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 January 1). Early applications (submitted between January 1 and February 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, and the William Judson Boone Scholarship - are based on grade-point average and test scores at the time of admission. Transfer credits may also be considered (see the Transfer Student policy). The maximum merit award and/or need-based 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 before the scholarship is reduced. If the student drops below a cumulative GPA of 3.00, the scholarship will be reduced to half of the original amount, following the probationary 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 before the scholarship is reduced. If the student drops below a cumulative GPA of 2.50, the scholarship will be reduced to half of the original amount, following the probationary semester.

The College of Idaho Need-Based Scholarship . These scholarship funds are based on need and are subject to change based on the information the College receives from the FAFSA, through the verification process, or, in some cases, if the student receives additional financial aid. A cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to continue to receive this scholarship as well as enrolling full time (12 credits). This scholarship is funded through The College of Idaho funded and endowed scholarships.

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

Students should follow the guidelines for each scholarship found on the application or outlined on the Talent-Based Scholarships page. Students interested in an athletic scholarship should contact the head coach for the program(s). 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.

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.