Idaho State University Scholarships (2025–2026)

Q: Does ISU superscore ACT/SAT?

No. ISU does not superscore; for admission and scholarship review they consider scores from a single test date. If you choose to submit tests, send your best single sitting.

Q: Deadlines to be considered automatically?

Submit all required admission materials by July 1 (fall) or Nov 1 (spring). Test scores for awards that require them must be on file by these dates.

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What This Page Covers:

Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way

Figuring out the true cost of college can be confusing, but Idaho State makes things a little clearer with published scholarship ranges and regional tuition discounts. This guide walks you through what families actually pay, the automatic awards your student may qualify for, and the competitive or hidden scholarships that can make a big difference. If you’re comparing in-state aid, don’t miss our full Idaho state aid guide alongside the main College Scholarships Hub.

💰 Cost of Attendance at Idaho State University (2025–2026)

Expense	In-State	Out-of-State
Tuition & Mandatory Fees Full-time (12+ credits), two semesters	$8,914	$28,240
Housing & Meals	$12,476	$12,476
Books & Supplies	$1,000	$1,000
Travel (Transportation)	$1,908	$1,908
Personal/Misc.	$3,942	$3,942
Loan Fees (avg.)	$80	$80
Total (Before Aid)	$28,320	$47,646

Average Net Price (NCES): what families actually paid after grants and scholarships—no loans- $12,425/year. Latest NCES year: 2022–2023.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE): ISU participates in WUE, a regional tuition program for students from 15 Western states/territories. ISU posts a WUE tuition of ~$12,037 for 2025–26—so the tuition line for a non-resident can drop from $28,240 to about $12,037 (≈$16.2k savings/year). Other budget items (housing, meals, books, etc.) are the same either way.

✅ Who qualifies? Residents of participating WUE states; most majors are eligible (some high-demand programs may limit seats).
💲 How much? ISU publishes a specific WUE tuition; generally WUE is ≤150% of the in-state rate.
📝 Apply or automatic? Considered during admission; renewal requires full-time enrollment and good standing; cannot combine with other ISU non-resident tuition waivers.

COA Quick FAQ

Why do I see different totals on ISU pages? The Financial Aid COA includes personal and transportation allowances; the “Costs at ISU” display shows a leaner estimate without those items—so its totals are lower.

What credit load is assumed? Full-time enrollment of 12+ credits per term for two semesters.

Do majors add extra costs? Some programs may charge class/professional fees that increase totals beyond the baseline COA.

✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships

Idaho State University (ISU) awards several admission-based scholarships and nonresident tuition waivers to new first-time students who meet published criteria by the stated deadlines. Your application for admission doubles as your scholarship application (no separate form for these).

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Freshman Tiered Scholarship (Resident)	≈$1,000–$4,000+/year (tiered)	Idaho residents entering directly from high school; awards are tiered primarily by unweighted GPA; test scores may be required for top tiers by the deadline.	No (via admission)	Yes — typically full-time (12+ credits) and ≥3.0 ISU GPA per renewal policy	*Solid academic record (≈3.3–3.9+). Higher GPAs land higher tiers; funding and donor criteria can shift cutoffs.
Presidential Scholarship (Resident)	Significant 4-year award (limited)	Top Idaho residents entering from high school; requires ACT/SAT scores by the scholarship deadline; selection based on high GPA and competitive tests.	No (via admission)	Yes — typically full-time and ≥3.30 ISU GPA per renewal policy	*Near-4.0 GPAs with strong rigor; high ACT/SAT submitted by deadline; limited number offered.
Out-of-State Scholar Non-Resident Tuition Waiver (NRTW)	Waives the nonresident tuition portion (saves ≈$19,326/yr at 2025–26 rates)	New nonresident undergraduates with strong academics (competitive/limited; some majors excluded if over-subscribed). Considered with admission; cannot stack with WUE.	No (via admission)	Yes — maintain full-time enrollment; GPA standard applies per waiver terms	*Generally ≥3.5 HS GPA reviewed first; awards are first-come as funds allow; strongest applicants/majors prioritized.

Notes: Ranges reflect tiered awards and changing donor/waiver funding. *Items marked with an asterisk are evidence-based estimates to translate “varies” into parent-friendly guidance; always confirm final amounts in the award letter.

Automatic Merit — Quick FAQ

Do I need a separate application? No. Your ISU admission file is used to award Freshman Tiered, Presidential (resident), and NRTW (nonresident) if you meet criteria by the deadline.

Does ISU superscore ACT/SAT? No. ISU does not superscore; for admission and scholarship review they consider scores from a single test date. If you choose to submit tests, send your best single sitting.

Are test scores required? ISU is test-optional for general admission through summer 2026, but top resident awards (e.g., Presidential) require ACT/SAT by the scholarship deadline. Homeschool/GED applicants also need scores.

Can WUE stack with NRTW or other nonresident merit? No. Nonresidents are typically awarded either WUE or NRTW — whichever yields the greater benefit — but not both simultaneously.

Deadlines to be considered automatically? Submit all required admission materials by July 1 (fall) or Nov 1 (spring). Test scores for awards that require them must be on file by these dates.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships

Some Idaho State University scholarships are not automatic — they require an extra application, essay, or portfolio, and are limited in number. These competitive awards often provide larger amounts or added prestige, but they are more selective than the automatic tiers.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
No university-level competitive scholarships are currently published outside of Honors College or departmental programs.

Competitive Scholarship FAQ

Why is this section blank? ISU does not publish central competitive merit scholarships beyond the automatic tiers, WUE, or Honors/departmental awards. Those will appear in later sections of this guide.

So how do I maximize aid? Apply early for admission to secure automatic scholarships, and then check the Honors College and departmental pages for additional selective opportunities.

Are there outside options? Yes. Many ISU students supplement their automatic aid with private donor awards, national scholarships, and community-based funds.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships

Beyond the automatic and competitive awards, Idaho State offers several niche programs that can quietly make a big difference for certain groups of students. These often come through identity-based aid, ROTC, or research and service opportunities.

Scholarship	Award Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Army ROTC Scholarships	Full tuition & fees OR room/board stipend; plus $420/month living allowance	Students committing to Army officer training; must meet academic and fitness standards	Yes — Army ROTC board	Yes	Students pursuing Army officer track with strong grades and physical readiness
Air Force ROTC Scholarships	Up to full tuition & fees; textbook stipend; monthly allowance	Students joining AFROTC at ISU; must meet GPA, fitness, and service requirements	Yes — AFROTC application	Yes	STEM majors and leadership-track students with strong fitness and academics
Native American Tuition Waiver	Covers full in-state tuition & fees	Enrolled members of federally recognized tribes residing in Idaho	Yes — documentation required	Yes	Eligible Idaho-resident Native American students with tribal enrollment proof
Bengal Completion Grant	Varies; up to several thousand dollars	Upper-division ISU students close to graduation who face financial hardship	Yes — ISU Financial Aid	No (one-time)	Students within a few semesters of finishing who risk stopping out due to finances
Ifft Leadership Scholarship	Full tuition	Incoming freshmen from Century, Pocatello, or Highland High School; GPA 2.6–3.6; demonstrated leadership and community involvement	Yes — application through ISU/BOSS	Yes — maintain satisfactory progress	Local Idaho students with mid-range GPAs and clear leadership/service activities
Idaho Education Access Fund (First Generation Students)	Amount varies by need; typically up to a few thousand dollars	Idaho residents who are the first in their family to attend college; non-traditional status; FAFSA completion and demonstrated financial need	Yes — BOSS application	Yes — contingent on FAFSA and Satisfactory Academic Progress	First-gen Idaho students with unmet financial need and persistence toward a degree

Disclaimer: Award amounts and GPA bands are based on the most recent published criteria. Where exact figures were not available, realistic ranges are provided for parent clarity. Always confirm with ISU’s Financial Aid or BOSS portal before applying.

Bennion Scholar/ISU Leadership Scholarship: $1,000 one-time award for new students accepted into the University Honors Program (covered in Honors section).
Departmental Scholarships: Each college (e.g., Education, Geosciences) offers named awards through the BOSS portal.
Marching Band Scholarships: Awarded through auditions and music department review; amounts vary.
Club & Organization Scholarships: Some student groups and Greek organizations award modest scholarships for active members; amounts vary.
External First-Generation Scholarships: e.g., First Generation College Student Scholarship, open nationwide; amounts vary.

Hidden Gem FAQ

Can ROTC cover everything? Yes — students can receive full tuition or room/board plus stipends, but they must meet military obligations after graduation.

What’s unique about the Native American waiver? It’s not a scholarship but a tuition waiver, so it directly eliminates in-state tuition charges for eligible tribal members.

Are these awards stackable? Most hidden gem awards can be combined with other aid (except where noted). For example, ROTC students may still receive Pell Grants or departmental scholarships.

Who should look at the Completion Grant? Students already at ISU, with 60+ credits earned, who encounter financial roadblocks near the finish line.

⭐ College Specialties

Idaho State University (ISU) is known across Idaho and the region for its strong hands-on programs, especially in health professions and geological sciences. As a **Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research High & Teaching institution**, ISU balances research, teaching, and workforce impact.

Flagship Program: Geology / Geological & Earth Sciences
Third best general geology program in Idaho; ranked #11 in the Northwest region.

Allied Health & Medical Assisting. ISU’s highest ranked major for statewide quality, recognized in national “badge” rankings.
Health Professions. ISU is Idaho’s designated lead institution in health professions education.
Pharmacy. Strong program with research opportunities, especially in rural health and pre-clinical sciences.
Teaching & STEM Education. ISU supports teacher preparation, especially in rural regions, integrating field placements and hands-on lab work.
Nuclear Science & Energy. ISU is involved in research and training in nuclear science — a niche strength in Idaho and neighboring states.

🎖️ Honors College (University Honors Program)

If your student learns best in small, discussion-driven classes and loves stretching beyond the basics, Idaho State’s University Honors Program (UHP) is a smart fit. Seats are limited and selection is competitive, but the payoff is real: priority registration, faculty mentorship, and a clear path to an Honors distinction or full Honors degree—all while staying on track to graduate.

What a Typical ISU Honors Student Looks Like

• Unweighted high school GPA ≥ 3.6 or SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 25 (no super-scoring; ISU uses a single test date).
• Strong academic rigor and a thoughtful personal statement; 1 recommendation letter required.
• Applies by the January 15 priority date; seats often fill by March. Honors Scholarship Package consideration requires action by July 1 (if seats remain).

Sources: UHP First-Time, First-Year criteria and deadlines (no super-scoring), priority & seat timing. See Idaho State University — University Honors Program pages for First-Time, First-Year Students and New Honors Student Scholarships.

Perks that Make Honors Worth It

Priority registration and access to Honors seminars and sections.
Faculty mentorship and individualized advising; pathway to an Honors thesis/project for the Honors Degree.
Two graduation pathways: Honors Distinction (≈19 Honors credits) or the full Honors Degree (≈32 Honors credits + thesis/project).
Good-standing requirement: maintain ≥ 3.2 cumulative GPA (one-semester probation if you dip below; privileges generally continue during probation).

Sources: Honors curriculum & graduation requirements; good-standing/3.2 GPA & probation policy. See ISU Honors Graduating with Honors and Honors Student Responsibilities.

Honors-Specific Scholarships

Scholarship	Amount	Eligibility	Separate App?	Renewable?	Who Actually Wins?
Honors Scholarship Package	Not publicly posted (competitive; tied to UHP acceptance and donor funds)	Admitted to UHP; priority by Jan 15; package acceptance typically by late March if seated; final consideration up to July 1 if seats remain	Yes — UHP application (separate from general admission)	Varies by award; maintain UHP good standing (≥3.2 GPA) and full-time enrollment	Applicants with ≥3.6 GPA or ACT 25 / SAT 1200, strong rigor, leadership/service, and a compelling personal statement

Note: ISU does not publish dollar amounts for the Honors Scholarship Package; families should expect competitive, limited awards. Confirm final amounts and terms in the official award letter. Sources: UHP admissions & scholarships timelines and competitiveness on ISU Honors site.

About the Honors Scholarship Package at ISU

Idaho State does not publish a dollar range for its general Honors Scholarship Package. Instead, ISU highlights several named awards that Honors students may receive. Families should note that amounts can vary year to year, and the full package is not listed in public documents.

Bennion Scholar / ISU Leadership Scholarship: $1,000 one-time award ($500/semester for the first year). Source: ISU Honors — New Honors Student Scholarships
Honors Housing Scholarship: $4,000 total ($1,000 per year for four years) for Honors students living on campus. Source: ISU Honors — New Honors Student Scholarships

Because ISU does not post package totals, families should confirm the specific mix of awards in their student’s official offer letter.

Honors FAQ (Straight Answers)

Is admission to Honors automatic? No. You must submit a separate UHP application after applying to ISU. The process is holistic and seats are limited.

Does ISU superscore ACT/SAT for Honors? No. ISU does not superscore; the program considers your best single test date if you submit scores.

Will Honors add time to the degree? ISU designs Honors coursework to integrate with degree plans. Students aiming for the Honors Degree should plan ahead for thesis/project credits.

What deadlines matter? Apply by January 15 for priority (seats often fill by March). If available, late applicants can be considered up to July 1 for scholarship packaging.

Sources: UHP FTFT criteria & deadlines and seat timing; see ISU Honors pages for First-Time, First-Year Students and New Honors Student Scholarships.

📎 Official Links

Final Thoughts

Idaho State University offers families a clear mix of automatic aid, tuition discounts like WUE, and hidden opportunities for those who know where to look. From full-tuition leadership awards for local students, to ROTC pathways that can cover nearly everything, to the University Honors Program for high achievers, ISU provides real options no matter your student’s background. The key is applying early, checking deadlines, and stacking the right scholarships so the true cost fits your family’s budget.

✅ Last updated: September 12, 2025