In-state scholarships at UIdaho

Scholarships just for Idahoans

University of Idaho wants to make its education accessible to all Idahoans. With U of I’s Go Idaho! program and Idaho-sponsored scholarships, you can focus on academics, explore career opportunities and graduate with less debt — all while benefiting from a top-tier, Carnegie R1 research university experience.

Go Idaho! scholarship

The Go Idaho! program provides a guaranteed amount of scholarship funding to Idaho high school and transfer students. Whether you're a first-year undergraduate or a transfer student, this program offers a solid financial foundation, allowing you to focus on your education and career goals.

Guaranteed scholarship benefits

  • Predictable funding — Your scholarship amount remains consistent each year, combining general, non-departmental and departmental scholarships so you can budget with confidence.
  • Four-year commitment — First-year students receive funding for up to four years, ensuring long-term support through graduation.
  • Flexibility to explore — Your merit-based scholarship stays with you, even if you change majors, giving you the freedom to follow your passions without financial penalty.

Go Idaho! for first-year students

The Go Idaho! program recognizes our new, first-year undergraduate students, who are residents of Idaho, with a guaranteed minimum level of scholarship funding.

Additional need-based funds may be available based on the results of your FAFSA, which we encourage you to complete annually.

  • Students who are admitted and meet the following criteria are guaranteed to receive the level of funding listed below from a variety of U of I scholarships.
  • Scholarships may come from donor-based sources, departmental awards and/or institutional funding sources.
  • This minimum funding level is guaranteed for up to four years if the student maintains a minimum cumulative 2.5 U of I GPA.

Idaho high school students receive four years of guaranteed funding based on their unweighted GPA:

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Homeschool students will be considered based on their highest ACT and SAT scores.

Non-accredited Idaho High School GPAs (if provided to Undergraduate Admissions) will be considered for Go Idaho! award levels. If you are an Idaho resident who went to a non-accredited out-of-state high school, your award will be based on your standardized test scores.

Student award notifications typically are sent in late December or early January, via paper award letters and email notifications.

*Note: some departmental scholarships students receive may automatically apply towards their Go Idaho! program scholarship and may replace an “Academic Achievement” award. If a departmental scholarship is applied after you accept an “Academic Achievement” award, the departmental monies may replace the initial award and fulfill the institution’s promise for minimum funding amounts.

Go Idaho! for transfer students

The Go Idaho! scholarship program recognizes our undergraduate transfer students who are residents of Idaho with a guaranteed level of scholarship funding. Students who are admitted and meet the following criteria are guaranteed to receive the level of funding listed below from a combination of U of I scholarships. By maintaining a minimum 2.5 U of I GPA, this level of funding may be renewed for an additional two to three years, depending on the number of credits transferred. Additional need-based Go Idaho! funds may be available based on the results of your FAFSA.

Idaho transfer students receive two to four years of guaranteed funding based on their transfer GPA and credits:

  • 3.8 - 4.0 → Vandal Summit $3,000
  • 3.6 - 3.799 → Vandal Excellence $2,000
  • 3.0 - 3.599 → Vandal Merit $1,000

With Go Idaho!, you can plan your college journey with confidence and focus on what matters most — your future.

*Note that some departmental scholarships you may receive automatically apply towards the Go Idaho! promise to replace any general funds, while others are able to stack on top of the Go Idaho! to provide further financial assistance.

Idaho invests in your future

Every Idaho student should have access to an affordable, high-quality education. That’s why the state supports Idaho LAUNCH and Idaho Opportunity, two powerful state-funded programs designed to make your college dreams a reality.

Idaho LAUNCH: Up to $8,000 for your education

The Idaho LAUNCH program provides up to $8,000 in tuition assistance (up to $4,000 per academic year) for Idaho high school graduates pursuing in-demand careers. This scholarship is available for eligible degree and certificate programs that prepare students for Idaho’s growing industries. Pair Idaho LAUNCH with U of I’s other programs — like Go Idaho! — to maximize your savings and minimize debt.

Idaho LAUNCH funds can help you fund many programs at U of I. The current list of approved careers has been provided by Next Steps.

Current Idaho LAUNCH approved programs based on in-demand careers

Important dates

  • Idaho LAUNCH application opens: Oct. 1
  • Initial applications due: Nov. 30
  • Contingent Award letters sent by: Dec. 31, March 31 and May 31
  • Idaho LAUNCH application closes: April 15

What's next?

Idaho Opportunity scholarship: $3,500 per year

The Idaho Opportunity scholarship helps Idaho students by awarding up to $3,500 per year. This renewable scholarship supports students with a minimum 2.7 GPA who plan to attend an eligible Idaho institution, including U of I.

Important dates

  • Application Opens: Oct. 1
  • Deadline to submit FAFSA: March 1, 2026
  • Application closes: March 1, 2026
  • Round 1 Official Offers sent via email: early to mid-April 2026
  • Round 1 acceptance deadline: TBD
  • Round 2 Official Offers sent via email: TBD
  • Round 2 Acceptance Deadline sent via email: TBD

*Contingent offers are NOT final until the State Board of Education:

  • Verifies your 2026-27 FAFSA submission by March 1, 2026, and;
  • Ranks all applications based on need (FAFSA) and merit (GPA).

Learn about Idaho Opportunity Scholarship

Stack your scholarships and save even more

Idaho students can combine state-funded scholarships with U of I’s merit-based scholarships, financial aid and other awards to make college even more affordable. With multiple funding opportunities, you can focus on your education — not your tuition bill.

ScholarshipUniverse

Need help?

The Financial Aid team is available to help with your Idaho LAUNCH, Idaho Opportunity or Go Idaho! questions.

For more specific LAUNCH questions, reach out to Idaho Workforce Development Council:

Helpful Resources