Navigating Financial Aid at the University of Idaho

I'm looking into the financial aid options at the University of Idaho. Can anyone share their experiences or tips on applying for aid there? Are there specific scholarships or grants I should be aware of?

Financial aid at the University of Idaho (U of I) primarily comes within four categories: grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. To get started applying for financial aid, you'll first need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). U of I's school code for the FAFSA is 001626.

Grant aid is generally needs-based and does not need to be repaid. You're typically considered for grants automatically when you submit your FAFSA. Some common federal grants students at U of I might be eligible for include Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG, TEACH Grants, and Idaho Opportunity Grants.

Regarding scholarships, there are several options. The U of I offers many institutional scholarships, some of which you'll be automatically considered for when you apply for admission, and others which require a separate application. The University's website has a Scholarship Finder tool that allows you to search for scholarships based on various criteria.

It's also worth looking for departmental scholarships from your major or the school/college within the U of I you're applying to. Some departments have their scholarships that are specific to students in certain majors.

A few notable scholarships offered by U of I include the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program, Go Idaho! scholarships, and U of I’s FAFSA Scholars program. The WUE program allows students from participating states to pay 150% of the U of I's resident tuition rate rather than the non-resident rate.

Work-study is another option for financial aid where you can work part-time, often on campus, and earn money for your expenses. Eligibility for work-study programs is also determined by your FAFSA.

Lastly, there are loans, which must be repaid with interest after finishing your degree or leaving school. Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are the most common options.

Always ensure to review each option thoroughly and consider your family's financial situation. It might be beneficial to talk with a financial aid advisor at U of I or use the schools' Net Price Calculator to determine what your financial aid package might look like. Best of luck with applying for financial aid!