Spelling it Out: Scholarships in Idaho
Idaho students and graduates are eligible for thousands of dollars in scholarships as they pursue college and careers. Learn more about Idaho’s unique funding programs, who’s eligible, and how to apply below.
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship
| What is it? | A needs-based scholarship that can be used at the following institutions:
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| What is the award amount? | Up to $3,500 per academic year, for up to four years |
| Who can apply? | Students must:
Have an unweighted, cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above Be an Idaho resident Graduated or will graduate from an Idaho high school or its equivalent or Idaho home school (GED/HSE from Idaho) Must attend during the upcoming academic year (fall semester) Must pursue a certificate, associate’s degree, or first bachelor’s degree Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 31 Maintain satisfactory academic standing as specified in program rules Attend one of the eligible colleges/universities listed above |
| How is it funded? | Taxpayer dollars |
| Find out more | https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/scholarship-idaho/idaho-opportunity-scholarship |
And check out the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners.
Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship
| What is it? | This program provides approximately 25 awards to Idaho high school or home school seniors planning to attend an Idaho college or university. Funds are awarded to students pursuing academic or career technical education. |
| What is the award amount? | This is a $5,000 award for academic recipients, $3,000 for career-technical recipients, renewable for up to four years for academic programs and up to three years for career technical programs. |
| Who can apply? | To qualify for the scholarship, a student must meet all of the following criteria:
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| How is it funded? | Through donations |
| Find out more | https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/idaho-governors-cup-scholarship/ |
Idaho Launch
| What is it? | A grant program that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered. It’s possible for 9,000 to 10,00 awards to be offered each year. |
| What is the award amount? | Up to $8,000 |
| Who can apply? | Applicants must:
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| How is it funded? | Taxpayer dollars |
| Find out more | https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch |
Advanced Opportunities Funding
| What is it? | Funding for students who want to take advanced coursework — including dual credit, workforce training, certification exams, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs — while attending an Idaho public school in grades 7-12.
Students who graduate early are eligible for approximately $1,800 for every year skipped. The funds can only be used at one of Idaho’s public post-secondary institutions. |
| What is the award amount? |
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| Who can apply? | Any student in an Idaho public school in grades 7-12. |
| How is it funded? | Taxpayer dollars |
| Find out more | https://nextsteps.idaho.gov/resources/ao |
GEAR UP Idaho Scholarships
| What is it? | This scholarship is for students who participated in GEAR UP programs at certain Idaho school districts, and goes toward college tuition for up to four years. |
| What is the award amount? | Awards will vary based on the number of applicants and funds available on an annual basis. |
| Who can apply? |
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| How is it funded? | Federal Grants |
| Find out more | https://boardofed.idaho.gov/scholarships/gear-up-idaho-scholarship/ |
Read about more scholarships here
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