We’ve redesigned our tuition to make WRFI programs more accessible.
Our Sliding-Scale model adjusts course tuition based on household income, reducing financial barriers while maintaining the full academic and field experience. We believe that everyone should be able to participate in experiential learning and have access to the natural world, especially those in communities who have been historically marginalized and excluded from outdoor spaces, experiential programs, and higher education. This model reflects a broader commitment to expanding access.
We are piloting this program for our 2026 Montana Afoot & Afloat course.
The table below outlines estimated total cost of attendance based on household income:
| Household Annual Income | Course Tuition | Credit Cost* | Food Costs** | Gear Rental*** | Total Cost of Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Notes:
*Credit Cost is charged through the University of Montana at $175 per 3-credit course, with a total of 15 semester credits.
**Based on estimated $20/day cost for breakfast and lunch over 70 days. Dinner is included in tuition.
***Gear rental includes a backpacking pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Gear rental is optional; students may bring their own equipment.
Students participating through an existing cooperative agreement with their home institution (such as the National Student Exchange), where tuition is paid directly by the university, will be billed at the full tuition rate or a pre-negotiated institutional rate.
Yes. The sliding scale lowers baseline tuition, and additional scholarships and discounts may still be available for students who apply and qualify.
You can learn more about our scholarships and discounts on our Financial Assistance page.
No. Tuition has no impact on admissions decisions. It is used solely to determine cost after acceptance.
Students will report their annual household income, defined as the total pre-tax income earned within one calendar year. If you are claimed as a dependent, this refers to the income of the household that claims you. If you are not claimed as a dependent, you should report your own income (and that of a spouse or partner, if applicable). We do not require any additional documentation beyond self-reporting.
Our amazing community of supporters and donors! WRFI has worked hard to shift away from relying solely on tuition revenue and our model now allows us to prioritize access while sustaining exceptional program quality. Our work is not done in this regard – we will continue to need support from our whole community to make this type of radical access possible!
If you would like to help keep this program sustainable, please head to our Ways to Give page to learn more about supporting WRFI. As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, your gift to WRFI is fully tax deductible!
The cost of higher education continues to rise. While we can’t change the broader system, we can change how we operate within it. WRFI believes the power of experiential education is paramount in addressing complex and nuanced social and environmental issues in the world today. We want to ensure access to programs like ours remain open and affordable to anyone who wants to be an engaged global citizen!