Earn College Credit
Our Schools of Record for college credit are primarily Western Colorado University and the University of Montana. Carpe Diem has a long history partnering with Institutions of Higher Education: from Portland State University, to Seattle Central Community College, University of Portland, Naropa College and others. We deeply appreciate the way that structured learning can add significantly to the experiences on a Carpe Diem program and foment the learning that happens on program. Inevitably, students who opt-in to the college credit report deeper outcomes as they reflect and translate their experiences into papers and journaling. Our most sincere hope is that every student is able to harvest their experiences thoroughly into college, career, and life.
All Carpe Diem students are eligible to complete between 3 & 12 semester credits* during their program (up to 24 semester credits during the Latitudes Year).
Carpe Diem works with Wester Colorado University and the University of Montana (via the Gap Year Association (GYA)) to facilitate access to college credit and use of 529 college savings plans. Credit options for 2026 have 4 courses available through Western Colorado, or 3 courses available through University of Montana. Additional course options are being approved for the fall of 2026 and beyond. Western Course FAQs are here: Link.
2026 & 2027
Western Colorado University – ENVS 100: Introduction to Environment and Sustainability (3 semester credits)
ENVS 100 is an interdisciplinary, historical analysis of the development of environmental problems, movements, and philosophies. Students apply historical lessons to critically examine sustainable solutions locally and globally. Throughout this course we will explore topics ranging from food systems to natural resource extraction, recreation, and government involvement. While some of our topics may be uncomfortable to unpack, it is important to understand how our world works so that we can make efforts towards improvement. Understanding these topics will help you navigate the world as you know it and prepare you for challenges that you may face in your careers and personal lives.
Western Colorado University – ENVS 210: Introduction to Climate Policy (3 semester credits)
This course examines the role of policy in confronting climate change. We take a broad and introductory approach to this topic ranging from local to international scales and across organizational types. This course is roughly broken down into three parts: 1) current policy conditions and how we got here, 2) sector-specific policy recommendations, 3) integration, prioritization, and consequences of climate policies.
Western Colorado University – ENVS 250: Environmental Justice (3 semester credits)
This course is organized around the idea that injustice and inequality fundamentally shape environmental problems and outcomes. It will expose students to a history of classic conflicts in the Environmental Justice movement, including its origins in the Civil Rights Movement. We will examine the construction of race, the operation of racist systems, and the way marginalization and oppression limit people’s ability to live free and fulfilling lives. We will look both at mainstream environmentalism’s historic failure to acknowledge racism, classism and sexism, and we will highlight positive models within that history. In doing so, we will wrestle with contested ideas about privilege, power, and what it means to be an ally. Borrowing from political economy, the course will also explore certain sites of conflict between the struggle for justice and the realities of our contemporary systems of power. For instance, we will dive into (green) gentrification, immigration, state violence, and examples of disaster capitalism. While taking seriously the challenge of addressing environmental racism and injustice, the class will also prioritize the task of identifying constructive, empowering paths toward justice for all.
Western Colorado University – ENVS 385: Sustainable Agriculture and Food Production (3 semester credits)
An introduction to the skills, tools, and tactics required for sustainable food production, including raising vegetables and managing livestock. This applied course involves hands-on experience with crop and livestock planning, operation design, soil health management, pest control, and distribution strategies.
2026 & 2027
University of Montana – COLS 191: Self & Culture in Experiential Cohorts – 3 semester credits.
This course provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students participating in studyaway programs. The course is designed to use a student’s real-world experiences as a foundation for understanding fundamental principles of communication, relationship-building, cultural development, and other group dynamics within an experiential cohort-based program. Students will engage in self-reflection and explore group dynamics in various contexts, gaining essential skills for personal and professional communication while examining the particular dynamics of a cohort-based experience in various cultural settings. Through readings, reflections, and applications to real-world examples, students will examine the roles that culture, identity, and communication play in cohort formation within personal, academic, and/or professional settings.
University of Montana – CTE 191: Intro to Leadership Development – 3 semester credits.
This course provides experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students participating in studyaway programs. The course is designed to introduce students to the principles, theories, and practices of leadership development. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks, self-reflection, and practical applications to lived experiences, students will gain insights into effective leadership strategies, communication skills, and ethical decision-making. The course facilitates critical self-assessments of students’ leadership styles, and examines successful leadership qualities in various personal and professional contexts.
University of Montana – CTE 292: Intro to Ethical Volunteering – 3 semester credits.
University of Montana – CTE 298: International Internship – 1-6 semester credits depending on hours.
This international internship program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a wide range of industries (including, journalism, graphic design, creative writing, marketing, finance, etc.). Interns will work closely with mentors and professionals within their chosen field and engage in various projects to enhance their skills and understanding of their assigned area of work experience and career development.
Step 1:
Check Your Eligibility & Select Your Courses
- Students can either be currently enrolled in high school, recently graduated, or enrolled in college/university
- Students must be enrolled in a program of 10-days or longer.
All courses are offered each semester. When selecting courses we find that students are most successful with those they’re most interested in. Read through each syllabus to understand all requirements and note any prerequisites. You can find the full syllabi by logging into your Carpe Diem Student Portal.
Step 2:
Register
Once you’ve been accepted to a Carpe Diem program and have selected your courses, you’ll register NO LATER THAN TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR PROGRAM START. Note, late registrations may be available but incur a late fee set by the universities.
For Western Colorado University:
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Go to the following url https://western.edu/
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Click on the red APPLY button at the top right of the screen
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Takes you to a page that says 'APPLY NOW - Become a Mountaineer' (scroll down), Ready to Apply? At the prompt: 'I am a' (use the down arrow) select 'Center for Learning & Innovation Student'
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Select CLI Application
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Create a login/password for Slate Application tool - you'll get a pin to login.
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Select Outdoor Partner
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Select Carpe Diem
For University of Montana: Carpe Diem will register you on your behalf, however we do require a registration form that gets updated each term from the UofM. Please contact support@carpediemeducation.org for the current registration pdf. The University of Montana changes their registration document every semester to reflect updates to course offerings.
Step 3:
Pay Course Fees
The course registration fees in every case are paid to Carpe Diem first. Western Colorado University is $220/credit. The University of Montana charges a flat $1,950 fee regardless of the number of credits earned. All course fees are payable directly to Carpe Diem. If you are a Latitudes Student you do not need to submit the registration fee as it is included in your tuition. Once you’ve paid the credit registration fee to Carpe Diem, we will work with our partners to assign you an Instructor of Record roughly two weeks prior to the start of your program. This Instructor will be your point person for all questions about college credit and your selected coursework.
529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS:
Students with 529 tax-deferred college savings plans can use their funds to pay for the entire program free and college credit fees. Travel such as flights, however, are not eligible for 529 spending. The recent "Big Beautiful Bill" that congress passed, changed the terms that a 529 could be used for, making it even easier to access 529 funds for an educational program - no longer strictly requiring credit be earned. That said, traditionally the expectation is that students will earn at least half-time credit (6-credits per term) to access 529s fully. Families are encouraged to connect with their tax accountants to decide on the right strategy for you.
In all cases, it's preferable to get 529 funds distributed to you, the family, to then deposit and pay Carpe Diem. In the rare case that your 529 plan fiduciary requires the funds to go to the university, the university will have to charge a 'pass through' fee (2% up to $400 for Western Colorado University, and 8.75% for the University of Montana).
Step 4:
Submit Course Work
All course work will be submitted directly to the course instructor that is assigned to you typically two-weeks prior to departure. Note: Please pay attention to the full course requirements on each syllabus - missing a requirement, turning in an assignment late, or failing to read/properly cite a required reading are a few of the most common reasons that student grades are reduced.
If you would like to make any adjustments to a course reading list, deadlines, final paper topic, etc., your Instructor of Record has the authority to approve such adjustments as appropriate. Please contact your assigned Instructor of Record directly.
It IS possible to change your course(s), but you must officially request a change to your Instructor of Record. Course change requests are only allowed within the first two weeks of your program.
Aside from temporary absences related to illness or other emergencies, attendance throughout the duration of your program is required for participation in the college credit option.
Step 5:
Receive Your Grades
All course work will be submitted directly to the course instructor. All coursework is due to your Instructor of Record no later than 21 days after your program’s end date. Instructors of Record will submit final grade reports within 30 days of receiving completed coursework.
Grade reports are submitted to the university on the last business day of each month. Official transcripts will be available by the 15th day of the following month. Students are expected to submit coursework to their Instructor of Record by the deadlines listed above. Following initial submissions, students are expected to respond to questions and feedback from their Instructors until final grades are given.
Students who do not complete their program will most likely have to be withdrawn from college credit, incurring a “W” on their official transcript. Incomplete or missing coursework will result in an assessment of “Incomplete” (I) on the official transcript.
Once you submit your journal and paper(s) for grading, it takes approximately 30 days to get your grade report, which your Instructor of Record will email directly to you. For privacy reasons, grade reports are only shared directly with the student.
Grading cannot begin until your Instructor receives your journal and ALL final papers for ALL courses in which you are enrolled.
Note: If you need an expedited grade for some reason, please communicate with your Instructor of Record so they can prioritize your grading.
Step 6:
Request a Transcript
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: Once grades are posted, the university will email students notice, so you can access official transcripts - most commonly from the official university student portal. Students must pay a small additional fee for any official transcripts ordered.
Step 7:
Transfer Credit
Many Carpe Diem students successfully transferred university credits to other colleges/universities. Many colleges/universities typically count transfer credits as general elective or entry-level credit. However, because every college/university has different guidelines for evaluating transfer credits, Carpe Diem Education can not guarantee their transferability.
We encourage you to talk with the International Programs/Study Abroad Office and/or the Admissions Office at your college/university to understand how transfer credits are evaluated.
Life Happens
Drops/Withdrawals
The last day to drop coursework is two weeks from the program start date. If you drop by this date, the dropped course will not appear on your official academic transcript. Students who withdraw from coursework within two weeks of their program’s start date will have to pay the full tuition amount. After the first two weeks of the program, no college credit refunds will be provided for any reason, including illness, injury, or inability to complete the program.
Intent to withdraw from a course after the two-week mark must be confirmed via email to your Instructor of Record (assigned once payment and registration form are complete).
COLLEGE CREDIT FAQ
What are the benefits of earning college credits while taking a gap year?
- By earning college credits, you can take a gap year without feeling like you are losing a year of academic progress.
- The cost of the college credit is minimal when compared to the cost of typical college credits, and adds tremendous value to your investment.
Can I use 529 College Savings Plan funds for my gap year?
YES! If you or your family have invested in a 529 tax-deferred Education Savings Plan and you’re planning on earning college credit, then you can use those funds for all qualified educational expenses (not including airfare). Typically, the 529 fiduciary agency will either pay Carpe Diem directly (at your instruction), or they’ll reimburse you for qualified expenses.
In some cases they prefer to pay the University directly, however this incurs a 2% fee (up to $400) at Western Colorado University. The fee is 8.75% at University of Montana and the process is typically a more expensive (and slow) process.
CONTACT YOUR 529 PLAN ADMINISTRATOR, and let them know that you will be earning college credit during your gap year. Every 529 plan is different; most will allow the funds to be sent directly to the program provider or to reimburse you for tuition expenses … either of these are by far easiest. You’ll have to complete your coursework as well as maintain proof of payment for your tuition and completion of the college credit coursework in the form of their official transcript.
If, however, your fiduciary (529 plan administrator) requires that payment be made directly to the institution of higher education, then the university will accept the funds on behalf of the program and add their processing fee. This process looks like:
- Carpe Diem will have you complete the 529 Education Savings Plan Form, and you’ll send that back to Carpe Diem where we will share it with our University partners.
- GYA will notify the university of students wanting to use 529 funds.
- The university will invoice the student/family directly (based on the contact information you entered in step 1), and add their processing fee.
- Once payment is received by the university, they typically will initiate payment to the Program Provider. Providers can expect payment from the university within 8 weeks upon receipt of the initial funds.
Note: Using AmeriCorps Segal Education Awards is available through your Instructor of Record, who will work with you to process the payment.
What’s it like to earn college credit while abroad with Carpe Diem?
The world becomes your classroom! The majority of course hours are built right into the experiential education components of CDE programs.
That means your coursework will include volunteer projects, cultural immersion, and language study hours. Course requirements may ask you to interview locals, read relevant books for your program’s region, create an art project, and/or give a short presentation to your student group.
You will be required to keep a daily reflective journal, and at the conclusion of each semester, write a 5-10 page paper for each course you choose to complete (refer to the course syllabus for full completion requirements).
How do I register?
Once you’ve been accepted to a Carpe Diem program, you’ll submit a Course Registration Form and your Registration Fee to Carpe Diem. The registration form can also be found within your Carpe Diem Student Portal. Once the form and payment have been received, Carpe Diem will then complete the registration process on your behalf, after which you will be assigned an approved Instructor of Record for the University.
*Latitudes Students only need to submit the Course Registration Form; the Registration Fee is included in your tuition.
PLEASE NOTE: You do not need to apply separately to Western Colorado University nor University of Montana. This is a special arrangement we have that is intended to create less work for you, but still support positive outcomes.
What are the fees?
Course fees for Western Colorado University are $220 per credit. For a full semester of 12 credits that would be $2,640, payable to Carpe Diem Education.
The course registration fee for University of Montana is a flat $1,950, also payable to Carpe Diem Education. Whether you choose to complete 1 or multiple courses, the fee is the same.
How and when do I submit coursework?
You’ll submit all coursework directly to the course instructor WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE COMPLETION OF YOUR PROGRAM. Please refer to the syllabi for further instructions.
How do I communicate with my instructor?
The instructor is available to students via email. We encourage you to ask questions of your assigned Instructor of Record, whether about the course, syllabi, reading list, or any changes to deadlines – they’re also travelers and understand that life needs to be outside of the lines at times so don’t be shy with questions.
How do I receive my grades?
You’ll receive your unofficial grade report via email after all course work has been submitted. The unofficial grade report will have your University student ID, and any other information you’ll need to access your official transcript. From there, you’ll have to pay a small admin fee (about $15), share your student ID, and where you’d like the transcripts mailed. Typically this can take 6 weeks to send an official transcript but we encourage you to advocate with your Instructor of Record if you’re needing to expedite things.
How do I request a transcript?
Once your coursework has been reviewed, grades will typically take a month or so for processing. Official transcripts will be available on the 15th of the month AFTER your unofficial grade report is complete, and can be ordered through the University of Montana Registrar’s office, or through your student account at Western Colorado University. Details on how to order this can always be accessed through your Instructor of Record.
How do I transfer credit?
Many Carpe Diem students have successfully transferred credits from their Carpe Diem program, to other colleges/universities. Many colleges/universities count transfer credits as General Elective or entry-level credit. However, because every college/university has different guidelines for evaluating transfer credits, Carpe Diem Education cannot guarantee their transferability.
We encourage you to talk with the International Programs/Study Abroad Office and/or the Admissions Office at your college/university to understand how transfer credits are evaluated.
Can I use VA funds or an AmeriCorps Segal Award?
NO to VA funds. Unfortunately, our university partners are required to have students be ‘matriculated’ at the institution and that’s not how the systems are designed. We continue to push the issue with our partners to open this funding mechanism, but for now it remains closed.
YES to AmeriCorps Segal awards. The process requires the funds to go directly to the university so there’s often times a small fee. Please contact your admissions advisor for answers on how to access your well-earned AmeriCorps funds.