Participants can use 529 College Savings Plan funds to pay for their program tuition when they enroll in the college credit option.  Check with your plan administrator to see if these funds can be paid directly to the program provider (Berridge Programs) or need to be paid to the school of record (University of Montana) Please note that if tuition fees need to be paid through U of M, you must enroll for the credit option 6 weeks before your program start date. In addition, that U of M will charge a fee of 8.75% to process your 529 funds. If they can be paid directly to us, the program provider, you can enroll in the credit option 2 weeks before your program start date and no fees will be chraged. 

 

Steps for Using 529 College Savings Plan Funds:

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Step 1: Complete your Berridge Programs zoom interview and application.

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Step 2: Once you are accepted on the program, email your Berridge Programs academic advisor to register your intention to pursue college credit. Be sure to contact your plan administrator beforehand so you can inform us if you need your tuition fees to be paid to the U of M in order to qualify. 

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Step 3: Select your UM courses from those listed above and complete the enrollment form. 

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Step 4: Pay a $1950 tuition fee for your course credit. This is in addition to your regular program fees. This is a flat fee which covers as many courses as you would like to take. 

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Step 5: The Gap Year Association and your UM Instructor of Record will then get in touch with you directly with your course syllabus, next steps and work with you throughout the program.

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Step 6: Submit all course work, journals and papers directly to your Instructor of Record within 30 days after your program completion date.

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Step 7: Official grading will be completed by your Instructor of Record. You will receive your transcript directly from the University of Montana 3-4 weeks after you have received your grades.