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Talent-Based Scholarships

Imagine an education where you’ll dive into every unconventional pursuit, translate abstract ideas into concrete results and never feel financially held back. The College makes this a reality: We consider all students who are admitted to the College for merit-based, need-based and talent-based scholarships.

To apply for an art scholarship, students should submit a digital portfolio, containing at least 10 digital images of their most recent art. This should be in the form of a PowerPoint or PDF containing:
  • Clear photographs of recent artwork, including details or alternate views as needed. Work must be identified by title, date, medium, and size.
  • A clearly written, thoughtful statement of 300-500 words, discussing the student’s efforts to explore media, themes, and address artistic challenges. Students should speak to their major and minor interests at The College of Idaho and how such interests tie into the student’s current and/or future artwork. The statement should be 300-500 words, in Times New Roman, 12-point font, in .docx format.

The faculty will review the digital portfolio and statement to determine award eligibility. The digital portfolio will be retained by the Art Department.

To start the application process, complete the Art Scholarship Application & Audition Form. For more information, contact performingarts@collegeofidaho.edu or learn more about our Art Major.

The College of Idaho competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and offers talent scholarships to athletes. Students seeking an athletic scholarship must demonstrate athletic and academic achievement and strength of character both on and off the field. Scholarship awards and eligibility are directly controlled by the coaches for each sport. Students who would like to demonstrate their skills and be considered for athletic scholarships should directly contact the head coach for their sport. All varsity sports and coaches are listed on the Yote Athletics website.
Tryouts are conducted every April for possible scholarships for the College’s Cheer & Dance teams. These groups perform at athletic contests and select community events during the academic year. Scholarships for both teams are renewable annually for up to four years. Please contact Coach GG Anderson (gganderson@collegeofidaho.edu / 208-459-5194) for more information about the scholarships and how to sign up for tryouts. To learn more, visit our Cheer & Dance webpage.

Incoming Freshmen and transfer students can receive scholarships for Christian community leadership. Scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years. Student leadership includes:

1.      Personal spiritual growth

2.      Cultivating Christian community on campus

3.      Participating in the Christian Community Leadership Program

Most weeks this is a 4-5-hour commitment. Time commitments are flexible around students’ schedules including varsity athletics, homework, and other co-curricular activities. Leadership includes attending and supporting the weekly large-group Christian gathering on Wednesday nights, meeting regularly with a Christian Leadership staff person, and building and caring for the Christian community on campus. For more information and an application, contact Campus Minister Phil Rogers (progers@collegeofidaho.edu / 208-459-5282). To learn more, visit our Christian Ministries webpage.

 

The Howling 'Yotes offer competitive scholarships to incoming students interested in participating in the British Parliamentary Debate. The Hayman/Schwiebert Debate Scholarship is offered to motivated, self-directed learners who are excited to participate in an educationally supportive community. Selection is based on either previous experience in debate, or potential to excel. Award amounts vary depending on the experiences, achievement, and potential of the applicant—but students with all experience levels are encouraged to apply (including those with experiences in events like FFA, FBLA, IB programs, Mock Court, Model UN, and other public speaking or political engagements). Students receiving a scholarship for debate are required to attend regular practices, tournaments over the course of the year (potentially online and/or in-person) as well as complete research assignments, educational presentations, and uphold our core values of Community, Diversity, and Professionalism.

To complete a scholarship application, please visit: http://bit.ly/thehowlingyotes. Any additional materials that you would like to submit, such as a debate resume or letters of recommendation from coaches, teachers or camp leaders, can be submitted digitally, directly to Dr. Kyle Cheesewright (kcheesewright@collegeofidaho.edu / 208-459-5368). To learn more, visit our Speech & Debate webpage.

Students seeking a Music scholarship are evaluated on criteria like preparation, tone quality, stage presence, musicianship, and growth potential. Students should demonstrate openness to learning, interest in growing, and a specific desire to attend The College of Idaho. To apply for a Music scholarship, complete the Music Scholarship Application & Audition Form. Auditioning puts students in consideration for one of many available music scholarships, and is not limited to students majoring in music. Students of all degree programs are eligible for award. For more information or to address any questions, contact performingarts@collegeofidaho.edu or learn more about our Music Major and Marching Band.

About the Application

Applicants can be expected to submit the following information on our application:

  • A brief description of the applicant's background in musical training, vocal and/or instrumental.
  • A brief list of notable, solo literature studied.
  • Names of teachers or instructors with whom the applicant studied or who know the applicant's music abilities.

About the Audition

Incoming freshmen may audition for a music scholarship on any of our three annual audition days. Auditions will be held at the Langroise Center for the Performing & Fine Arts on the College's campus on the following dates. Accommodations are available under special circumstances. If you are unable to audition on those dates, contact performingarts@collegeofidaho.edu.

  • February 14, 2026
  • February 28, 2026
  • March 14, 2026

Audition Requirements

Scholarship consideration is based on the quality of preparation and performance, the potential for further musical growth, and the instrumental/vocal needs of the music department. Please see the list of instrument-specific audition requirements below to inform your preparation. In addition, our instrumental faculty may be available to offer a complimentary lesson to help make your audition as successful as it can be. Criteria for audition include:

  • Wind and Brass – Prepare a solo work for the instrument representative of your current ability. A piece from the state solo list or a sufficiently technical etude are appropriate choices. Accompanists are welcome but are not necessary or expected. A major scale across the whole range of your instrument may be asked.
  • Percussion – Prepare two brief solo works or etudes, one for snare drum and one for keyboard percussion. Demonstration of major scales may also be asked. Accompanists are welcome but not necessary or expected. Instruments will be provided for you. Jazz percussionists should also be prepared to demonstrate a variety of styles on drum set.
  • Vocalists – Prepare two art songs or arias of contrasting styles, tempos, or languages. Both songs may be sung in English. One of the songs may be from the jazz, folk, or musical theatre genre. Two brief sight-singing and aural recall excerpts will also be asked. An accompanist will be provided.
  • Strings – Prepare two contrasting pieces or movements no longer than ten minutes combined. Accompanists are welcome but are not necessary or expected. A major scale across the whole range of your instrument may also be asked.
  • Piano – Prepare two contrasting solo piano pieces from the standard repertoire. Suggested Repertoire – A prelude and fugue from the Well-Tempered Clavier; A movement from a Classical Sonata; A piece by Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, or Debussy.

To apply for a Theatre scholarship, students may submit materials or audition in acting or design and technical. To start the process, complete the Theatre Scholarship Application & Audition Form. For more information or to address any questions, contact performingarts@collegeofidaho.edu or learn more about our Theatre Major.

About the Audition

Incoming freshmen may audition for a theatre scholarship on any of our three annual audition days. Auditions will be held at the Langroise Center for the Performing & Fine Arts on the College's campus on the following dates. Accommodations are available under special circumstances. If you are unable to audition on those dates, contact performingarts@collegeofidaho.edu.

  • February 14, 2026
  • February 28, 2026
  • March 14, 2026

Acting – Audition Requirements

  • Prepare and memorize two monologues contrasting in mood and style for an audition. One monologue must be classical (preferably Shakespeare) and the other contemporary. Pieces should be from an acceptable, published work and may not be stand-up routings, screenplays, or original works. Each monologue should last about a minute.
  • Bring a brief resume to the audition, listing productions in which the applicant appeared and the specific roles played; the place or organization where the production was produced; other positions held in theatre productions, such as crew or marketing; and any awards or honors received.

Design & Technical – Application/Audition Requirements

Applicants for design and technical consideration must submit: (i) a portfolio containing examples, photos, or drawings of your designs and the finished product; and (ii) a brief resume listing:

  • Productions in which the applicant has been responsible for an aspect of design, such as set, costume, or lighting.
  • Specific work performed.
  • Place or organization where the production was produced.
  • Any awards or honors received.

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