Tuition & Affordability

Affording HMI

We believe qualified students should have access to the unique educational opportunities at HMI. We seek to meet the demonstrated need of students we accept into an HMI program through our financial aid program.

All of our financial aid awards are need-based. We do not offer merit-based scholarships or financial aid, except for students who attend Lake County High School in Leadville.

Affording HMI

If you have questions about tuition, expenses, or financial aid, please contact the HMI Admissions Office at (719) 486-8200 x1 or schedule a call below.

40%

of students receive need-based financial aid

70%

of tuition is the average financial aid award

529

funds may be used for Semester Programs

All awards include free or reduced-price outdoor gear rental.

Top financial aid packages include free flights.

2026-2027 Tuition & Fees

High School Semester 2026-27 Tuition: $40,550
Tuition and fees do not include flights to/from program start or school break.

High School Semester 2026-27 Student Account Deposit: $1,200 (Fall); $1,600 (Spring). Student Account funds are returned if unused.

Summer Term 2026 Tuition: $9,900 ($353/day)
Tuition and fees do not include flights to/from the program.

Summer Term 2026 Student Account Deposit: $500
Student Account funds are returned if unused.

Applying for Financial Aid

Go to https://app.clarityapp.com/sign-up.
Start your application and add “High Mountain Institute” to your student applicant entry. You can save your application and log out at any time and return later to complete it.
Enter your financial information, review your application, and pay the $65 Clarity application fee.
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 contact us for a fee waiver.
US taxpayers: Complete the Clarity Enhanced Tax Verification (ETV) process to release your W2 and personal tax return transcripts from the IRS. You’ll be asked to authorize the sharing of your tax transcripts and verify your identity. This is a one-time security measure required by the IRS to protect against identity theft and the compromise of personal information. Only those filing US taxes will be prompted to complete this step. Clarity offers two options for enhanced tax verification process: “Clarity” and “IRS”. Please reference the Tax Verification Guide to preview the steps of this process.
Submit your Clarity application and follow the link to return to your dashboard. Here you will see any additional supporting documents requested by schools. Upload your supporting documents by your program deadline. Non-U.S. tax filers may be prompted to upload income verification and other necessary documentation. Keep in mind that at a later date, you may be prompted by the school via Clarity to upload additional documentation as needed.

Financial aid applications for the High School Semester & Summer Term must be submitted at the same time as your program application.

Applications submitted by February 15 will be reviewed for our March 15 decision timeline.
Applications submitted by March 15 will be reviewed for our April 15 decision timeline.
Applications received after March 15 will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
If you apply for financial aid after March 15, please also reach out to the admissions team directly: admissions@hminet.org.

There is a $65 fee to submit your financial aid application through Clarity. 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 contact us for a fee waiver.

HMI Alumni & Families Are Saying

"With every passing year, I realize more and more the impact that HMI had on my confidence as a leader. I made friends that I will have for the rest of my life. I maintain a connection to the outdoors that will never leave me, and I know that I could never have had the HMI experience without financial aid."

Vickie A.Semester 7 Student

Financial aid applications for HMI Gap Semesters must be submitted at the same time as your Gap Semester application.

Applications submitted by March 15 will be reviewed for our April 15 decision timeline.
If you apply for financial aid after March 15, please also reach out to the admissions team directly: admissions@hminet.org.

There is a $65 fee to submit your financial aid application through Clarity. 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 contact us for a fee waiver.

Affording HMI Gap

HMI accepts 529 Education Savings Plans if you enroll in college credit through Western Colorado University. In addition to tuition, expenses are included below:

Upon acceptance to an HMI Gap Semester, students are asked to pay a non-refundable deposit 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 enrollment, 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.