The C of I: The Community of Imagination

The College of Idaho plays a crucial role among higher education institutions in the state. Founded in 1891, The College of Idaho prides itself on its diverse programs, undergraduate research opportunities, and distinguished students, faculty and alumni. Our students are among the smartest in Idaho and The C of I provides them with a top-quality education that prepares them for future success.

The College of Idaho is one of only three liberal arts college between Walla Walla and Colorado Springs, and the Mexican and Canadian borders.

We are run by a private board of trustees, many of whom are alumni from The College of Idaho and all of whom have extensive experience in business, education, nonprofit and/or finance.

The College of Idaho provides a different educational experience than large public institutions. We don’t have huge, anonymous undergraduate classes, lower division classes with 400-500 students, graduate students teaching lower division courses, immense semi-professional sports programs, or an emphasis on graduate education and research activities.

Our emphasis is on providing high-quality, personalized undergraduate education in a liberal arts environment that promotes independent thinking and exploration while preparing our students for their futures – whether they are going to graduate school or beginning their careers.

What also sets us apart is our funding. We compete in the marketplace for great students, faculty and staff without the public finance safety net.

Our tuition looks expensive when compared to public institutions, but we provide extensive scholarships to encourage students from all economic backgrounds to attend. Invest in Excellence is focusing on increasing the number of four-year scholarships that are supported by our endowment. The scholarships we offer are as diverse as our student body. Some are for students who are the first in their families to attend college, others are for children of migrant farmworkers, and others are specific to a major or course of study. All of our scholarships recognize the high academic achievements of our students, their leadership skills, and their community involvement both on and off campus.