Tuition, Room, Board & Fees

The cost of public and private education has increased significantly over the last few years. This includes the costs for private academy preparatory schools as well as colleges and universities. Tuition costs at these specialized schools range from $9,000 to $44,000. As you conduct your research for the best institution, it's very important to determine that the program meets your individual needs as well as the academic expectations of the academies – not all programs are created equal, and cost is not always the best indicator of quality or relevance.

The national average for a private college education in 2009 was $32,640. The average cost for room, board, tuition, taxes and fees this year for a non-Greystone student at Schreiner University carrying the same 36 credit hour course load is $29,798. The total cost for the Greystone program (fall and spring semester) including room, board, tuition, taxes and fees is $25,098. Through an agreement with Schreiner University, they provide all Greystone students with a $4,700 merit scholarship to help minimize the cost of the college education and attract high quality students to Greystone. Keep in mind, Greystone students are full-time college students co-enrolled at Schreiner University and therefore eligible for all state, federal tuition assistance programs. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of the Schreiner education - a considerable advantage Greystone has over traditional high school level preparatory schools. If you have earned any college scholarships, they too can be applied toward your tuition.

As an academy-bound student, you and your parents must look at each program as a major investment in your academic future. There is a great deal riding on this decision and it is not all about the cost of the prep school. The service academies estimate the value of their 4-year training to be worth $400,000. This means that whatever the cost of your academic preparation, if you are successful in gaining admission to a service academy you will be receiving an education worth many times your investment. It is worth the time and effort to choose wisely.

When you evaluate a preparatory school, pay particular attention to whether the program can maximize the return on your investment. Determine if the program:

• provides a focused program tailored to meet your specific individual needs.
• meets and exceeds the academy's recommended college-level coursework content for reapplication students.
• fully prepares each student for the physical, mental and emotional demands of the academies' first-year - and beyond.
• assists students to develop the ethical and moral strengths that are critical requirements for admission to the academies.
• provides each student with a valid, high-value back up plan just in case they do not receive their appointment.

Your guiding principle for your selection of a preparatory school must be “buyer beware”. Make no mistake – you are a sought-after buyer, and there are sellers offering every level of quality, in a market where cost alone is not a reliable basis for a good decision.

Greystone has teamed up with Schreiner University to create a comprehensive program specifically designed for academy-bound students. Minimizing tuition cost and maximizing the academic, physical and ethical value of the program has been the top priority for Greystone. Comparatively speaking, Greystone offers excellent value for money: a true college-level curriculum even in freshman courses, 36 earned college credits, academy-specific academics, physical preparation, character development, leadership opportunities, personal growth and individual maturity. Do your homework, do the math, and you'll find that the value of the Greystone experience provides the highest potential return for your preparatory school investment.