School Websites: How to Write a Tuition Page Worth Reading

It’s possible to make your school website’s Tuition page both compelling and straightforward by incorporating these tips:

#1: Be compassionate.

Tell readers upfront that you understand the often heavy burden of paying for a fantastic education. It’s a significant investment, yet an investment in the future. And “possibility” is something worth investing in.

While speaking at the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools, I heard something that really stuck with me: “If I’m going to spend money on one thing for my child, I want it to be her education.” That’s quite a passionate, personal pull — and it makes sense to highlight that on your Tuition page.

The key: don’t be heavy-handed with your beliefs — be understanding. Recognize how difficult the decision can be, and express your empathy.

#2: Share the facts.

Even if you do it elsewhere on the site, reinforce the value of an independent school or higher education. Use facts and statistics, such as the following compiled by the National Association of Independent Schools:

• A larger percentage of students at independent schools are enrolled in advanced courses than in public, parochial, and other private schools.
• Independent schools have low student-teacher ratios that encourage close connections with students. The median ratio in NAIS schools in 2011-12 was 8.8 students to 1 teacher.
• Independent school students have a greater likelihood of a student completing a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree.

#3: Show your support.

One of my school clients had a rule on their website: wherever you talk about Tuition, you talk about Financial Aid. This was true not only on the Tuition page, but also in areas such as the site’s Frequently Asked Questions, in printed communications and more.

The reason: to demonstrate how much the school is willing to work with families to ensure their education is within reach.

This school also supports their Financial Aid information with facts about their own students. For your site, consider including statistics such as:

• The number of students at your school who receive financial aid
• The average amount given to qualified students
• Family income range + average aid award
• The number of scholarship programs you have

#4: Be human.

Just because your Tuition page is mostly fact-based information doesn’t mean it should lose your school’s brand voice and tone. Quite the opposite — this is where you should showcase your brand personality.

A good way to do this is through testimonials — from your students, from your families, and from your leadership. This will help readers visualize the long-term outcomes when considering their investment.

These are just a few of the ways that you can enhance your school website Tuition page. Pair these with other school website content best practices, and you’ll be more successful at making the case for your own HOW.

Want to talk about your website content? You can message us here.

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