COSTS & FINANCIAL AID

Thoreau College will meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. Money should not be a barrier to attendance for any student who is a good fit for our programs.

Thoreau College is strongly committed to making our programs accessible to all admitted students with a sincere desire to participate in the program. After an offer of admission has been made, we will meet with each admitted student to have an open and transparent financial conversation about the financial structure of the college and the student’s personal situation. The student and the college will then decide upon a reasonable financial pledge together. This is a commitment made possible by a generous community of friends and supporters, and grounded in an experience of trust and goodwill among people drawn to this model of education.

HOW IT WORKS

Admission to the Thoreau College Semester Program is need-blind, meaning that what a student is able to pay has no bearing on admissions decisions and, once a student is admitted, there is no set tuition for attendance. Instead, after completing the admission process, our staff will meet with you, and sometimes your family, to determine a financial pledge that is appropriate to your situation, while also supporting the work of the college.  This pledge could range from the full cost of the program to a pledge of zero, if that is appropriate to your situation.  Most pledges will fall somewhere in between.

If you are motivated to come to Thoreau College – please apply! We will work with you to find a way for you to attend. Do not allow money to be a barrier.

Things to consider:

      • We estimate that the actual cost per student for us to stage this semester program is about $15,000, which includes housing, weekday lunches, books & art supplies, local transportation, and college credits (if selected).
      • The cost of housing, weekday lunches, and instructional supplies alone is about $3,600 for the semester.
      • Some things are not covered by Thoreau College and students should be sure that they have funds available to cover them. These items include –
      • Transportation to and from Wisconsin, including airfare. We can pick up up at the Amtrak station in LaCrosse or at regional airports in LaCrosse or Madison.
      • Food for breakfasts, dinners, and weekend meals – we estimate that students should have about $300/month available for food and other personal expenses.
      • Health insurance, including coverage for mental health.
      • Visa expenses for international students – Note that Thoreau College can not issue documents for student visas, but can write a letter of support for students who would like to apply to participate on a non-credit basis on a tourist visa.
PAYMENT PLANS

There are several ways in which a financial pledge can be paid.  Some students pay the full amount up front before the program begins.  Monthly installments are also welcome.  Our preferred payment methods are via Direct Deposit or via check.

FINANCIAL PROCESS SUMMARY
  1. Apply and be accepted to the program
  2. Review program budget and philosophy with Thoreau College staff member
  3. Create an individual financial pledge based on your ability to contribute
  4. Create a payment plan, such as up-front payment, monthly installment, etc.
  5. Come to Thoreau College!

 

COLLEGE CREDITS

Participants in the Thoreau College Semester Program will be eligible to receive up to 15 transferable college credits per semester upon completion of the program through a partnership between Thoreau College and Prescott College in Arizona. These credits are distributed across three 4-credit courses in the environmental humanities and one 3-credit course in expeditionary learning. Students should check with their home college or university to ensure that they will accept this transfer credits. There is a cost to Thoreau College of $125 per credit ($1,875 per semester) for students seeking credits, which will be considered in the pledge process.

     

    COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS

    As a result of our partnership with Prescott College, Thoreau College Semester Program students can now use funds from 529 college savings plans to cover tuition fees and living expenses!