Tuition and Payments
North Cascades Institute is committed to making our programs accessible to all students by offering tuition on a sliding scale.
| Tuition Levels: | 100% | 75% | 50% | 25% | 1% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1570 | $1175 | $785 | $390 | $20 |
To determine where you fall on our sliding scale, consider the following questions:
(We do not ask for your answers to these questions, in paperwork or our programs)
- Does your family own your home or property?
- Did/do most of your family attend private education institutions or have advanced degrees?
- Is it easy for your family to access or afford healthcare?
- Does your family have zero debt, and / or disposable income?
- Does your family's income support only your immediate family, and not other loved ones?
- Have you or does your family expect to inherit property or money?
- Do you NOT qualify for free and reduced lunch?
If you answered...
All YES: Pay 100%
Mostly YES: Pay 75%
Half YES and half NO: Pay 50%
Mostly NO: Pay 25%
All NO: Pay 1%
These questions are intended to assist you in deciding where you fall on the tuition scale. In your online application, choose a tuition level that is authentic — but not a hardship for your family. If you are a Champions of Diversity Award Recipient, you automatically qualify for a full scholarship.
When will I know if I will receive a scholarship?
We are typically able to give students the tuition amount they select on our sliding scale when they apply. All applicants and parents will be notified about their tuition amount when we offer spots.
When are the fees for courses due?
If you are accepted to one of our courses, you must submit a $20 acceptance fee within 4 days to claim your spot. Any remaining tuition fees will be due June 17th. If submitting payment in full by that date is a burden, please contact us to schedule a payment plan.
What is your refund policy?
If a trip is cancelled for any reason (for example due to wildfire smoke or extreme weather), participants will receive a full refund.
If you notify us of your cancellation more than 10 days in advance of your trip, we will provide you with a full refund. We cannot provide refunds to students who notify us within 10 days of their trip. If a student needs to leave a trip for behavioral or medical reason, they will not be eligible for a refund.
Further Questions?
Please see our FAQ page or contact us at (360) 722-1082 or youth@ncascades.org.