Known as the Gem State for being home to nearly every known gemstone, Idaho is also home to some pretty awesome scholarship awards for its students and residents. Most everyone knows of its top sites, like Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon, Hells Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains, as well as Idaho’s top colleges, such, as Boise State University (BSU), University of Idaho (UI), and Brigham Young University Idaho (BYUI). So, don't just sit there like a sack of potatoes! Check out these great grant and scholarship opportunities for students in Idaho and begin applying today!
Check out our list of 1,323 Idaho Scholarships in 2024 worth $7M.
$1,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Apr 15
Deadline
This award is available for Hispanic high school seniors who are residents of Idaho. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll in a two- or four-year college or university.
Read More
View Scholarship
$750
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 29
Deadline
This scholarship is available for undergraduate students in Idaho who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$3,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 30
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students in the Pacific North West (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) who are planning to major in engineering and pursue a career in iron and steel technology. Applicants must be AIST members or dependents of AIST members.
Read More
View Scholarship
$10,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Oct 25
Deadline
This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Idaho who have unmet financial need and a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$60,000
Award Amount
6
Awards
Nov 12
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. women who have obtained a student pilot certificate and plan to pursue further flight training (may be any category, class, or phase of flight certification training). Applicants must be residents of Washington, Oregon, or Idaho. Click here to learn more and to apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$45,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Jan 1
Deadline
This award is available to Idaho residents who are admitted into the School of Dentistry at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Students must attend the first year at Idaho State University in Pocatello and the following three years in Omaha at Creighton.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This scholarship is available for LGBT students in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state who are majoring in a field related to social work at an accredited college or university. Applications open October 11. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is available for a transgender resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state who is enrolled in an accredited college or university. Applicants must demonstrate leadership and serve as a role model in the LGBTQ community.
Read More
View Scholarship
$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students who are pursuing a medical degree. The applicant must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state, and preference is given to students who are self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), members of LGBT families, or straight-allies who have been strongly supportive of the LGBT community.
Read More
View Scholarship
$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is available for a transgender student in his or her senior year of college. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and must be a resident of one of the following states: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is available for gay, lesbian, or transgendered students who are enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students majoring in social work. Applicants must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. citizens who have been living in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Applicants must be goal-oriented, HIV positive, and/or focusing on the treatment and/or eradication of HIV. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally. Applicants must demonstrate unmet financial need, and must reside in one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This scholarship is available for students from Washington State who have faced significant barriers to their educational pathways including learning disabilities or lack of familial or financial support to pursue an educational goal. Applicants must identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or as a straight ally dedicated to LGBT equality and advocacy.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. citizens who have been living in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Applicant must be a current or former student of NW Association of Special Programs (NASP-TRIO). Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
Read More
View Scholarship
$12,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 8
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of eastern Washington state, Idaho, or Montana. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
Read More
View Scholarship
$100,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 15
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. students enrolling at Bucknell University. First generation college students, students from outside the university's traditional geographic area, and those who bring cultural and intellectual diversity to the campus will be considered.
Read More
View Scholarship
$75,000
Award Amount
25
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available for Idaho high school seniors who are graduating from a high school in Idaho and planning to enroll in an eligible postsecondary educational institution in Idaho. Students must have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. High consideration for selection is given to students with a demonstrated commitment to public service.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is open to re-entry/non-traditional female students who plan to major in engineering and have completed two or more years of full-time credits (does not have to be in an engineering curriculum). Students must reside or attend school in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington, and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This scholarship is open to female re-entry/non-traditional students who are majoring in engineering or computer science and are members of SWE. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and attend an institution within the SWE Region J boundaries.
Read More
View Scholarship
$20,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 21
Deadline
This award is for U.S. high school juniors and seniors who participate in a mathematical modeling challenge as part of a school-based group.
Read More
View Scholarship
$3,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors and undergraduate students who are residents of Idaho, graduated from Idaho high schools, and attend selected Idaho institutions. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and demonstrated financial need.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
Graduating high school seniors with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher who are residents of an eligible state may apply for this award. Applicants must be of Portuguese descent or be enrolled in a Portuguese language class in high school.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is available for undergraduate students who reside in or attend college in Idaho or Montana. Applicants must be majoring in welding and must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Read More
View Scholarship
$1,250
Award Amount
4
Awards
Mar 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. students majoring in environmental health who are enrolled in an approved college/university that is accredited by the Environmental Health Accreditation Council or is a NEHA Educational or Sustaining Member School. For a current list of accredited environmental health programs, please visit www.ehacoffice.org.
Read More
View Scholarship
Understanding Scholarships In Idaho
Before we take a look at scholarships in Idaho, it is important to understand the cost of attending college in the Gem State!
In-state tuition and fees at the University of Idaho for 2024-25 are $9,084. At ISU, tuition and fees are $8,610! If you are from out-of-state, you can expect to pay $28,320 in tuition and fees at UI or $27,720 at ISU. At Idaho’s largest private university, BYU Idaho, you can expect to pay only $4,656 in tuition and fees if you are an LDS member and plan to pursue your degree on campus or $9,312 if you are a non-member. BYU Idaho also has even more cost-effective tuition pricing options if you study 100% online!
Most students attending college in Idaho can expect to receive financial aid including state, federal, and institutional grants. Even so, many students still should expect to still incur out of pocket costs for their college education in Idaho. This is why applying for private scholarships like the ones on unigo.com can play a critical part in keeping college costs low.
Idaho Scholarships for College
Whether you live in Idaho or wish to go to school in Idaho, there are many opportunities for scholarships. Checkout the list below.
Idaho LAUNCH
Idaho LAUNCH is a state financial aid grant program available to Idaho residents who are studying specific fields that are most likely to lead to in-demand careers including STEM, construction and trades, and business occupations. Idaho LAUNCH is available to Idaho students attending select public and private post-secondary institutions, trade schools, or certification programs. Idaho LAUNCH can cover 80% of your tuition and fees, up to $8,000.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship provides up to $3,500 per year for Idaho students who have at least a 2.7 GPA.The scholarship is renewable for up to four years and can be used at Idaho’s public colleges and universities as well as well as specific private schools including BYU Idaho, Western Governors University, and Northwest Nazarene University.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners
If you have been away from college for at least two years but completed at least 24 units of college credit, you may be eligible for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners! This scholarship provides up to $3,500 per year and is renewable for up to four years. To qualify, you will need to have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in your prior coursework work and attended high school in Idaho.
Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship (Academic)
The Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship (Academic) is a competitive scholarship available to Idaho students. It provides up to $3,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years. Recipients must have at least a 2.8 GPA and be enrolled at an eligible Idaho college or university.
Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship (CTE)
The Idaho Governor’s Cup Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarship is a competitive scholarship available to Idaho students who are pursuing career technical education. It provides up to $3,000 per year and is renewable for up to three years. Recipients must have at least a 2.8 GPA and be enrolled at an eligible Idaho college or university.
Armed Forces and PSO Dependent Scholarship
The Armed Forces and Public Safety Officer Dependent Scholarship is awarded to dependent Idaho students of fallen or permanently disabled members of the armed forces or first responders. This scholarship will provide up to $750 per semester which can be used for books or housing.
Institutional Grants and Scholarships for Idaho Colleges and Universities
Most colleges and universities in Idaho offer institutional grants and scholarships to attract students. These awards may be merit-based, need-based, or a combination of both, designed to reduce the cost burden of tuition and other educational expenses. Institutional grants and scholarships can reduce the gaps between federal financial aid you may be awarded and the actual cost of pursuing your education.
Federal Grants
Students who attend college in Idaho, particularly those from low-income households, may qualify for federal grants such as the Pell Grant. The maximum Pell Grant award for 2024-25 is $ 7,395. These grants are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment, making them a great tool to reduce the cost of college.
Private Scholarships in Idaho
Idaho has great scholarship and grant programs for college students, however, these programs are not available to all students. Even if you are eligible for these programs, they often will not cover the full cost of your education nor will they always cover room and board, books, transportation, and other substantial costs you will face as a college student. The same is true with federal grants and institutional grants and scholarships. This is why private scholarships are so important for students to consider.
There are a number of private scholarships for Idaho college students. Here are some to consider:
- Idaho AGC Education Foundation Scholarship
- American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho Traditional Nurses Scholarship
- Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship
- Celebrate The West Scholarship
- Robert G. Miller Scholarships
- Idaho Community Foundation Scholarships
- Idaho Latino Scholarship Fund
- Idaho HBA Richard G. Cortez Scholarship
- Idaho Cattlewoman’s Annual Scholarship
Private scholarships vary widely in criteria and eligibility, offering opportunities for students pursuing higher education at any accredited college or university In Idaho or across the country. You should plan to apply broadly for as many private scholarships as you may qualify.
Websites like unigo.com provide comprehensive listings and application details for many private scholarships.
Scholarships for Adult and Graduate Students
Many scholarship and grant programs are focused on students pursuing an undergraduate degree and/or attending school on a full-time basis. If you are an adult going back to school or wanting to pursue graduate studies in Idaho, there are scholarships and grants available to you in order to keep the cost of your continuing education affordable. These include the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners returning to undergraduate degree programs. Schools in Idaho also offer various fellowships, grants, and scholarships for students pursuing graduate education.
Tips for Landing Great Scholarships and Grants for Idaho Students
Even though many scholarships and grants are competitive in nature, searching and applying for grants and scholarships with the right strategy can increase your chances of landing funds to pay for your education:
- Start The Process Early: Make sure to begin your search and apply for scholarships as soon as possible. Many scholarships have deadlines well before the academic year starts.
- Get Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application requirements. Using a spreadsheet or calendar can help you manage your scholarship applications effectively.
- Personalize Your Applications: Make sure and customize your essays and personal statements to align with the specific criteria and mission of each scholarship you apply for.
- Get Recommendations: Work to obtain solid letters of recommendation from your teachers, counselors, or community leaders. Letters of recommendation can really help your scholarship application standout!
- Highlight Achievements: Make sure to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and future goals.
- Complete the FAFSA: Most grant and scholarship programs will require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered for funding. Since you will also need to complete the FAFSA in order to be considered for any federal student aid programs including Pell and other grants, we strongly recommend you complete and submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. Most schools also use the FAFSA to determine the amount of institutional aid or grants they will award you.
How About Student Loans?
Obtaining grants and scholarships should always be your priority since they do not need to be repaid. Unfortunately, even with generous grants and scholarships, most students will still find they will still have out of pocket expenses associated with pursuing their education. This is when a student loan may be worth considering. Student loans are offered by the federal government as well as private lenders. Federal student loans typically will have better terms. No matter whether you take out a federal or private student loan, any loan will need to be repaid so there are important considerations before you borrow.
By taking advantage of the many scholarship and grant opportunities available, Idaho college students can pursue their educational goals with greater financial peace of mind!
Our Scholarships
-
$1,500 – I Have a Dream
-
$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
-
$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
-
$2,500 – Superpower
-
$3,000 – All About Education
-
$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
-
$1,500 – Do-Over
-
$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
-
$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
-
$1,500 – Shout It Out
-
$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
-
$5,000 – Education Matters
-
$1,500 – Top Ten List