Tuition
Clarity and communication is important to us at SOAR. If you have further questions, please contact us at (828) 456-3435.
Below are answers to some of the most common financial questions we receive from families.
Contact our Admissions team at 828-456-3435 for more information.
For answers to common GAP Program related questions, go here!
GAP Program Tuition
Tuition includes Room & Board, Any Academic Materials & Curriculum Fees, 6 to 8 Expedition Adventures, and Overhead & Program Costs.
$63,450
Full Academic Year - Tuition '26–27 Room & Board
$350
Refundable Damage Deposit
$100
Application Fee
Read policies for additional costs.
GAP Program Financial FAQs
Q. Are there additional costs?
Your participant may incur additional expenses. This includes prescription medication costs if they get sick, damage fees for intentional damage done to SOAR property in excess of the damage deposit, or additional airline expenses traveling to or returning home from the program. In the event any additional fees occur, SOAR will either use the student’s debit account or will contact parents and charge the payment method on file.
Q. What types of payments does SOAR accept?
SOAR accepts payments made by check, credit card, and direct deposit. SOAR will work with families to accept payments made from outside scholarship sources or other methods. For more information or any other questions please call our office at 828-456-3435.
Q. Is financial assistance or scholarships available?
Limited scholarship funds are available for the GAP Year Program. We are actively working to increase this fund. If you would like to donate to it please visit our Give to SOAR page here.
GAP Program Financial Policies
Upon Application
Applicants will be required to submit a $100 non-refundable application fee.
Upon Acceptance
Within two weeks after acceptance, a $2,000, non-refundable enrollment deposit is due for GAP Year. The enrollment deposit will be applied toward the tuition balance.
Tuition is due within two weeks of acceptance if enrolled after the payment deadlines.
Due Dates
July 15th – Fall Semester – minimum payment of 50% of the full year tuition is due on or before this date.
November 15th – Spring Semester – the remaining 50% of the full year tuition is due on or before this date for spring semester.
Further Payment Policies
When completing the application, you will be required to submit payment information to be kept on file for all future billing such as tuition balances and additional expenses that may occur.
Families who pay for the entire year’s tuition by July 15th will receive a tuition reduction of $1,000.
No services will be delivered to the student participant until the tuition and refundable damage deposit have been paid.
Students will be required to come to GAP at SOAR with access to a debit account with funds in the amount of $1,000 ($500 Fall Term / $500 Spring Term). This will be used to help teach fiscal responsibility, budgeting, and accountability.
Although we take precautions to ensure gear is treated respectfully, we reserve the right to charge participants for damage done in excess of the damage deposit amount to SOAR equipment due to negligence or non-compliance. This may include damage to tents, rental vans, cabins, etc. Parents will be notified of the damage that occurred.
Any student enrolled in GAP at SOAR is expected to complete the remainder of the 8 month program. Withdrawal or dismissal of a participant before the close of the program will result in forfeiture of the unused paid portions of the tuition, fees and costs, and the family shall remain obligated to complete payment in full for tuition, fees and costs for the entire program term.
