7 Your Scholarship Opportunities!
Most colleges, including the University of Idaho, offer a wide variety of scholarships, and many students miss out simply because they don’t know where to look. Here’s how you can find and apply for them:
- Check with Financial Aid Office: Your school’s financial aid office is often the best place to start. They maintain lists of available scholarships, both general and department-specific. You can either walk in or visit the office’s website to see what scholarships are available for the upcoming semester.
- Example: The University of Idaho has its own scholarship database where students can search for scholarships based on their major, financial situation, or extracurricular activities. Visit Scholarship Universe or contact the Financial AID office for more info!
- Speak with Academic Advisors: Academic departments often have scholarships that are specific to certain majors. For instance, if you’re studying engineering, the College of Engineering may have funds set aside for high-performing or underrepresented students. Make it a habit to check in with your advisors and ask about available opportunities.
- Example: A senior in the Computer Science department might receive a scholarship if they have shown a dedication to cybersecurity or software development through coursework and projects.
- Join Campus Organizations: Many student organizations—especially honor societies, cultural groups, and academic clubs—offer scholarships or have connections to funding opportunities.
- Example: At ASUI, Associated Students of University of Idaho, we have scholarships and monthly allowance for members and supporting staff! Come join us! Visit: https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/student-involvement/asui
Types of Scholarships
There are many different types of scholarships you might be eligible for, depending on your background, interests, and academic performance.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students who excel academically, based on high GPAs, standardized test scores, or other achievements.
- Example: If you maintain a GPA above 3.5, you may be eligible for an academic scholarship from your department.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Given to students based on financial need.
- Example: A student from a low-income household may qualify for a need-based scholarship through the financial aid office.
- Athletic Scholarships: Awarded to student-athletes who participate in sports at the collegiate level. These are often given out by coaches or athletic departments.
- Example: If you’re part of the university’s soccer team, you might be eligible for a partial or full athletic scholarship.
- Special Interest Scholarships: Many scholarships are designed for students with specific talents or interests. This could include scholarships for artists, musicians, or students dedicated to a certain cause, like community service or environmental activism.
- Cultural and Diversity Scholarships: These scholarships are aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds to promote diversity and inclusion on campus.
