Program Fee Reduction Opportunities
ASSIST is committed to making its program accessible to students from a wide range of financial backgrounds.
Being chosen for a scholarship is based on merit, but financial assistance is based on need.
What Is ASSIST's Program Fee For?
An ASSIST program fee, set by the ASSIST Board of Directors, is charged to the family of each successful candidate. This fee contributes to the cost of ASSIST's work on behalf of Scholars, both in America and around the world. It also covers:
- a multi-day, in-person orientation program
- access to a worldwide network of over 6500 alumni
- support throughout the year
The program fee for the '27-'28 school year is listed on each country's page.
Supporting Access for Deserving Students
ASSIST offers program fee reductions for our Sanderson scholarships to families with demonstrated financial need. We are committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent highly qualified students from participating in the ASSIST program.
Families who are able to pay the full ASSIST program fee are expected to do so. Families for whom the full program fee would represent a significant financial burden may be considered for a fee reduction. Fee reductions may cover up to 80% of the ASSIST program fee, with families expected to contribute at least 20% of the applicable program fee.
Financial assistance is based on demonstrated financial need. ASSIST considers each family's individual circumstances, including household income, assets, family size, educational expenses, other significant financial obligations, and local economic circumstances. There is no single income level that automatically qualifies or disqualifies a family from receiving assistance.
Confidential and Fair
Families requesting a fee reduction are required to provide documentation of their financial circumstances through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment, a trusted, independent third-party service used by thousands of schools. ASSIST uses this information and FACTS’s assessment to determine an appropriate family contribution. ASSIST carefully reviews each financial assistance application to determine a family’s demonstrated need. This process is thorough, confidential and designed to ensure that support is provided fairly. Our goal is to ensure that no qualified student is unable to participate in the program due to financial circumstances.
Next Steps
Students must first submit the general ASSIST application, which opens each July. In the application portal, families can request consideration for a fee reduction. If the student becomes a scholarship finalist, the family will then be asked to submit financial information through the application portal.
Please note: Reductions are not guaranteed, and awards vary based on demonstrated need and available funding. ASSIST encourages qualified, committed students to apply if cost is a concern.