First-Year Students

Students may begin the application process as early as August 1st after the last semester of their junior year in high school. The address for mailing materials is:

The College of Idaho
Office of Admission
2112 Cleveland Blvd
Caldwell, ID 83605

Our fax number is (208) 459-5757 and our email is admission@collegeofidaho.edu.

In order to be considered for admission, students should submit the following materials:

  • An application for admission with the personal essay requested on the application. Visit www.collegeofidaho.edu/apply.
  • An official high school transcript that includes all work from the 9th grade to the date of application (see note on official transcripts below). Upon graduation, a final transcript must be submitted. GED scores may be presented in lieu of an official high school record.
  • A transcript of any college work attempted. Note on official transcripts: Transcripts are official only when mailed directly from the school to The College of Idaho or delivered in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution to the Admission Office. Transcripts may also be sent electronically through a digital credential service such as Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse. Colleges and universities in Idaho and Treasure Valley Community College may fax official transcripts to the Registrar's Office.
  • Official ACT or SAT test scores* and, if applying test-optional, your Test Optional materials. If applying test-optional, your test scores will not be used for the admission process, but we may use them to determine class placement.

    *The College will accept ACT/SAT test scores as official if they are printed on the high school transcript; sent directly from ACT/College Board to The College of Idaho in electronic or paper form; or if the ACT/SAT paper scores are faxed directly from the high school to the College. Downloaded scores may also be accepted for admission review purposes. Special allowances may be made for international students.

  • Letter of recommendation from an academic source (teacher or counselor). This can be emailed, mailed, or faxed. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Office of Admission.

Students who have graduated from high school at least two years prior to their anticipated date of enrollment and do not have ACT or SAT scores should consult with an admission counselor about test scores, the Test Optional process, and counselor/ teacher evaluation requirements.

A personal interview and campus visit are highly recommended. Register for a campus visit at www.collegeofidaho.edu/visit.

While there is no course of study for high school students required for admission, the following combination is strongly recommended:

  • English: 4 years
  • Language: 3 years
  • History and Social Science: 4 years
  • Laboratory Science: 3 years
  • Mathematics: 4 years

Application Deadlines*

Early Action I: November 15
Early Action II: January 15
Regular Decision: February 15

*Please note that if a deadline falls on a weekend, applicants are able to submit their materials by the next weekday.

Applicants admitted by Early Action I will be informed no later than mid-December and will qualify for early consideration of scholarships and financial aid. Applicants admitted by Early Action II will be informed no later than mid-February.

The deadline for Priority Consideration is February 15. Applications received by this date will be given priority in the regular admission and financial aid process. Notification is rolling and based on availability. Applications received after February 15 will be considered based on availability.

Admitted students responding with their tuition deposit/matriculation fee of $300 on or before May 1 are guaranteed a place in the class.