submitted properly and on time, financial aid decisions - if granted - will appear on the reenrollment contract.
Financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to those who qualify and meet the deadlines as funds are available. Financial aid will not be offered unless all required tax documents are verified through Clarity.
$3 Million Awarded
Average Award of ~$15,900
25% of Student Body Receiving need-based Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to new and currently enrolled students entering Forms 9 - 12. The table below contains scholarships that are available.
Scholarship applicants and recipients are eligible to apply for financial aid if additional need exists.
| School Year | Scholarship Name | Scholarship Amount |
|
Available |
|
Full Upper School Tuition for Four Years Full Upper School Tuition for Four Years 25% of Upper School Tuition for Four Years |
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
| School Year | Scholarship Name | Scholarship Amount |
| 2026-2027 |
Click here to apply for scholarships available for the 2026-2027 school year. |
|
| 2027-2028 |
|
|
| 2028-2029 |
|
|
| 2029-2030 |
|
Up to $4,000 per year Up to $3,000 per year |
Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA)
Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA)
Saint Mary’s Hall is committed to expanding access to an exceptional independent school education for families across Texas. Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year, SMH will participate in the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, a new state initiative designed to help qualifying families access funding for approved educational expenses.
TEFA provides eligible students with state‑funded financial assistance that may be applied toward tuition and other approved educational costs at participating private schools. This program offers families an additional pathway to choose the learning environment that best supports their child’s growth, interests, and potential.
Families interested in TEFA are encouraged to review the information below and visit the Texas Comptroller’s official website for the most current program details and updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Saint Mary’s Hall participating in TEFA?
- Does TEFA participation affect Saint Mary’s Hall’s independence?
- Who is eligible to participate in TEFA?
- How can TEFA funds be used?
- Will TEFA participation affect tuition or financial planning for current families?
- How do families apply for TEFA?
- Will TEFA participation change the classroom experience at Saint Mary’s Hall?
- Can Saint Mary’s Hall reconsider participation in the future?
Why is Saint Mary’s Hall participating in TEFA?
After careful review, Saint Mary’s Hall determined that TEFA aligns with our mission and strategic priority to expand access for qualified, mission-aligned students and families, whether currently enrolled or exploring us for the first time. SMH maintains full independence in how we teach, admit, and support students.
Does TEFA participation affect Saint Mary’s Hall’s independence?
Who is eligible to participate in TEFA?
Eligibility is determined by the State of Texas and is based on criteria established by the TEFA program. Families should refer to the Texas Comptroller’s website for the most up‑to‑date eligibility guidelines.
How can TEFA funds be used?
Will TEFA participation affect tuition or financial planning for current families?
How do families apply for TEFA?
Applications and program management are handled by the State of Texas. Families should visit the Texas Comptroller’s official TEFA page for application instructions, timelines, and required documentation.