Welcome to Student Financial Aid Services
Make the most of your time at the University of Idaho without worrying about finances. Financial Aid Counselors are ready to answer your questions and guide your journey as a Vandal — no matter if you’re an incoming freshman, transfer, international or graduate student.
Have questions about tuition, financial aid or how to pay for college? Get them answered or receive counseling on choosing the right types of aid, making financial decisions and other common concerns.
Scholarship Funding Is Available
Looking at college options? Take advantage of scholarships at the University of Idaho. Learn more about what scholarships are available, and explore options for undergraduate, graduate and international students.
What Is Financial Aid?
You’re investing in a college education — a decision that paves the way to your future and affects your lifelong earnings. With financial aid, get assistance from federal, state, school and private sources to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies and other education-related expenses. See what cost of attendance might look like for you.
In general, academic merit and your or your family’s financial need influence your financial aid package. Before you apply, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to become eligible for multiple solutions.
Accept Financial Aid and Review Requirements.
Completed your FAFSA? Learn how to check for your financial aid award notification.
Want to share your financial aid information with a family member? Fill out this form to give consent (FERPA).
Types of Financial Aid
Expect your financial aid package to include a combination of the following:
Scholarships
Repayment isn’t required for this financial aid award that takes need, grades, other accomplishments and leadership into account. Find scholarships for incoming freshmen, transfer, graduate, law and international students now, including information about the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
Work-Study
Work toward your degree in a full- or part-time campus job funded through this state and federally supported need-based aid program. After accepting your award, head over to Handshake to browse positions, and prepare to be interviewed before securing a role. Learn more about what work-study entails.
Grants
Your financial need may make you eligible for certain types of grants, including the Pell Grant. You typically don’t have to pay back this form of financial aid. Learn more about grants.
Loans
You may be awarded federal or private student loans. Backed by the federal government, federal loans cover Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized and Direct PLUS programs, while private loans tend to be issued through banks, credit unions or other organizations. Although terms differ, you’re expected to pay back your loan with interest during your schooling or after graduation.
Due to the repayment commitment, you must attend loan counseling before accepting your award to show you understand the terms and process. Learn more about student loans.
Apply for Financial Aid
Submitting your application for admission is the first step. To maximize your eligibility for financial aid, fill out the FAFSA before Dec. 1. For FAFSAs completed after Dec. 1, there are still financial aid options. Here’s what you should expect:
- If you’re an incoming student: Completing your application to U of I automatically puts you in consideration for merit-based awards like scholarships. Submitting the FAFSA by December 1 expands your opportunities, making you eligible for a host of need-based financial aid solutions. Once you’re accepted we’ll notify you of your award, typically in January. At this point, thoroughly review your financial aid package before accepting all or part of your award. Learn more about accepting your award.
- If you’re a continuing student: Each year, you’re expected to submit your FAFSA for review. Doing so maintains your eligibility for need-based aid and allows for adjustments based on your or your family’s financial situation. You’ll then be notified in March. For current students, your award further takes academic progress into account. Just as you did as an incoming student, review your latest financial aid package to approve all or part of your award.
Quick Links
Financial Aid Tips
- Do research into types of financial aid and to understand how the process unfolds from start to finish. Take advantage of our BEAMS and how-to resources for more information, or read more about applying for aid.
- Work with your financial aid counselor to discuss the full scope of financial aid solutions available at U of I.
- Follow all financial aid deadlines.
- Don’t just approve your award once you receive notification. Understand how aid will be applied and repayment terms before committing to your financial aid package.
Contact Us
Our office hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday. Please see the contact information below.
Financial Aid: finaid@uidaho.edu
Work Study: finaid-workstudy@uidaho.edu
FAFSA Q's: FAFSAhelp@uidaho.edu
Please include your Vandal Number in your email.
University of Idaho's FAFSA School Code: 001626
Phone
208-885-6312
In-Office Visits
Front Counter: Open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific time Monday-Friday.
Prospective students may call or email our office to schedule an appointment with your FA Counselor. All admitted and current students should use VandalStar to make their appointments.