Jordanian parents face financial challenges of quality education 

AMMAN — In pursuit of a quality education, many Jordanian parents struggle to finance private school tuition for their children. 

Rana Al Faraj, a marketing officer and mother of two, is among those who wrestle with this financial challenge. Opting to enrol her children in a private school, her decision was fuelled by a desire for a brighter future.

"I want the best education for my children," Faraj told The Jordan Times.

Her sentiment resonates deeply with countless parents across Jordan, each driven by the belief in the power of education. However, the economic strain is palpable. Many parents find themselves making considerable sacrifices and redirecting funds from essential expenses to cover expensive tuition fees. 

Faraj believes that while the primary financial responsibility rests on parents, collaborative efforts between schools and families, along with pragmatic payment plans, could significantly ease this financial burden.

Private school financing options in Amman feature two predominant payment models: Parents either submit the full amount in cash at the beginning of the academic year, or write cheques.

It is worth noting that Jordan grapples with a shadow labour force, where workers lack fixed salaries and instead rely on various payment methods, including cheques and bank loan instalments.

"This is where financing service providers step in, offering to cover the entire tuition fee and allowing instalment payments," Faraj added. 

The owner of a private financing company, who preferred anonymity, told The Jordan Times that their financing services extend to medical procedures, travelling, school tuition and “basically anything”.

“Financing services are becoming a must for many Jordanian households,” the source said. 

The source added that his company offers the same rate as private banks. 

“The interest rate varies depending on the amount, instalments and the duration,” said the source. 

“Financing services are just like any other business. It operates for profit; it's not a charity,” the source added. Furthermore, financing school tuition is a much-needed service that helps parents enrol their children in good schools, the source said.

However, Faraj views financing service providers as “beasts” who take advantage of parents, but “parents have to accept the very high interest rates because they’re desperate”, said Faraj.