SelectiveCollege credit
Wild Rockies Field Insitute
Overview
An independent nonprofit offering academically rigorous, place-based field courses combining outdoor expeditions (backpacking, bicycling, kayaking) with classroom instruction in environmental science, ethics, and sustainability. Small group instruction with at least one instructor per 5–6 students.
At a glance
Deadline
Oct 31354 days
Sessions
—Semester
Formats
Residential
Location
Missoula, MT
Cost
$3,000–$6,999from $4,775
Entering grades
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Acceptance
Rolling admissions; becomes selective once course fills; applicants placed on waiting list or offered alternative course.
Application requirements
Academic preparation
Upper-division coursework expected; students should think critically and question preconceived notions
Physical ability
Field expeditions require backpacking, bicycling, or kayaking; specific fitness standards not stated
Mindset
Willing to approach social and environmental issues with open mind; curious about ecosystems; prepared to explore own relationship to natural world
Prior experience
Not required; some participants have never backpacked before
Cost & sessions
Sliding-scale tuition 2027: $2,500–$25,000 based on household income (≤$25k to $250k+). University of Montana credit cost: $175 per 3-credit course. Food: ~$1,400. Gear rental: Free (income ≤$100k) or $95 (higher income). 25% nonrefundable deposit required. Multiple stackable discounts (up to 20%) and scholarships available (WRFI Access Grant $500–$1,000, Beth Morris, Joel DiBiase, Matt Thomas, Seek the Joy up to 50%, Amistades Sin Fronteras, UMT Experiential Learning $2,000 max).
Financial aid
Sliding-scale tuition model; WRFI Access Grant (average $500–$1,000); named scholarships (Beth Morris, Joel DiBiase, Matt Thomas, Seek the Joy up to 50%, Amistades Sin Fronteras); University of Montana Experiential Learning Scholarship ($2,000 max); 5–10% discounts for first-generation students, Pell-grant eligible, HBCU/HSI/tribal college, ESL learners, alumni, wilderness first responders, Montana HS graduates; 20% discount for enrolled tribal/First Nations members; consortium agreements accept federal aid transfer from home institution; 529 plans and AmeriCorps education awards accepted; no direct Title IV federal aid.
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