Out-of-state scholarships

Big scholarships for out-of-state students

Dreaming of a world-class education at University of Idaho? We make it affordable — no matter where you’re from. Our automatic scholarships for non-resident undergraduate students, including the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Invitation to Idaho, offer incredible savings — nearly $16,000 per year and almost $64,000 over four years. With no extra applications or deadlines, these renewable awards put Idaho’s only Carnegie R1 research university within reach, giving you access to top-tier academics and career-building experiences. When you apply to U of I, you’re automatically considered. That means you can focus on your future, not tuition costs.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) scholarship

Worth nearly $16,000 per year ($64,000 over four years) 

If you’re from a WUE state, you could be eligible for this incredible tuition discount. Instead of paying full out-of-state tuition, WUE students pay just 1.5 times the in-state tuition rate — significant savings!

There are similar opportunities for graduate students. Learn more about tuition waivers for graduate students through WRGP.

Who qualifies for WUE?

Undergraduate students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Additional qualifications for WUE

• The WUE scholarships is only available to new, first-time freshman students admitted to University of Idaho directly from high school.  
• Students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree
• Those who are a resident of a WUE participating state

What do you need to do to get a WUE scholarship?

• Apply to U of I — no separate scholarship application needed.
• Maintain full-time enrollment and good academic standing (minimum 2.5 cumulative U of I GPA).
• Be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credits).

WUE scholars

Get rewarded for your grades. Depending on your high school GPA, you could save up to an additional $2,000 more per year.

Discover your scholarship potential

• < 3.0 GPA receives nearly $16,000
• 3.0 – 3.749 GPA receives nearly $17,000
• 3.75 – 4.0 GPA receives nearly $18,000

Invitation to Idaho scholarship

For incoming students not from Idaho or WUE states, you may qualify for Invitation to Idaho. Whether you're from across the country or around the globe, this is your invitation to embark on an exciting journey at University of Idaho.  

The Invitation to Idaho scholarship makes attending University of Idaho more affordable for students from non-WUE states and international students. This award is valued at almost $16,000 per year — saving you nearly $64,000 over four years!*

Non-resident students will notice a full in-state and non-resident charge for applicable tuition and fees each semester. Once a student is enrolled full-time, they will see their waiver applied towards their billing statement each semester. Fall term bills will be sent via email in late July, annually; spring term bills will be sent via email on or around Jan. 2, annually.  

Who qualifies for Invitation to Idaho?

New undergraduate students who:

• Are admitted to University of Idaho either as a first-year student or first-time transfer student.
• Are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree
• Are enrolled for 12-18 credits per semester (full-time)
• Have an incoming GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Are a resident of a non-WUE state or an international student

Recipients of the Invitation to Idaho award cannot simultaneously receive WUE scholarship.

How to apply

There’s no separate application — just apply for admission to U of I, and you’ll be automatically considered!

If you meet the eligibility criteria listed above, you’ll get the Invitation to Idaho scholarship for up to four years if you maintain continuous enrollment with a 2.5 cumulative U of I GPA.

Apply now