HMI Gap 2024-2025 Tuition & Fees
| HMI Gap Tuition (all fall and spring programs) | $18,650 |
| Student Account Deposit* | $750 |
Tuition and fees do not include flights to/from program start or to Patagonia
*Student Account funds are returned if unused
Affording HMI Gap
We have limited financial aid available at this time for 2024/2025 programs. Families who qualify for aid should reach out to the admissions team directly: gap@hminet.org
The High Mountain Institute recognizes that the cost of excellent programs is difficult for some families to afford. HMI strives to make our programs affordable to families of all income levels by offering generous need-based financial aid packages.
For priority consideration, submit your financial aid application by January 15, 2024. Additional applications after this deadline will be reviewed and need to be submitted by March 15, 2024. All financial aid applications must be completed with an application to the program. International student financial aid may be available on a case by case basis.
All of our financial aid awards are need-based. We do not offer merit-based scholarships or financial aid, except for local students who attend Lake County High School.
We Accept 529 Education Savings Plans
25% of Gap Students Receive Aid
Top Awards Include Free Gear Rental and Flights
How to apply for financial aid
HMI uses School and Student Services (SSS), a service of Community Brands, to process financial aid applications. SSS provides schools with an estimated amount each family can contribute to educational expenses. This then helps the school make fair and objective financial aid decisions.
To begin our financial aid application please visit SSS by Community Brands.
Your application will not be considered complete until you have uploaded all available tax forms from the most recent year available. For example, if you are applying for financial aid in February 2023, you must submit all 2021 tax forms since most 2022 tax forms will not yet be available. Common tax forms include Forms W2, 1040, 1099, and schedules A-F (if applicable).
There is a $55 fee to submit your financial aid application through SSS. This fee is automatically waived for families making below a certain income level. If the fee is not automatically waived, and you feel that you cannot afford this fee, please let us know and we can waive it.
Specific questions about the SSS application are best directed to the SSS Help Desk, accessible via phone at 800-344-8328.
The HMI school code is 2096.
Financial Aid Policies
The following list details the policies that govern financial aid for HMI Gap programs:
- We allocate financial aid on a rolling basis; applications should be completed early for priority consideration.
- All HMI Gap financial aid awards are based on need as determined by the Financial Aid Committee.
- Parents are expected to support the student to the extent they are able, as determined by SSS (School and Student Service for Financial Aid) and the High Mountain Institute.
- In cases of divorce or separation, each parent should complete the Parents’ Financial Statement (PFS).
- If either parent remarries, the financial information of the stepparent must be included on the PFS.
- It is essential that applicants complete and file all application forms and required tax forms to be considered for financial aid.
- All financial aid records are kept confidential. Only the Financial Aid Committee has access to financial aid information.
- International student financial aid may be available on a case-by-case basis; international students are not eligible for free flights as part of their financial aid awards.
Other Ways to Fund Your Gap Experience
HMI is proud to offer need-based financial aid to help make HMI Gap more affordable to all families. Additionally, there are many other ways to fund your gap experience. We have listed some ideas and resources below.
- Get college credit for your gap semester – HMI Gap provides the foundation for rigorous intellectual engagement combined with hands-on experience in the conservation industry. Some students are able to work with their college or university to design an independent study or internship credit option while taking an HMI Gap course. Our lead instructors all have graduate degrees and are able to work individually with students to design a credit-option that fits their specific needs. In addition, we offer college credit through Western Colorado University.
- Apply for scholarships or grants – Increasingly, funders are recognizing the value that a gap experience can add to a student’s education. Here are some scholarship and grant resources:
Additional Expenses
- Upon acceptance to an HMI Gap semester, students are asked to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,500 of tuition owed, unless otherwise noted in a financial aid award, and return a signed Enrollment Agreement. This deposit is applied to the cost of tuition.
- Each program has designated start and end locations. Students are responsible for all costs associated with arriving at this location at the beginning of the program and departing from this location at the end of the program, including all international flights.
- We ask students to set up a student account with us to cover any expenses that come up during the program, such as gear, incidentals, or travel. At the end of the program, an itemized bill and refund of any unused student account money will be sent home six weeks after the semester ends.
- Group camping equipment such as stoves and tents are provided by HMI. Upon acceptance, students will receive a list of required clothing and equipment. We also provide suggestions for affordable purchase of quality gear from retailers around the country. In addition, many items may be available for rent from HMI.
We Are Here To Help
With questions about tuition, expenses, and financial aid, please contact the HMI Gap Admissions Office at 719-486-8200 x 103 or gap@hminet.org.