FAQ

We offer courses for teens and adults. Age requirements vary based on the course or program.

You can find this information on our policies page.

Most of our courses do not require any prior experience. However, we do suggest a level of physical fitness based on the anticipated demands of the course. For more info, check our fitness guidelines.  
 

NOLS students may be in electronic communication with friends and family before and after the course, not during (exceptions made for semester and year courses). Some courses have the option of sending letters in and out during re-supplies of food and gear; ask your admission officer if this is a possibility and what the process might be.

For courses with a NOLS dashboard (our online application system), you can access a copy of your tuition protection plan on your account statement until the course begins. For other courses eligible for a Tuition Protection Plan, you may receive a copy after you pay your balance online. To request a copy of the Tuition Protection Plan, please give us a call at 800-710-6657 and we'll be happy to email it to you.

Yes! Find more information about AmeriCorps award policies on our financial aid page.
 

Yes! Learn more about veteran benefits on our financial aid page.

Yes! We have numerous scholarships for our programs and courses. Find out how to apply on our financial aid page.

You can earn credit from your course or training for high school, college, and a variety of continuing education programs. Though we’re different than a traditional academic program, we are recognized for teaching outdoor education, leadership, wilderness medicine, risk management, and conservation.
 

Each NOLS rations department is a little different, but we are prepared to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free students, and students with food allergies. It's important to make sure that any dietary needs or preferences are noted on your health form, and that your admissions officer is aware of them. Don't hesitate to bring it up if you think we might have missed it, because we can only accommodate food preferences that we know about!

Students are not allowed any electronics on NOLS courses (no cell phones, ipods, etc.)  Course instructors will carry the means to contact emergency personnel should the need arise. 

While the skills learned on NOLS courses are most applicable to jobs in the outdoor industry, the leadership, interpersonal, and self-reliance skills that a student gains while on a NOLS course are applicable in any field or facet of life.  
In addition, the NOLS Jobsnetwork is available to connect job-seeking alumni with outdoor, conservation and educational employers.