Notable Numbers – November 2023

6% Increase in Total Financial Aid Applications

Over the last 5 years, total financial aid applications grew an average of 6% at INDEX schools. The median change, however, was 0%, meaning half the INDEX schools had a decrease and half had an increase in FA applications over the last 5 years. 

8% Increase in Eligible Financial Aid Applications

Over the last 5 years, eligible financial aid applications grew 8%. While not all families who apply for aid are eligible to receive it, a slightly larger percentage of applications are eligible for aid today than they were 5 years ago. 

146% Increase in Female Heads

Over the last 10 years, the percentage of INDEX co-ed schools with a female Head of School grew by 2.5X, and today, 29% of INDEX co-ed schools are led by a female.

47% Increase in Use of Salary Scales

Over the last 10 years, there was a 47% increase in the percentage of INDEX schools using a defined salary scale for teachers, and today, 66% of INDEX schools have a defined salary scale. The most common criteria are years experience and degrees earned. 

69% of Schools Have Long-Range Plans

While all INDEX schools report having a long-range plan, 69% have executed or updated the plan in the last 5 years. This percentage has remained consistent over the last 10 years.