Scholarships & Discounts
Funding Your Course
There are many opportunities for assistance in funding your course, as many organizations recognize that experiential education and study abroad courses are vital to a well-rounded education. You can also research crowdfunding websites, such as GoFundMe, to guide you through your fundraising efforts.
NOTE: Custom Courses are already priced at a discount and are therefore not eligible for additional partner, alumni, friends and family, and veteran discounts.
Scholarships
Outward Bound Costa Rica offers partial scholarships to eligible students who demonstrate a financial need as well as academic merit. To apply for this scholarship, please download and complete our scholarship application and submit it to [email protected]. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to deserving participants with complete applications who demonstrate financial need.
Discounts
NOTE: The OBCR discounts below cannot be combined with a partnering institution discount. Only the highest discount value will be applied.
OBCR Alumni Discounts
This 10% discount is applied toward the summer or semester tuition of any OBCR alumnus returning for a second or subsequent course or their immediate family member (sibling or parent).
Friends & Family Discount
A 10% discount is applied toward tuition for friends or family members who enroll in a summer or semester course during the same year and same season.
Costa Rican Citizen Discount
Costa Rican citizens are eligible to receive a 30% discount off of any summer or semester course.
Military Service Veteran’s Discount
Veterans receive a 15% discount applied toward tuition of any course with qualifying documentation of service.
Custom Course Discount
If you bring 7 other people on a Custom Course, your tuition will be free (8th tuition is free)! You pick the dates, activities, duration and we provide the rest.
Partnering Institutions
The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS)
Membership in this honor society earns you a $200 discount off tuition for Summer and Semester courses.
The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)
Members are eligible to receive a $200 discount on all OBCR courses.
Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK)
Members and alumni of ODK are eligible for a $250 discount off of all OBCR courses.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR Financial Assistance
University Financial Aid
Students interested in gaining academic credit from Western Colorado University (WCU) may be able to transfer financial aid from various federal or private sources for use toward tuition costs. We recommend filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to obtain information about aid eligibility, from Pell Grants to federally subsidized loans and more. Students are also able to pay for their OBCR experience with 529 tax savings account funds. See our Academic Credit Packet for additional information.
AmeriCorps Education Awards
Your AmeriCorps service award can be applied to OBCR tuition through Western Colorado University (WCU). WCU accepts funds from AmeriCorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Contact WCU for more information.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
FEA invests in promising students with financial need who wish to study abroad. Potential applicants who meet their eligibility requirements may participate in any international education program that meets their academic objectives. Read more here.
External Scholarships
Many organizations offer scholarship opportunities to fund gap year experiences. Visit our partners at the Gap Year Association for a comprehensive list of opportunities, from counseling & support scholarships offered by gap year consultants, general scholarships & grants and educational travel scholarships. All scholarships have different eligibility requirements. Carefully read the requirements and be sure to note that scholarship application deadlines are often far in advance of your travel time.
Veteran Programs
We are able to accept educational funds for professional development courses from the Veteran’s Affairs Office of the United States. Our Outdoor Leader Semester course qualifies for such funding.
Local Sponsorships & Matching Gifts
Various philanthropic organizations support participation in intercultural and educational programs such as Outward Bound Costa Rica. Contact local organizations such as the American Legion, International Rotary Club, or International Lion’s Club and similar organizations to inquire about possible funding. Read our blogpost for additional course funding ideas. &