NOLS provides a variety of financial pathways to help students fund their wilderness education expeditions, offering more financial assistance than any other organization in the outdoor education industry.
To cover the cost of a NOLS course, consider the following primary options:
1. NOLS Scholarships and Financial Aid
NOLS is dedicated to making wilderness education accessible and offers extensive financial aid directly. These scholarships are a significant way to reduce your tuition costs and are available based on need and merit. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for NOLS's internal scholarship programs as part of their planning process.
2. Utilizing Educational Benefits
If you have served or participated in specific national service programs, you may be eligible to use educational awards towards your NOLS tuition:
- VA Benefits: Veterans and eligible service members can often use their GI Bill® benefits or other Veterans Affairs educational programs to cover NOLS course costs. It's advisable to check with the VA and NOLS directly regarding eligibility and approved programs.
- AmeriCorps Awards: Individuals who have earned an AmeriCorps Education Award through their service can apply these funds towards NOLS expedition tuition. This is a valuable resource for alumni of AmeriCorps programs.
3. Federal Financial Aid Through Your School
For students enrolled in a degree program, NOLS courses may be eligible for federal financial aid you receive from your primary academic institution. This typically applies if your NOLS course counts as academic credit towards your degree. You would generally work with your college or university's financial aid office to determine eligibility and facilitate the transfer of aid.
Planning Your Payment
It's highly recommended to begin exploring these payment options early in your planning process. NOLS's commitment to providing robust financial aid ensures that many students can pursue their outdoor education dreams. For detailed information on specific application processes, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for each payment method, visit the official NOLS website's planning section.
Learn more about planning your NOLS expedition and financial options.
