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 awards 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.ed.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 reapply each academic year (beginning October 1). Early applications (submitted between October 1 and November 15) receive priority consideration.

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

State Aid

Residents of Idaho may also be eligible for a variety of scholarships or grants offered by the Idaho State Board of Education. All Idaho residents should complete the FAFSA application AND apply for Idaho scholarships through the State Board of Education at www.boardofed.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 Awards

Merit Scholarships — Presidential, Trustee, Dean, William Judson Boone and the PEAK Scholarship - are based on grade-point average, test scores, Test Optional Index and/or transfer credits and GPA at time of admission. Transfer, Dual and Alternative Credits please see the Transfer Student Policy for additional information. The maximum merit scholarship, established at the time of admission, may be met by one or more endowed or funded scholarships donated by major contributors to The College of Idaho. All or a portion of these awards may be renamed at any time during enrollment.

Merit scholarship award is guaranteed through the student's 4th year of undergraduate enrollment provided they meet the scholarship criteria, are enrolled full time (12 credits per semester) and maintain Satisfactory Academic Standing (SAP). If SAP is not met, a Merit Scholarship will be reduced to half the original amount until SAP is regained. Students transferring in credit hours from another school may receive a merit award for less than 3 years. Students enrolled in 5th year undergraduate courses may receive half the original merit scholarship amount, reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Presidential Scholar and Trustee Scholar - These funds are in recognition of academic excellence and are renewable through the 4th year as long as a cumulative GPA of 3.00 is maintained; if the cumulative GPA falls below 3.00, one semester is given of probation allowing the student to raise the GPA. If after the probationary semester and the cumulative GPA of 3.00 is not regained the scholarship will be reduced to half of the original amount the next semester.

Dean's Scholar and William Judson Boone Scholarship - These funds are in recognition of academic excellence and are renewable through the 4th year as long as a cumulative GPA of 2.50 is maintained; if the cumulative GPA falls below 2.50, one semester is given of probation allowing the student to raise the GPA. If after the probationary semester and the cumulative GPA of 2.50 is not regained the scholarship will be reduced to half of the original amount the next semester.

PEAK Scholarship - These scholarship funds are renewable through the 4th year as long as a cumulative GPA of 2.00 is maintained; if the cumulative GPA falls below 2.00, one semester is given of probation allowing the student to raise the GPA. If after the probationary semester and the cumulative GPA of 2.00 is not regained the scholarship will be reduced to half of the original amount the next semester.

Talent-Based Scholarships

Students may apply for several different types of talent-based scholarships offered at The College of Idaho:

• Art
• Athletics
• Debate
• Music
• Theatre
• Debate

Students should follow the guidelines for each scholarship found on the application or outlined on the Talent-Based Scholarships page. Each scholarship 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.

• Athletics - The College of Idaho competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The college does offer talent based scholarships. These scholarships are directly controlled by the sport coaches themselves. Please contact the identified coach directly to discuss options.

Outside 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; 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 award letter, email or certificate so that we may add it to your financial aid awards.  Scholarships will not be listed without supporting documentation.