Don't let your financial means get in the way of a life-changing opportunity. 

Colorado Outward Bound School is committed to offering our life-changing programs to all young people, regardless of their ability to contribute to tuition costs or purchase necessary gear. COBS offers financial aid through our Student Opportunity Fund as well as full-tuition scholarships through our ASCEND Scholarship Program.

We believe in our programs, and at the Colorado Outward Bound School, we want to make them available to as many people as possible. If the cost of a course is beyond your financial means, you may be eligible for a scholarship or financing option. At this time, COBS does not offer merit-based scholarships or financial aid.

Financial Aid: The Student Opportunity Fund

The average percentage COBS can provide through financial aid is between 20-30% of full tuition. Award amount is directly based on the level of need and the motivation to attend demonstrated by the student's application. Our scholarship committee will determine how much we can offer you after reviewing each application on an individual basis. We try to help all interested students find a way to make our courses affordable, but cannot guarantee that we'll be able to give everyone financial aid. There is a $500 deposit/application fee that must be paid at the time of enrollment, which is refundable if the financial aid award does not meet your needs. Please note that all applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and awards are strictly based on need and funds availability.

How to Apply for a Financial Aid

1. Enroll in a course by using our Course Finder and indicate on your application that you would like to apply for Financial Aid.
2. Upon enrollment, our staff will send the required financial aid application packet (application, request for copy of tax returns and a personal video)

Financing

For those who require additional time to secure full tuition payment, we do offer a payment schedule. However, full payment of tuition must be complete before your course start date. This assistance is limited and is awarded on a first come, first served basis. Please contact us directly for more information.

Full Tuition Scholarships – The ASCEND Scholarship Program

The Colorado Outward Bound School’s full scholarship is available to students of high-need that live within our in our communities (Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Alaska). A full scholarship via the ASCEND Scholarship Program covers the full cost of course tuition. Students have a stock of loaner gear available for their course. The full scholarship is a financial needs-based scholarship for students that are enthusiastic to attend a course. Students will show proof of financial need via a free/reduced lunch form or a copy of tax returns along with a completed application. While there is not a set level of income that qualifies an applicant for a full scholarship, students who qualify normally participate in free/reduced lunch or have a series of circumstances that greatly impact the financial situation of the household.

COBS also works with key community partners to serve groups of students of need in our own communities.

How Do I Apply for a Full Scholarship? If you feel you qualify and would like to apply for a full scholarship or inquire about a full scholarship partnership for your organization, please contact Nicole Scheunemann, Scholarship Program Coordinator: nscheunemann@cobs.org | 303-676-8238.