5 Best Idaho Scholarships
Updated November 8, 2022 · 2 Min Read
Scholarships for Idaho
Winning scholarships for Idaho can unearth a goldmine of free tuition money for post-secondary study in the "Gem State." Positioned in the Pacific Northwest south of British Columbia, Idaho is the country's 39th most populated state with just 1.7 million inhabitants. Idaho is an underrated state offering outdoor adventurers 107,561 miles of rivers, the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, 130 "soakable" hot springs, and unparalleled winter sports at Sun Valley. College students also discover 5 first-rate colleges ranging from small undergraduate schools like Lewis-Clark State College to large doctoral institutions like Boise State University. There are at least six public schools that offer online degrees in Idaho. For total offered, University of Idaho ranks first, with 17 master’s tracks. The U.S. News even lauds the University of Idaho as the 90th top public college nationwide. Plus, bountiful scholarships are available to peel your tuition bills like Idaho potatoes.
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Idaho currently ranks ninth for the United States' lowest per capita income at $23,087. That makes it tough to afford Idaho's average in-state tuition of $5,499 and out-of-state tuition of $14,754. Certain colleges charge considerably above the mean too. For instance, Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa has a total cost of attendance at $35,500 per year! Scholarships are helpful financial aid options that lower your college expenditures without sacrificing your salary later. Reap funding to plant the seeds of a blossoming career with these 5 top scholarships for Idaho.
Know of a scholarship available specifically for Idaho students that we missed? Contact us.
Started by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, the Idaho State Board of Education funds approximately 25 Governor’s Cup Scholarships that bestow $3,000 annually for four years. Idaho residents who will pursue a degree or vocational certificate within the next six months would qualify. Applications must arrive before February 15th with two recommendations, transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and a 500-word essay highlighting students’ community involvement.
Eligibility
- Be graduating seniors at Idaho public or private schools
- Intend to enroll full-time for in-state academic or technical programs
- Possess a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 or better
- Provide documentation of volunteer public service
Another of the Idaho State Board of Education’s funding options is the Opportunity Scholarship, which awards $5 million total every academic year. For the $3,000 award, Idahoans must choose eligible institutions, such as Idaho State University, Brigham Young University-Idaho, College of Idaho, and Eastern Idaho Technical College. Until March 1st, the online portal is accessible for initial and renewal application up to four years.
Eligibility
- Be finishing a high school diploma or GED certificate
- Enroll full-time as undergraduates at participating Idaho colleges
- Attain a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0
- Submit a FAFSA form demonstrating genuine need
The Idaho Society for Respiratory Care (IDASRC) gifts the Donna Wainwright Memorial Scholarship for $500 to honor the Magic Valley Regional Medical Center worker who suffered chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It’s intended to fund formal CRT training for aspiring respiratory therapists seeking to improve breathing. The deadline is August 1st for sending one faculty recommendation and brief 50-word career goals statement.
Eligibility
- Be members of the American Association for Respiratory Care
- Have permanent residence in Idaho for 12+ months
- Pursue an accredited respiratory therapy program
- Complete at least one year full-time with a 3.0 GPA or better
Offering a maximum of $5,775, the GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship 2 is a need-based program administered by the Idaho State Board of Education yearly. It supports residents under 22 years old who previously participated in early intervention component in 7th-10th grade at Idaho school districts from Twin Falls to Meadows Valley. Funding is extended for up to eight semesters if recipients continually apply before February 15th.
Eligibility
- Possess a secondary school diploma or GED
- Enroll full-time at accredited, nonprofit Idaho institutions
- Maintain academic progress with a 2.0 GPA or above
- Qualify for receiving the Federal Pell Grant
Established by Brian M. Day in 1993, the Pride Foundation in Seattle offers over 50 annual scholarships for $1,000 to $12,000 apiece to LBGTQ students. For example, the Patricia Van Kirk Scholarship assists lesbians who are majoring in visual or performing arts. The Friends of Alan Turing Scholarship supports study in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields. One application sent before January 13th considers candidates for all funds.
Eligibility
- Reside in the Pacific Northwest, including Idaho, for three months
- Pursue post-secondary education anywhere in the United States
- Show leadership in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community