Scholarships
Funding your future
Financial barriers should never stand in the way of your education. Through merit-based scholarships, need-based aid or emergency funds and grants, you’ll find funding to make your CLASS degree more affordable and accessible.
Whether you’re a first-year student, a transfer student or a graduate student, we'll help you access the financial support you need.
As a U of I student, you are automatically considered for institutional aid, such as the Go Idaho! Program, WUE tuition waivers, the Invitation to Idaho tuition waiver and donor-funded scholarships. No additional scholarship applications are required — you will be considered for all scholarship options upon completion of your admissions application.
Visit University of Idaho's Financial Aid Office to learn more about FAFSA deadlines and processes, financial aid program types and eligibility requirements, and available scholarships.
Beyond scholarships: CLASS awards and emergency funds
As a CLASS student, you can apply for funding opportunities within the college. These funds recognize academic merit, leadership and financial need, offering assistance if you face unexpected hardship.
CLASS Excellence Fund
Supports high-achieving students across all disciplines within the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. The Excellence Fund helps students access life-changing opportunities — from research projects and creative work to internships, study abroad programs and community service initiatives.
Contact class@uidaho.edu to learn more.
Vandal Finish Fund
Created for students who are close to earning their degrees but have had to pause their education due to financial hardship or personal circumstances, the Vandal Finish Fund helps students return and graduate. This fund provides the financial boost needed to cover final credits, fees, or emergency expenses — removing the last barrier between students and their diplomas.
Jayson Kristopher Gray CLASS Student Emergency Fund
Life is unpredictable—but your education shouldn’t be.
Even a small emergency — like an illness, accident or sudden loss of income — can derail a student’s academic progress. The Jayson Kristopher Gray CLASS Student Emergency Fund provides immediate financial assistance to students in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences who are facing unexpected hardship. Grants are awarded to help cover essential, short-term needs and ensure students can stay enrolled and focused on their education.
This fund is available to both undergraduate and graduate students and is made possible through the generosity of donors, alumni and friends of CLASS. These awards are provided as grants, not loans, and do not need to be repaid. However, they may be considered taxable income and could affect your current or future financial aid package.
Jayson’s family, friends and loved ones established this endowment to bring good from tragedy. We hope those in need will find financial relief from the generosity of those Jayson’s life has touched. Jayson worked diligently as a U of I student toward dual degrees in Criminology and Psychology and was awarded posthumous degrees in 2023 recognizing his dedication. Through the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, this perpetual endowment will help others facing financial hardship. We want Jayson’s lasting legacy to shine the light of love from others on fellow Vandals with positive impact.
Eligibility and award details
To be considered for emergency funding, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled in at least five credits at University of Idaho in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS)
Priority is given to full-time students (12+ credits), but part-time students may also be considered. - Be experiencing a financial emergency or unexpected crisis
- Provide supporting documentation of financial need (e.g., bills, receipts, official notices)
Award information
- Maximum award amount: $500
- Students may receive one emergency grant per academic year
- Awards are based on:
- Availability of funds
- Severity of need
- Eligibility and supporting documentation
What qualifies as an emergency?
Students may apply for funding due to emergencies such as:
- Homelessness or risk of eviction
- Domestic violence or personal safety concerns
- Loss or destruction of housing (fire, natural disaster, etc.)
- Theft of essential belongings
- Temporary job loss or loss of income
- Overdue bills (e.g., rent, utility shut-off notice, medical expenses)
- Unexpected medical or dental emergencies
What expenses are covered?
Grant funds may be used for immediate, essential needs, including:
- Medical or dental care
- Housing, rent or utility payments
- Groceries and basic food supplies
- Childcare expenses
- Transportation or emergency travel
- Academic-related needs (e.g., books, supplies)
- Technology or internet access
Note: Expenses not covered include legal fees, credit card debt or prior educational debt.
Application process
Applications are reviewed by the CLASS Dean’s Office. Students may be asked to meet with the associate dean to evaluate options. You will be notified via your Vandal email account within five business days of submitting your application.
Questions? Contact class@uidaho.edu for more information.
Vandal Promise Scholarship
The Vandal Promise Scholarship provides need-based aid to students in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences who face financial barriers. Designed to increase access to higher education, this scholarship helps close the funding gap — empowering students from all backgrounds to pursue a college degree and achieve their long-term goals.
Contact class@uidaho.edu to learn more.
Getting funding
CLASS offers over $1.4 million in scholarships annually.
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for scholarships and funding to plan for your future today.