Making NOLS accessible

Any student enrolling in a NOLS course is eligible to apply for need-based financial aid. We evaluate applications based on household income, family size, assets, and the overall ability to pay. There are no GPA requirements or age restrictions. Both domestic and international students are welcome to apply.

Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000 depending on demonstrated need and the cost of your course. In some cases, students may receive aid from multiple sources. Our financial aid team works with each applicant to determine the appropriate level of support.

Apply as early as possible. Financial aid is awarded on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis. We recommend submitting your application at least 60 days before your course start date. Funds are limited, so earlier applications have a better chance of receiving the full amount of aid available.

Yes. Many students combine NOLS financial aid with outside scholarships, payment plans, and employer sponsorship. We encourage you to explore all available options. Our admissions team can help you identify the best combination of funding sources for your situation.

NOLS financial aid is applied to tuition only and does not cover travel to and from your course location, personal gear, or other incidental expenses. However, some outside scholarships may be used for travel. We also offer a gear loan program to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for equipment.

Yes. NOLS welcomes financial aid applications from students of all nationalities. The application process and eligibility criteria are the same for international and domestic students. We evaluate need based on your family's financial situation relative to the cost of living in your home country.