Choosing a college isn’t just about location or rankings — it’s about finding the place that shapes who you are and what comes next. That’s why so many first-year students attend The College of Idaho. They’re drawn to the freedom to study across multiple disciplines, to faculty who push them to think differently and to a community where students start clubs, launch research, get hands-on learning opportunities and lead with purpose from day one.
And, at The College of Idaho, you’ll find a campus that reflects the world and welcomes you. International students make up roughly 15% of our student body and represent more than 65 countries with a diverse range of religions, languages, and ethnicities. International students bring an important worldview to campus and become some of our best student leaders.
Is this the kind of first-year experience you’re looking for? Learn how to make it happen.
Before you start your CofI application, it’s important to understand our admission requirements for first-year students. We review each application carefully, considering your academic work and achievements outside the classroom. Our admission process is fully test-optional — ACT or SAT scores are not required, and it’s entirely your choice whether to include them.
As academic courses at The College of Idaho are taught in English, international students must prove their English proficiency to be considered for admission by:
| Starting Term | Application Type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Regular Decision | January 16, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Early Action I | November 15, 2025 |
| Fall 2026 | Early Action II | January 15, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | Regular Decision | February 15, 2026 |
* Rolling Admission begins on February 16, 2026 and runs until the class is full. During Rolling Admission, students are invited to submit their application as soon as possible, and the College will consider these applications as they arrive.
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When Sunao Sugita ’24 was looking at colleges and universities, he was looking for a place that allowed him to pursue many different interests within a small campus environment similar to his experience at United World College (UWC) USA. He found The College of Idaho with its liberal arts foundation, unique curriculum and faculty who closely mentor their students. Sugita graduated with a degree in psychology and minors in literature, creative writing, and health promotion.
Applying to several colleges? Common App makes it easy to apply to more than 1,000 schools — including The College of Idaho. Once we receive your application, we’ll send you instructions on how to access your CofI Application Portal.
Apply Via Common App
The College of Idaho also offers its own online application. After you submit your application, you can track your status in your personalized application portal.
Apply Via Cofi's App
As an international student, you must also submit a Certification of Finances, which serves as proof to the U.S. government that you have sufficient funds readily available to cover your cost of living and tuition fees while studying in the United States.
Complete Certification of FinancesAs an admitted student, your journey at The College of Idaho is officially underway. From registering for classes to learning more about living on campus and securing your spot with an enrollment deposit, discover what you need to know about joining the YoteFam.
What would you do with more time? At The College of Idaho, we’re doing more. And, you’re invited.
The moment I set foot in college, I knew that I needed more than just an education; I craved a sense of belonging and community. Fortunately, The College of Idaho provided me with exactly that – a tight-knit, supportive YoteFam of faculty and students who were dedicated to helping me reach my full potential. The people here take a leap of faith in each other, lifting each other up and celebrating their differences.
B.A. in Business Administration and Computer Science with a minor in Theatre.
Model UN has been both a rewarding and challenging learning experience. As a biomedical sciences major with no background in international political economy, I was initially intimidated by the idea of representing countries whose foreign policies I often knew little about. However, with the exceptional training from Dr. Dayley and the support of my peers, I was able to quickly adapt and thrive in the program. This led to several successful UN simulations, where I contributed to passing progressive resolutions.
B.A. in Biomedical Science with minors in Psychology & Health and Spanish.
I chose The College of Idaho because of its tight-knit community. I always wanted to study in a college where I could know my professors and have face-to-face interactions with my peers. I recall my first phone call with my admissions counselor. Despite the fact that I was on a Zoom call in China, he introduced me to classmates and took me around campus with his phone. It was a life-changing experience as I made the decision to enter this prominent institute.
B.A in Business Administration with minors in Communication and Health Promotion and a specialization in Finance.
I appreciate The College of Idaho for providing me with a family so far from home and a family of my own choosing, no less. I was able to experience new faces as well as some familiar ones in a safe and comfortable environment. I am challenged daily by the cadre of dedicated professors who have pushed my abilities to their furthest extent and have been paragons of pedagogy to me in my academic exploits.
B.A. in Business Administration and Political Economy with minors in Natural Science and Philosophy.
What I’ve come to appreciate the most is the diverse atmosphere present at the College. Serving as the AFRO Club President, I was able to offer a safe environment that celebrated culture and inclusivity for our students while also improving my personal leadership skills. I was able to immerse myself in my studies and campus involvement, while also pursuing excellence above all.
B.A in Business Administration and International Political Economy with minors in Communication and Environmental Studies.
I have been able to achieve so many goals at The College of Idaho because it is a great liberal arts college. I have been able to take courses related to my major and minors but also do classes like yoga and music that don’t necessarily relate to my major but are interests of mine. My biggest achievement is the fact that I have been able to grow as a leader in many different areas and improve my social-building skills because of CofI.
B.A. in Business Administration with minors in Communication, Legal Psychology and Natural Sciences and a specialization in Pre-Law. May 2024 Graduation Speaker.
The College provides a variety of support services to international students, including merit scholarships, so you can make the most of your experience here. Members of the International Student Organization host events to share diverse cultural traditions with the entire campus.
Want to double major in physics and art? Lead an outdoor trip one weekend and a research project the next? That’s everyday life at The College of Idaho. Take the first step toward choosing a college that’s right for you.