Admissions

TUITION

A McDonogh education is an investment that will have an immediate and lasting impact on your child’s life. In addition to our outstanding academic program, tuition includes bus transportation and lunch. Athletic uniforms for many sports are provided through the School's Athletic Department.

Our unique five-day boarding program offers the best of both worlds: living on campus during the academic week to fully engage in school life and returning home on weekends for meaningful family time. Boarding students also receive breakfast and dinner, and benefit from an environment that fosters independence, self-discipline, and personal responsibility—qualities essential for success in college and beyond.

Lower School

Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year (includes bus transportation and lunch):

• PK: $24,350 
• K-Prefirst: $35,100 
• Grades 1-4: $38,100 

Middle School

Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year (includes bus transportation and lunch):

• Grades 5-8: $40,250 

Upper School

Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year (includes bus transportation and lunch):

• Grades 9-12: $42,440 
• Book fees vary

Five-Day Boarding, Grades 9-12

2025-2026 school year:

• Full year: $14,300
• Single term: $5,300

Tuition does not include books for Upper School students, instrumental music instruction, fees related to squash and our equestrian program, and private tutoring. Expenses for personal items such as school clothing and athletic equipment are the responsibility of the family.

Payment Options

• Payment in Full: Due in June (No FACTS Annual Enrollment Fee).
• Two-Payment Plan: Half due in June; remaining half due by October ($20 FACTS Annual Enrollment Fee).
• 10-Month Plan: Monthly payments from June through March ($50 FACTS Annual Enrollment Fee).

FINANCIAL AID

At McDonogh, we believe that socioeconomic diversity enriches educational excellence, our community, and the student experience. We also recognize that tuition is a considerable investment. McDonogh’s Financial Aid Program is designed to make our exceptional education accessible to talented students who demonstrate financial need.

Below are links for more information on Financial Aid at McDonogh School.

• Financial Aid Application Instructions for Admissions Applicants
• Frequently Asked Questions: McDonogh School Financial Aid
• Informational Video

While some schools offer merit aid, we have made the deliberate choice to focus our resources differently.

McDonogh’s financial aid philosophy centers on creating socioeconomic diversity in our community. We believe this enriches the educational experience for all students and better prepares them for an increasingly complex world. 

Merit aid often creates an unsustainable cycle where schools must continually increase tuition to fund competitive scholarships, ultimately raising costs for all families. This approach can lead to reduced resources for educational programs and support services that benefit every student. Our focus remains on creating an environment where all students can thrive, regardless of their family's ability to pay full tuition.

By dedicating our resources to need-based aid rather than merit scholarships, we can:

• Support qualified students who would otherwise be unable to attend McDonogh
• Enhance our academic, arts, and athletic programs for all students
• Build long-term financial stability for the School