Financial Aid Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
How do applicant families navigate from our school website to the TADS application?
Applicant families may go directly to myTADS.com where they can quickly create a new account. See our link page for graphics and html you can put on your school website.
When will I first know the outcome of the evaluation?
You can follow the application status and view preliminary results as soon as the application is entered. In addition, you will receive updates as the applicant completes the process.
Is TADS truly paperless for the schools?
The TADS system is 100% paperless for your school! We have paper applications, invoices and correspondence available for your families, but you may instruct us to administer the system paper-free.
Is Spanish language support available?
Yes. online applications are available in Spanish. We also have Spanish-speaking support during normal business hours.
What formula does TADS use to evaluate applications?
The TADS formula was built by industry experts in the early 1980s. The TADS formula is customized to school requirements.
What if I have a special form to collect from each family?
TADS is able to put a copy of the form online and have the family complete it. When the family sends the form to TADS, we will make the completed document available online, along with all other required documents.
How do I get reports from TADS?
All your reports will be viewable online. You are able to download a PDF or Excel copy of the report.
What is the best way to allocate my available funds to applicants?
TADS will allocate your stated available funds based on need. You are then able to review the recommendation and adjust it accordingly. See our Grant Management page for more information.
What is the cost for Grant Management?
Grant Management is free for schools using TADS Financial Aid.
How does TADS collect documents?
TADS allows applicants to submit documents securely online, by postal mail or fax. We then digitize the documents in order to evaluate the application and make them available online for verification and viewing.
How do I access documents on file?
From your user interface, under each applicant you can view their specific document uploads, or from reports, view documents submitted by all applicants.
How long after an application is entered can I see the results?
As soon as someone starts to enter an application, you can view the entry. Once the application is submitted, you will see preliminary results. You should be able to see audited results within ten days of submission of all supporting documents.
How long does it take to create the final report?
You are able to create a summary report at any time. Final reports are available when you indicate that your applicants are finished.
How long is my school’s data retained and available?
TADS will retain your data for a minimum of five years. Three years of data is readily available online.
How is my school’s data used?
TADS only uses your data to create reports for you. TADS would never sell or otherwise use your data without your express permission.
How do parents and administrators contact TADS for support?
Our friendly and knowledgeable in-house staff is available via telephone, online chat or email Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 8:00pm Central Time and seasonally (Jan-April), Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm.
How quickly can the system be ready for the school and families?
TADS team is able to set-up your school within our system in approximately three weeks. After that point, families may begin applying as soon as you are ready for them to access the application.
How much does your financial aid service cost?
Our service costs are built around an annual subscription fee and the application fee that the family pays. There are many options for how this can look for your school and your families.
Besides traditional schools, what other types of organizations do you work with for Financial Aid?
We work with all types of organizations! From scholarship organizations with thousands of applicants to small organizations with only a few. We serve soccer, hockey and other sports clubs, dance schools, health clubs and anybody needing help determining financial eligibility for aid.
What does TADS stand for?
TADS used to stand for ‘Tuition Aid Data Services’, but we have successfully added tuition management, admissions and enrollment and SIS/SMS services to our financial aid (or tuition aid) base, so that name no longer encompasses what we do. For now we’re just ‘TADS’.