Applying for Financial Aid

Types of Aid

Financial assistance at The College of Idaho comes in three forms: merit-based scholarships, talent-based scholarships, and need-based aid. All students are automatically considered for a merit-based scholarship when applying for admission. Need-based funds are granted based on a student's demonstrated need, indicated on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Federal Aid

The College of Idaho encourages all students and families to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA must be filed each year in order to determine a student's eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and loans, as well as any need-based institutional aid. Continuing students must also reapply each academic year in order to determine eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and loans. The FAFSA is typically available in October, and it is important to complete the form for the upcoming year and not for the current academic year.

The College of Idaho's Federal School Code is 001617.

State Aid

Residents of Idaho may be eligible for a variety of scholarships or grants offered by the Idaho State Board of Education. All Idaho residents should complete the FAFSA and apply for Idaho scholarships through Next Steps Idaho at nextsteps.idaho.gov. The College distributes grants and scholarships to students determined to be eligible by the Idaho State Board of Education and to those who meet eligibility criteria set by the Idaho Legislature for campus-based programs.

Merit Scholarships

Merit Scholarships—the Presidential, Trustee, Dean’s, William Judson Boone, and PEAK Scholarships—are based on a student’s grade point average at the time of admission. The amount of the merit scholarship remains the same throughout the student’s attendance at the College. The maximum merit scholarship, established at the time of admission, may be met by one or more endowed or funded scholarships donated by contributors to The College of Idaho. All or a portion of these funds may be renamed at any time during a student's enrollment.

Merit scholarships are guaranteed through the student's fourth year of undergraduate enrollment provided the student meets the scholarship criteria, is enrolled full time (12 credits per semester) and maintains Satisfactory Academic Standing (SAP). Students transferring in credit hours from another school may receive a merit for less than three years. Students enrolled in fifth-year undergraduate courses may receive half the original merit scholarship amount, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Each of the merit scholarships listed above recognizes academic excellence and is renewable through the fourth year as long as the student maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

Talent-Based Scholarships

Students may apply for several different types of talent-based scholarships offered at The College of Idaho. These include but are not limited to:

• Art
• Athletics
• Christian Leadership
• Cheer and Dance
• Debate
• Design and Technical Theater
• Music (Choral, Marching Band, Ensembles, etc.)
• Playwriting
• Theatre

Students should follow the guidelines for each scholarship found on the application or outlined on the Institutional Scholarships page of the College website. Each scholarship application may request unique items that pertain to the talent; students should be sure to submit all requested items in order to be evaluated and awarded accordingly if selected.

The College of Idaho competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and therefore offers athletic scholarships. These scholarships are awarded at the discretion of each athletic program. Please contact the identified head coach directly to discuss scholarship and participation options.

External Scholarships

There are many other sources of financial aid available through private foundations, companies, service clubs, or other organizations that are not directly managed by the College. The College recommends all students seek out and apply for any source of financial assistance available. Students may apply for outside scholarships by contacting the organization and completing the requirements listed.

If awarded a scholarship from an external agency, please provide the College a copy of your scholarship letter, email or certificate, so that we may add it to your financial aid package. Scholarships will not be listed without supporting documentation.