Idaho Scholarships in 2024

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Unigo Author Dave Moniz Written by Dave Moniz
Unigo Editor Unigo Staff ✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff
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!

List of Idaho Scholarships in 2024

Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for students who are U.S. citizens pursuing a career in human services, health sciences or visual arts. Eligible applicants must have been living in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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Phoenix Two-Spirit Native & First Nations Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students of Native American or First Nations heritage who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). Applicants must demonstrate leadership and a commitment to community service and LGBT advocacy.
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Thelma Fisher Dewitty Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This scholarship is available for African American undergraduate and graduate students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ). Applicants must reside in of one of the following states: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
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Jack D. Motteler Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska and majoring in visual arts. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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Paul Arnold Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. citizens who are residents of Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska and are studying interior, fashion, or graphic design. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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Political Leadership Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students who are majoring in law, political science, public policy or public administration with the goal of improving rights for LGBT people. Applicant must be a resident of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state.
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Frank W. Ross Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students under the age of 21 who demonstrate significant financial need, with preference to those that have been in foster care and those who have been homeless. Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. 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.
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Dennis Coleman Choral Conducting Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) students studying choral conducting with preference given to those committed to creating social change through music.
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Rainbow City Band Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students under the age of 25 who graduated from any West Seattle high school or are studying music. Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington but may study elsewhere. 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.
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Asian and Pacific Islander Queer Sisters Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for Asian/Pacific Islander lesbians, bisexual females, and transpeople (both MTF and FTM spectrum). Applicants must be residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington state.
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Kathy Spadoni Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for current high school seniors who are residents of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington. Applicants must have a history of leadership and working toward positive social change. 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.
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KASF Western Region Scholarship

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Award Amount
$5,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jun 30 Deadline

This award is available for Korean students attending or planning to attend college in one of the following western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, enroll full time, and have unmet financial need.
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Ric Ulrich and Chuck Pischke Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. citizens have been living in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska for at least one year. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a postsecondary program studying visual arts and design. Preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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Robert Browning Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 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 studying any field of health science and preference is given to self-identified LGBT students, members of LGBT families, and straight allies who have been supportive of the LGBT community.
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Daniella Altfield-Moreno Scholarship

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Award Amount
$12,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 6 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Latino/Latina youth under age 25 with a preference for students involved in athletics and students committed to LGBT equality.
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CCD Law Spokane Community Scholarship

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Award Amount
$1,000 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
2 Awards
Scholarship Deadline
May 1 Deadline

The CCD Law Spokane Community Scholarship is available to high school seniors who reside in Washington and will be attending college in the fall. CCD Law has a Privacy Policy for all applicants’ submissions. These submissions will be for our office use only. No third party will be granted access to any information that we collect during this process. At the time of the submission deadline, we will evaluate all submissions and contact the winning applicant or FA dept. of the university. Students awarded scholarships will be featured on this website if they choose to have their photo taken.
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William Bennett, W7PHO, Memorial Scholarship

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Award Amount
$500 Award Amount
Total Award Amount
1 Award
Scholarship Deadline
Jan 31 Deadline

The William Bennett, W7PHO, Memorial Scholarship is open to international and U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who are licensed radio amateurs (general class or higher) and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must reside in the areas covered by the ARRL Northwest, Pacific, or Southwest divisions.
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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

Snow-capped peaks reflect on a serene lake, surrounded by lush forests at sunrise.

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

A cascade of water flows gracefully over rugged cliffs, with a town perched above.

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:
  1. Idaho AGC Education Foundation Scholarship

  2. American Legion Auxiliary Department of Idaho Traditional Nurses Scholarship

  3. Northwest Osteopathic Medical Foundation Scholarship

  4. Celebrate The West Scholarship

  5. Robert G. Miller Scholarships

  6. Idaho Community Foundation Scholarships

  7. Idaho Latino Scholarship Fund

  8. Idaho HBA Richard G. Cortez Scholarship

  9. 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

A winding path ascends a rugged, dark lava butte, surrounded by a desolate landscape.

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:
  1. 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.
 
  1. Get Organized: Keep track of deadlines, required documents, and application requirements. Using a spreadsheet or calendar can help you manage your scholarship applications effectively.
 
  1. 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.
 
  1. 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!
 
  1. Highlight Achievements: Make sure to showcase your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, and future goals.
 
  1. 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?

A tranquil river snakes through a steep canyon framed by rugged, sunlit cliffs.

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!