Idaho Opportunity Scholarship: Are you an Idaho resident with dreams of pursuing higher education? The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship might be your ticket to making those dreams a reality.
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In this guide, we will walk you through all the essential information you need to know about this scholarship, making the application process a breeze. So, let’s dive in!
What is the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship?
The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is a financial aid program established by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and the Idaho Legislature.
Its primary goal is to remove financial barriers to higher education and equip college and university graduates to enter the workforce successfully.
This scholarship provides eligible applicants with up to $3,500 per academic year and is renewable for up to four years, significantly lightening the financial burden of pursuing a higher education.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
Academic Achievement: Maintain an unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher. This ensures that the scholarship is accessible to a broad range of students.
Residency: You must be an Idaho resident. This scholarship is for Idaho’s future workforce.
Graduation: You should be a graduate of an eligible Idaho high school, home school, or its equivalent. Even GED/HSE holders from Idaho are eligible!
FAFSA: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. Financial aid is an important component of the scholarship application.
Satisfactory Academic Progress: Maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes. Consistency is key.
Where Can You Use the Scholarship?
The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship can be used at several eligible Idaho colleges and universities, including:
- Boise State University
- Brigham Young University – Idaho
- College of Idaho
- College of Southern Idaho
- College of Western Idaho
- College of Eastern Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Lewis-Clark State College
- North Idaho College
- Northwest Nazarene University
- University of Idaho
- Western Governors University
Idaho Opportunity Scholarship Acceptance Rate
The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship acceptance rate is not publicly available, but it is estimated to be around 60-70%. This means that for every 100 students who apply, about 60-70 are awarded the scholarship.
The number of students who apply for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship varies each year, but it is typically around 10,000 students. In recent years, the Idaho State Board of Education has been able to award scholarships to about 6,000 students each year
Application Process
Applying for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is a straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:
Create an Account: Visit the Scholarship Idaho website and create an account.
Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your scholarship application by the deadline, which is March 1 as mentioned below. Don’t wait until the last minute!
Application Deadline – Mark Your Calendar for March 1
One of the most critical steps in securing the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship is meeting the application deadline. Here’s a simple, yet crucial reminder:
Complete the State Board of Education scholarship application by March 1. This date is not flexible, so mark it on your calendar and make sure not to miss it. Meeting this deadline is the key to unlocking the financial support you need for your higher education journey. So, remember, the early bird gets the scholarship!
Important Note
Starting from July 1, 2023, community colleges in Idaho are no longer eligible institutions for NEW recipients of the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship.
However, if you renewed or indicated during your initial application that you would be attending an Idaho community college before this date, you are still eligible to receive the scholarship at those institutions.
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