Top 14 Idaho Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Idaho Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Idaho, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 114 scholarships in our database tagged for Idaho. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 14 Idaho Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $45,625. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

Idaho’s most important aid is the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, which awards renewable funding to residents who meet academic and financial-need criteria. Idaho Launch provides additional support for students pursuing workforce training and in-demand technical careers. Public universities such as Boise State and Idaho State offer automatic merit awards that stack with state grants. Community colleges and CTE centers frequently provide scholarships through local industry partners. Idaho students should file the FAFSA early, apply for the Opportunity Scholarship as soon as the window opens, and consider high-demand training routes that receive the strongest state support.

Top 14 Idaho Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Idaho scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Foster Youth

The Opportunity Scholarship for Foster Youth is designed to provide financial assistance to students who have experienced foster care in Idaho. This scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and support these students in achieving their educational goals. Eligibility Requirements: Residency:

Award: $3,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~68 min)
2

Robert R. Lee Promise Category B Scholarship

The Robert R. Lee Promise Category B Scholarship supports Idaho residents pursuing career-technical education (CTE) programs. The scholarship is designed to reduce financial barriers for students entering technical fields critical to Idaho’s workforce development. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be an

Award: $3,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~48 min)
3

Robert R. Lee Promise Category A Scholarship

The Robert R. Lee Promise Category A Scholarship is designed to recognize and support Idaho students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. This scholarship covers full tuition and fees, helping recipients pursue higher education in Idaho. Eligibility Requirements:

Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~78 min)
4

Atwell Parry Work-Based Learning Scholarship

The Atwell Parry Work-Based Learning Scholarship supports Idaho students engaging in internships, apprenticeships, or other work-based learning opportunities as part of their educational program. This scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers and help students gain practical experience in their fields

Award: $500 Deadline: October Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
5

Idaho Gear Up Scholarship 2.0

The Idaho Gear Up Scholarship 2.0 provides financial assistance to students who participated in the GEAR UP program in Idaho during high school. This scholarship supports students in pursuing postsecondary education at an eligible Idaho institution. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must

Award: $6,000 Deadline: May Est. Time: Med (~68 min)
6

Idaho Postsecondary Credit Scholarship

The Postsecondary Credit Scholarship rewards students who have completed dual credit courses, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses during high school. This scholarship helps students reduce the cost of postsecondary education by acknowledging their prior academic achievements. Eligibility

Award: $4,125 Deadline: April Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
7

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners

The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners is designed to help Idaho residents who have previously earned college credits but have not completed a degree. The scholarship provides financial assistance to enable adult learners to return to college and complete

Award: $3,500 Deadline: June Est. Time: Med (~68 min)
8

GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship

The GEAR UP Idaho Scholarship is designed to support eligible students who participated in the GEAR UP Idaho program. This scholarship helps students pursue higher education by providing financial support for tuition and related expenses. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be

Award: $6,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~38 min)
9

Idaho Armed Forces/Public Safety Officer Dependent Scholarship

The Armed Forces/Public Safety Officer Dependent Scholarship provides financial assistance to the dependents of Idaho residents who were killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or as a public safety officer.

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~28 min)
10

Tschudy Family Scholarship

Established by a bequest from the estate of Alene M. Swindle, the Tschudy Family Scholarship provides scholarships to eligible graduates of Emmett High School who pursue an academic degree from an Idaho public four-year higher education institution. Recipients are selected

Award: $2,500 Deadline: February Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
11

Idaho Governors Cup Scholarship

Established in 1974, the Idaho Governors Cup Scholarship 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. Eligibility

Award: $5,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~63 min)
12

Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship aims to remove financial barriers to higher education and prepare graduates to enter the workforce. It awards eligible applicants up to $3,500 per academic year, renewable for up to four years. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must be

Award: $3,500 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~38 min)

Idaho Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

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What Is the $8000 Scholarship in Idaho?

The $8,000 scholarship in Idaho refers to the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, one of the state’s most impactful financial aid programs. This scholarship provides up to $8,000 over four years to eligible Idaho students attending approved colleges or universities within the state. Designed to support students who demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need, the scholarship helps make higher education more attainable for thousands of Idaho residents each year.

Key benefits of the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship include:

  • Award amount of up to $3,500 per year, renewable for up to four years
  • Can be used at most Idaho public and private colleges
  • Supports first-time college students as well as adults returning to finish their degrees

This scholarship helps reduce financial barriers for Idaho residents pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees.

How Do You Qualify for the Idaho Scholarship?

To qualify for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, applicants must meet several academic and financial criteria. This ensures that the scholarship supports students who show commitment to their education as well as financial need.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Minimum cumulative high school or college GPA of 2.7
  • Demonstrated financial need, as shown through the FAFSA
  • Idaho residency for at least 12 consecutive months
  • Enrollment or planned enrollment at an approved Idaho college or university
  • Timely submission of the scholarship application and FAFSA

Students must reapply each year and remain in good academic standing to maintain eligibility.

Who Is Eligible for the Idaho Launch Program?

The Idaho Launch Program is designed to help Idaho residents pursue education and training in high-demand careers. This program offers funding for workforce training programs, apprenticeships, credential programs, and associate degrees aligned with Idaho’s employment needs.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Idaho high school seniors preparing to enter high-demand fields
  • Recent graduates looking for career training
  • Adults pursuing certifications in fields such as healthcare, IT, construction, advanced manufacturing, and transportation

Examples of eligible career pathways:

  • Nursing and medical assisting
  • Cybersecurity and network support
  • Construction trades and welding
  • HVAC and electrical technology
  • Automotive and diesel mechanics

Funding amounts depend on program costs and availability.

What Idaho Scholarships Are Available?

Idaho students have access to a variety of state-funded programs, university-based awards, and private scholarships. These programs support academic achievement, financial need, and career-specific goals.

Popular Idaho scholarships include:

  • Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship: Awards based on academic merit, community service, and future career plans. Covers up to four years of study.
  • Idaho Opportunity Scholarship: Provides up to $8,000 over four years for students demonstrating need and academic promise.
  • STEM Action Center Scholarships: Supports students pursuing STEM majors at Idaho institutions.
  • Institutional Scholarships: Boise State University, University of Idaho, and Idaho State University offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for incoming and continuing students.

Many private organizations and local foundations also offer scholarships for Idaho residents pursuing various fields of study.

Are There Idaho Scholarships for High School Seniors?

Yes. Idaho high school seniors can apply for multiple scholarships that support their transition into college, including state, local, and school-based programs.

Scholarships commonly awarded to high school seniors include:

  • Idaho Governor’s Cup Scholarship: Recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
  • Idaho Opportunity Scholarship: Available to seniors planning to attend an Idaho college.
  • Next Steps Idaho Scholarships: A comprehensive directory of state-funded and local awards for graduating seniors.
  • Local Community Foundation Scholarships: Offered throughout Idaho, often based on geographic region and intended major.

Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA early and apply to multiple scholarships to maximize aid.

What Scholarships Are Available for Adults in Idaho?

Idaho offers programs specifically designed to help adults return to college, complete unfinished degrees, or enter new career paths.

Scholarships and programs for adult learners include:

  • Idaho Adult Learner Scholarship: Supports adults enrolled in degree-completion programs or workforce training.
  • Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners: A dedicated version of the scholarship that helps adults with some college credits return to finish their degrees.
  • Idaho Workforce Development Council Grants: Funds training for in-demand careers, including apprenticeships and technical certificates.

These programs are ideal for individuals balancing work, family, and continued education.

What Is the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship?

The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is one of the state’s largest financial aid programs, designed to make higher education accessible and affordable for Idaho residents. It awards up to $8,000 over four years and can be applied to tuition, fees, and other educational costs at eligible Idaho institutions.

Program highlights:

  • Combines merit and financial need-based criteria
  • Supports both new college students and adult learners
  • Renewable for up to four years with continued eligibility
  • Available at public and private institutions across Idaho

This scholarship helps reduce financial barriers and promotes degree completion among Idaho students.

What Are Next Steps Idaho Scholarships?

Next Steps Idaho Scholarships refer to a broad set of financial aid opportunities listed and promoted through the Next Steps Idaho platform. This resource connects students to:

  • State-funded scholarships like the Governor’s Cup and Opportunity Scholarship
  • Workforce training grants
  • Local foundation and regional scholarships
  • Institutional aid from Idaho colleges and universities

The platform is widely used by high school students, adult learners, and counselors to identify financial aid that aligns with academic and career goals.

What University of Idaho Scholarships Are Available?

The University of Idaho offers a variety of scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer students, and current students. These awards recognize academic merit, leadership, financial need, and major-specific interests.

Key University of Idaho scholarships include:

  • Vandal Excellence Scholarship: A prominent merit-based scholarship for incoming freshmen with strong academic records.
  • Transfer Student Scholarships: Awards based on GPA and completion of coursework at a previous institution.
  • College- and Department-Based Scholarships: Offered by academic departments such as engineering, agriculture, education, and business.
  • Idaho Resident Tuition Rate: Ensures affordable tuition for Idaho residents, making college more accessible.

Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and the University of Idaho scholarship application to maximize available aid.

College Scholarships By Category

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