Idaho College Grants & Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know
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Idaho keeps things simple — no giant grants or free tuition promises — but if your kid’s staying in-state, there are still real opportunities to lower the cost. The key is understanding what’s available and applying early — because funds are limited and deadlines matter more than you’d think.
Jump to: 🎓 Opportunity Scholarship | 🏆 Governor’s Cup | 🛠️ Technical Scholarships | 📌 Local Aid | 🏫 Idaho Colleges | 📝 What To Do Next | ❓ FAQ
🎓 Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
This is the state’s main need-based award, offering up to $3,500 per year for Idaho students attending eligible in-state colleges.
- Minimum GPA: 2.7
- Must file the FAFSA
- Renewable for up to 4 years with a 2.5 GPA and 24 credits per year
Application window: October 1 – March 1
Idaho state aid isn’t technically first-come, first-served — but funds are limited. Filing the FAFSA in October or November gives your kid the best chance at state, federal, and school-based aid.
State scholarships like the Opportunity and Governor’s Cup use your kid’s highest composite ACT or SAT score from a single test — not a combined superscore.
🏆 Governor’s Cup Scholarship
This is a competitive merit-based scholarship worth $3,000 per year for up to 4 years. There are two tracks:
- Academic: 3.0 GPA and ACT/SAT required
- Career/Technical: For students pursuing an approved CTE path
It’s competitive, so strong academics and community service can help your kid stand out.
Deadline: March 1
🛠️ Career Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships
For students planning to attend a technical college or CTE program, Idaho offers smaller awards including:
- Workforce Development Council CTE Scholarship
- Tschudy Family Scholarship (for Emmett High grads)
Not sure if your kid’s path counts as technical? These scholarships cover hands-on careers like welding, diesel mechanics, CNA programs, and medical technology training.
📌 Local and Institutional Aid
Even though Idaho doesn’t have dozens of state programs, many high schools and districts offer $500–$2,000 awards that stack with other aid. Start asking about these in fall of senior year.
For example, the Boise Schools Foundation offers over 30 local scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 — and many go unclaimed when kids don’t apply.
Help your kid stay ahead by applying early and asking colleges about scholarships that stack with state aid. Many Idaho public colleges offer automatic merit aid based on GPA and test scores — some have separate deadlines in the fall.
Going Out-of-State?
Families in Idaho may qualify for reduced tuition through the
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
This program lets students attend public colleges in other Western states at a discounted rate.
🏫 Colleges in Idaho
If you live in a neighboring Western state, your kid might qualify for reduced tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Boise State and Idaho State both participate.
📝 What To Do Next
- ✅ Submit the FAFSA by December or January — the earlier, the better
- ✅ Apply for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship (by March 1)
- ✅ Look into the Governor’s Cup and CTE scholarship options
- ✅ Apply early to Idaho public colleges and check for school-based awards
- ✅ Double-check each college’s scholarship deadlines — they often come before the FAFSA priority date
- ✅ Talk to your kid’s counselor about local or district-based scholarships
Idaho offers a GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship for students who were part of the federal GEAR UP program in 7th–12th grade. If your kid’s school enrolled them, they could receive up to $3,750/year depending on funding.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Idaho offer free college?
No, not currently. There’s no statewide free tuition program like other states, but Idaho offers need-based and merit-based scholarships to reduce cost.
Can my kid receive both the Opportunity Scholarship and Governor’s Cup?
Yes, it’s possible. These awards can stack as long as your kid meets the eligibility and renewal requirements for both.
Is state aid based on superscore?
No. Idaho uses your kid’s highest composite ACT or SAT score from a single sitting when evaluating scholarship eligibility. Superscores are not considered.
Do technical students have access to state aid?
Yes. Technical and career-focused students can apply for the CTE scholarships, as well as the CTE track of the Governor’s Cup award.
What’s the deadline for local or college-based aid?
It varies, but many Idaho colleges have priority deadlines in December or January — well before the March FAFSA deadline. Apply early.