Tuition - Portland Christian Schools

For more than 75 years, parents have chosen a Portland Christian Schools education for their children.
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With Portland Christian’s

VARIABLE TUITION

an excellent Christian education has never been more affordable!

You may ask, “Can I afford to send my kids to PCS?” Perhaps the question should be … “Can I afford not to?”

Education is a long-term investment in your child’s future. Students spend over 15,000 hours in school from Kindergarten through 12th grade—hours that shape their mind, heart, and spirit. You can choose a school that influences them for life. At PCS, students learn and grow in an environment that cultivates academic excellence, promotes extracurricular interests, and nurtures community — all on a solid biblical foundation.

Education at any school has a cost, and we understand that financing a Christian education can be challenging. We get it! The cost of tuition shouldn’t stand in the way of pursuing your hopes for your children’s future.

That’s why PCS is pleased to offer Variable Tuition for grades K – 12. Tuition at PCS is not “one-size-fits-all” — it’s a range. Variable Tuition adjusts tuition rates to meet your family’s unique financial circumstances. Want to learn more? Watch this short video and check out the FAQs below!

2026 – 2027
Variable Tuition Ranges
Annual Rates

Variable Tuition applications open: December 1, 2025
Variable Tuition application deadline: May 1, 2026

GRADE	FULL TUITION*	LOWEST VARIABLE RATE
Kindergarten	$9,250	$5,550
Elementary (Grades 1 – 5)	$10,300	$6,180
Middle School (Grades 6 – 8)	$11,650	$6,990
High School (Grades 9 – 12)	$13,990	$8,395

*Where a particular family falls within the variable tuition range is based on information provided via the Variable Tuition application.
*The full tuition amount is for families who do not qualify or choose not to apply for Variable Tuition.

Additional opportunities to help make tuition affordable

Family cap of $34,375: No family will be asked to pay more than the cap for children enrolled in kindergarten through high school, regardless of the number of children enrolled.
Pre-pay discount: Families who pay in full by May 31, 2026, for the 2026 – 2027 school year will receive a 2% discount. (Families paying less than full tuition do not qualify for this discount.)
Flexible payment plans: You may opt to pay tuition over 12 months, 10 months, by semester, or in a single payment. Choose the payment plan that works best with your family’s budget.
Scholarships: PCS offers several scholarships for students in grades K-12.

No family pays 100% of the cost of a PCS education. Donations, revenue-generating activities, and fundraising events contribute to an education discount for EVERY student. The full tuition amount represents only about 85% of the actual cost to educate a student at PCS.

“Considering the cost [to the family] per student at Portland Christian is much less than the national average, public or private, we are amazed by the quality of education our tuition dollars provide. There is great value in the teachers, programs, and community we receive from Portland Christian.”

Lisa Lew, PCS Parent

Variable Tuition FAQs

What is Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition is a need-based tuition assistance program similar to those used by many private schools, colleges, and universities. It allows families to apply for a reduced tuition rate that matches their unique financial circumstances. This program helps make a Portland Christian education accessible and affordable for many qualified families who might not otherwise be able to join our school community.

How Does Variable Tuition Work?
Any domestic family (current or new) with a student in kindergarten through 12th grade may apply for Variable Tuition if they need help affording the full tuition rate. The tuition amount a family pays is based on factors such as income, assets, expenses, family size, and available school resources.

Applications are submitted through FACTS Financial Aid, a third-party service that evaluates financial information and makes recommendations to the school’s Variable Tuition Committee. The school’s Finance Department then notifies families of their approved tuition rate.

Applying for Variable Tuition does not affect enrollment or admission decisions. Because awards depend on verified information, it is not possible for Portland Christian to estimate the tuition level for a family without the completion of a Variable Tuition application. While PCS strives to make tuition as accessible as possible, Variable Tuition funds are limited and may not meet every family’s need.

Is there a cap on the availability of Variable Tuition?
Portland Christian Schools aims to assist as many families as possible through our Variable Tuition program. However, funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Families who need tuition assistance are encouraged to apply early, as the amount of available funding depends on the number of applicants and the resources available each year.

Do I need to apply to Portland Christian Schools to receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Yes. Your Variable Tuition application will be evaluated after your Application for Admission and application fee have been received.

Upon completion of my Variable Tuition application, when will I receive confirmation of my Variable Tuition?
Variable Tuition applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will generally hear from us within 2 – 6 weeks of providing all the required information to our confidential third-party service, but the time may be longer during peak seasons.

Is Variable Tuition a loan program?
No, the amount of reduced tuition will never need to be repaid.

What if my family’s financial circumstances change mid-year?
A job loss, illness, or other circumstance may adversely impact a family’s financial situation. You may submit a written request for reconsideration to the Business Office, based on a change in circumstances.

What is the application cost for Variable Tuition?
FACTS requires a $45.00 non-refundable Financial Aid Application fee.

What is the application process for Variable Tuition?
1. Complete the online application through FACTS Financial Aid
2. FACTS reviews the application
3. FACTS sends a report to Portland Christian
4. Portland Christian reviews the FACTS Financial Aid application
5. Portland Christian communicates the Variable Tuition decision

View this PDF for details and helpful hints.

Should every returning Portland Christian family submit an application for Variable Tuition?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the upper end of the Variable Tuition range should submit an application.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family who does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family who qualifies for Variable Tuition?
Families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the upper end of the range to those who are able to afford the lower end. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is expected to contribute financially to their child’s education. Through the Variable Tuition program, Portland Christian shares in that investment by adjusting tuition based on need. No family will receive Variable Tuition that is less than our published range.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The Portland Christian School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.

What is the application process for Variable Tuition?
1. Complete the online application through FACTS Financial Aid
2. FACTS reviews the application
3. FACTS sends a report to Portland Christian
4. Portland Christian reviews the FACTS Financial Aid application
5. Portland Christian communicates the Variable Tuition decision

View this PDF for details and helpful hints.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions should be directed to:
Jennifer Loffink, Financial Officer
jennifer.loffink@pcschools.org
503.256.3960 x206

Should every new Portland Christian family submit a Variable Tuition application?
No. Only families who feel that they may not be able to pay the upper end of the Variable Tuition range should submit an application.

Do I need to apply for Variable Tuition every year?
Yes. A new application must be submitted every year.

If I do not qualify for the program this year, can I apply again next year?
Yes. A family who does not qualify is welcome to reapply the following year.

Do I need to apply for admission separately from applying for Variable Tuition?
Yes. For new students, application to Portland Christian Schools and application for Variable Tuition are separate processes conducted by different teams. New families may submit a Variable Tuition application after applying for admission. Please request Variable Tuition application information from the Admissions Director during your admissions process.

Will applying for Variable Tuition hurt my student’s chance of being admitted to the school?
No. Admission applications and Variable Tuition applications are evaluated separately, and an application for Variable Tuition has no bearing on the admission process.

What kind of economic situation is typical of a family that qualifies for Variable Tuition?
Families with a variety of circumstances qualify for the program, from those who are able to pay close to the upper end of the range to those who are able to afford the lower end. Many factors are evaluated, including income, assets, unusual expenses, and the size of the family.

Are some families awarded full tuition?
No. Every family is expected to contribute financially to their child’s education. Through the Variable Tuition program, Portland Christian shares in that investment by adjusting tuition based on need. No family will receive Variable Tuition that is less than our published range.

Are all admitted students offered Variable Tuition if the family qualifies?
No. Unfortunately, the school does not have the ability to offer Variable Tuition to every student who qualifies for both admission and Variable Tuition. It is recommended that families apply for Variable Tuition as early as possible.

What if I determine that I am unable to pay the Variable Tuition amount I have been awarded?

If after being notified of your Variable Tuition decision you determine that the award is not sufficient for your student to attend PCS, you may withdraw your application for admission.

Will Variable Tuition lead to larger classes?
No. The Portland Christian School Board has established maximum class sizes that cannot be surpassed. Within those limits, we will continue to accept qualified, mission-appropriate students.

What is the application process for Variable Tuition?
1. Complete the online application through FACTS Financial Aid (after applying for admission)
2. FACTS reviews the application
3. FACTS sends a report to Portland Christian
4. Portland Christian reviews the FACTS Financial Aid application
5. Portland Christian communicates the Variable Tuition decision

View this PDF for details and helpful hints.

Who should I contact with questions about Variable Tuition?
Questions should be directed to:

Nicole Curtis, Admissions Director
admissions@pcschools.org
503.867.9214