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529 Basics
Students wanting to attend Outward Bound with assistance from their 529 or most other College Savings Plan may do so. Thanks to Outward Bound’s partnership with Western Colorado University, we can accept 529 College Savings Plan through their Extended Studies program and anyone can register – you do not have to be a current Western Colorado University student. As a result, you will earn academic credit for your Outward Bound outdoor education course.
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How to Use your 529 Plan and Receive Academic Credit
- Consult with your Student Services course advisor about course options ranging from 8-50 days. Make your choice and register for that course.
- Complete and sign the Western Colorado University (WCU) Extended Studies registration form by visiting the Outward Bound Extended Studies page.
- Once the registration is received, Extended Studies will verify your enrollment, tuition cost and payment status with the Outward Bound School.
- Within two business days of your enrollment verification, Extended Studies will process your registration and send an email confirmation.
- If you are using a 529 Plan to pay for your course, carefully follow the instructions in the registration packet and arrange for payment at a minimum of 30 days before your course begins.
- Once WCU receives your payment, they will retain the college credit portion, and send the Outward Bound tuition payment via check to our school.
To learn more about using your college savings plan, scholarships and academic credit call us today at (828) 239 2376 or email us at [email protected].
CB17 FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there additional fees for the credits through WCU?
Yes, WCU charges a fee per credit which must be paid in addition to the Outward Bound tuition fee to use your 529 account
How many credits can I get for my Outward Bound course?
The number of credits you can earn is based on the length of your course. Courses of 1-2 weeks may earn 1-2 credits. Longer courses can earn up to 6-9 credits depending on the length.
Is there additional work involved to receive the credits?
Yes, students will need to submit a follow up assignment to WCU after their expedition to complete their credits. All details about this will come with your WCU registration packet.
