A life-changing opportunity is in reach regardless of your financial background. 

We’re committed to offering life-changing programs to youth, regardless of their ability to afford tuition costs or purchase necessary gear. We offer both partial and full scholarship opportunities for all courses.  

Scholarships

Scholarships for Schools and Youth-Serving Organizations

We are sometimes able to offer schools and community partners a subsidized cost for a Group Programs. These scholarships are need-based and can be offered on a first-come-first serve basis. To learn more, contact us at [email protected]. 

Full Scholarships for Individual Students

The ASCEND Scholarship Program provides full-tuition scholarships to students of high financial need to attend one of our 8-day Alpine Backpacking Open Enrollment Expeditions. The scholarship covers the full cost of course tuition. Plus, students can borrow all gear, boots, and most clothing needed from our stockroom.  

This is a financial needs-based scholarship for students that are enthusiastic to attend a course.  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. Students will show proof of financial need through a free/reduced lunch form or a copy of tax returns along with a completed application. For more information about our full scholarship opportunities in 2025, please contact [email protected]. 

Partial Scholarship for Individual Students

Our school offers partial scholarships for individual students that cover 20-30% of the full cost of tuition. The amount awarded is financial need-based, but we also take into consideration how motivated a student is to attend course. 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 scholarships. There is a $500 deposit/application fee that must be paid at the time of enrollment, which is refundable if the scholarship award does not meet your needs. At this time, we do not offer merit-based scholarships.  **The Colorado Outward Bound School has exhausted all available scholarship funds available for summer courses. You are still welcome to apply and your application will be reviewed in the event more funds become available. If you are applying for a fall course, scholarship funds are still available but are administered on a first come first served basis upon review.**

How to Apply for Partial Scholarships as an Individual: 

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

Other Payment Options

AmeriCorps Education Award 

Students can utilize their Americorps Education Award to pay for course and receive college credit through Western Colorado University. Learn more. 

College Credit 

While we are not a degree granting institution, we do offer credit-bearing courses through our accredited partner, Western Colorado University. Additionally, some institutions award academic credit through independent study programs. Learn more. 

529c Accounts 

Students may use their 529 College Savings Accounts to help cover the cost of tuition when seeking college credit. We can accept 529 College Savings Plans through Western Colorado University’s Extended Studies program. Anyone can register – you do not have to be a current Western Colorado University student to use your Savings Plan or receive credit. Learn More.  

Payment Plan 

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 30 days before your course start date. Payment scheduling is determined on a case-by-case basis and is not guaranteed. Please contact us directly for more information.