Tuition Transparency

Kids will invest more when they feel they’re being invested in.”
–Michelle Obama, parent of a Dragons student

GET MORE FOR YOUR INVESTMENT

We know that expenses continue to increase, and a summer or Gap Year program might be a significant investment for your family. Here are a few reasons why you get more when you travel with us:

  • Exceptional Students: Surround yourself with the most curious, engaged, and inspired youth of your generation.
  • Small Groups: With 12 students and 3 professional educators (an industry best ratio), we offer premium and personalized mentorship, which supports increased independence and skill development.
  • Trusted Travel Partner: Here is a list of schools and universities who choose us as their trusted travel partner.
  • Program Length: Our programs are often longer than other options. If you’re going to travel and hope to make meaningful connections with people and place, then  make your time count and go longer.

TUITION LEVELS

Our goal is to provide some level of financial assistance to more than 50% of our families.

We have pricing levels for all incomes and financial situations, because we know some families need a lot of support, and some families need just a little support. Click here to apply for any level of financial assistance.

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Standard Tuition

You pay 100%

Early Bird Icon

Early Bird Tuition*

$500 – $750 off

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Sliding Scale**

5% – 40% off

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Scholarships**

40% – 100% off

* Detail on Early Bird Tuition:

  • Registering for a SUMMER program – early bird pricing ends December 1st.
  • Registering for a FALL semester – early bird pricing ends January 1st.
  • Registering for a SPRING semester – early bird pricing ends July 1st.

** Detail on Sliding Scale and Scholarships:

  • Sliding Scale Pricing ( 5-40% tuition reduction): “Just a little support.” This pricing range is intended to help decrease financial stress for families who may not qualify for most forms of financial aid, but whose unique financial situations make it an uncomfortable stretch to pay the full cost of a Dragons program.
  • Scholarships (45-95% tuition reduction): For those who need “a lot of support.” Scholarships are competitive. We award a limited number on a ‘need, then merit’ basis – applicants who demonstrate financial need are then considered based on merit. Scholarships encompass a wide range of incomes and economic situations, and we strive to allocate our limited funds to a varied set of awardees each season.

Every financial situation is unique, and household income is only one factor assessing financial support needed. We understand that tax returns can skew income in various ways, and we work with every family to understand your holistic financial situation. If any amount of financial support would make a difference for you, please apply!

WHERE YOUR TUITION GOES

You deserve to know where your tuition gets spent. Students’ tuitions are distributed to realize maximum in-country learning and to ensure maximum participant safety. On average, summer and semester tuitions are distributed as follows:

Additional questions? Please contact us.

Financial Aid & 529 Funds