A recent National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) survey of more than 1,200 individuals who filed financial aid forms underscores the central role financial aid plays in their ability to pursue a private education for their children. This article highlights the survey findings, demonstrating why school leaders need to thoroughly analyze their own school's trends and data when creating budget forecasts, paying special attention to tuition increases and changes in financial aid variables, such as applications, number of recipients, and grant amounts as well as the economic variables and their effects on the finances of current families.