The College of Idaho
Caldwell, Idaho
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Being part of a small community means more opportunity at The College of Idaho. More opportunity to work one-on-one with professors, more opportunity to be a leader, and more opportunity to pursue one’s individual passions. With alumni who include three governors, seven Rhodes Scholars, and two Pulitzer and Academy Award winners, the C of I has demonstrated its success preparing graduates who succeed.
A College of Idaho education empowers students to gain transformational, relevant experiences that prepare them to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The College enjoys a vibrant campus of 1,000 students with more than 50 student organizations, 20 sports teams, seven fraternities and sororities, and outstanding performing and visual arts programs.
Get to know The College of Idaho
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Model UN
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Opera
- Pep band
- Student government
- Student newspaper
- Student-run film society
- Symphony orchestra
- Yearbook
High-Impact Practices
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Disability Services
- Multicultural Engagement Center
- Health Services
- Crisis Support Center
- Academic Tutors
- Peer Mentors
- Counseling
College Highlights
Students are encouraged to learn by doing at The College of Idaho. C of I students apply what they learn outside of the classroom by participating in research projects, studying abroad, and fulfilling internships with local business organizations.
PEAK CURRICULUM
The C of I’s innovative PEAK Curriculum—inspired by the independent spirit of its unique Idaho setting—is designed to provide an education that is both broad and deep. Through PEAK, every student earns a major and three minors spread across the four knowledge peaks of the fine arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and professional studies. Each student designs an individualized academic path based on his or her own passions and goals, rather than taking a checklist of courses.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Undergraduate research and creative work are integrated throughout all fields of study at the C of I. Nearly half of all C of I students do research with a faculty member during their time at the College. Additionally, an annual Student Research Conference celebrates the numerous scholarly and creative projects completed by students.
STUDY ABROAD
The College of Idaho’s four-week January term offers numerous opportunities for off-campus study. In recent years, C of I students have studied tropical ecosystems in Australia, history and culture in London, environmental literature and wilderness in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, and international business in Paris. In addition to these faculty-led study experiences, C of I students can study for a semester or more in more than 50 countries through partner institutions.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Nonresident aliens: 6%
Hispanic/Latino: 14%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 4%
White, non-Hispanic: 64%
American Indian or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 1%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 4%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 4%
Students learn from the best at The College of Idaho. Faculty members include four who have been named Idaho Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and one remains the current Idaho Writer-in-Residence. C of I professors challenge students to test new ways of thinking in a collaborative learning environment where the average class size is 13 students.
RESEARCH WITH PROFESSORS
The College of Idaho provides personalized learning opportunities throughout the undergraduate experience. Students studying chemistry and biology collaborate with C of I faculty on several biomedical research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health every year. The College’s Harold M. Tucker Herbarium and Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History offer additional opportunities for students to conduct field research with faculty members.
PERFORMING WITH PROFESSORS
Music students benefit from the C of I’s relationship with the renowned Boise Philharmonic Orchestra. Members of The College of Idaho Langroise Trio—comprised of the Boise Philharmonic’s principal violinist, violist and cellist—offer coaching sessions and weekly master classes for C of I students. Boise Philharmonic internships also are available, giving students an opportunity to perform with a professional metropolitan-level orchestra.
ENACTUS
Students of all majors can participate in the College’s chapter of ENACTUS, which connects students and local business leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a more sustainable world. With support from the C of I’s business faculty, students in ENACTUS have collaborated with businesses on a variety of economic development projects.
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
The C of I’s First-Year Experience Program introduces new students to the intellectual challenges, personal growth, and self-discovery they will experience at the College. It also provides tools to help students succeed academically and socially. Every student meets with an academic advisor at the beginning of freshman year to begin charting their academic course, and also is paired with a peer mentor. The First Year Theme and Book help develop a sense of community among first-year students by featuring guest speakers, films, debates, theatrical productions, and other programming.
Great leaders are made, not born. The College of Idaho’s active and engaged community offers ample opportunities for students to get involved, explore their passions, and develop as thoughtful, effective leaders. Graduates of The College of Idaho leave with more than a degree—they enter the world prepared make a difference.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
More than 50 student organizations and 7 fraternities and sororities offer hundreds of opportunities for leadership and discovering new interests. Endowed lecture series regularly bring to campus thought leaders to discuss topics such as the environment, religion, and culture. Approximately one-third of the student body participates in varsity athletics, cheered on by the boisterous “Yote Fam” student section. From film screenings and intramural sports to open-mic nights and community service events, the C of I campus is always buzzing with activity.
DIVERSITY
The College of Idaho also enjoys a campus community that reflects the world. Nearly 10 percent of students are international, representing more than 40 countries. Another 20 percent of students are American students of color, and more than 30 percent identify themselves as first-generation students. Clubs such as the International Student Organization, Association of Latino Americano Students and AFRO Club are among the most active on campus. The C of I believes a broad understanding of other cultures, customs, and peoples is essential for a quality education. This has all become a beacon of cultural and racial diversity in the Intermountain West.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
C of I’s renowned Outdoor Program takes advantage of Idaho’s natural beauty and the wide range of outdoor activities near campus. The OP organizes trips, classes, workshops, equipment rentals, and more. Together, C of I students get to take advantage of Idaho’s world-class opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding!
SCHOOL LOCATION
The College is located in Caldwell, a city of more than 46,000 that sits 30 minutes west of downtown Boise, the third most populous metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest. The campus is ideally situated for both outdoor enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy the opportunities of a big city while living in a safe, residential community.
ATHLETICS
Athletic Division: NAIA (The College of Idaho competes in the Cascade Collegiate Conference except for football, which competes in the Frontier Conference). The College’s ski team competes in the USCSA. The lacrosse team competes in the PNCLL.
20 Varsity Sports: Cross–Country (Men’s & Women’s); Soccer (Men’s & Women’s); Volleyball (Women); Skiing (Men’s & Women’s); Basketball (Men’s & Women’s); Baseball; Golf (Men’s and Women’s); Softball; Track & Field (Men’s and Women’s); Women’s Tennis; Football; Swimming (Men’s & Women’s); Men’s Lacrosse; Women’s Lacrosse (Club sport)
RESIDENCE LIFE
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Apartments for married students
Apartments for single students
Special housing for disabled students
Fraternity/sorority housing
Theme housing
Wellness housing
A College of Idaho education empowers students to gain transformational, relevant experiences that prepare them to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Its innovative PEAK Curriculum offers the best of both worlds: a broad and deep liberal arts education paired with professional experiences. C of I graduates are recognized for their ability to think critically, analyze issues, and communicate clearly—exactly the type of person employers and graduate schools are looking for. The College of Idaho is an environment full of people dedicated to helping students learn and understand the world, develop a love for learning, and know that what they do matters.
INTERNSHIPS
Students receive assistance in finding internships through the College’s PEAK Center. Nearby Boise provides high-tech industries, regional businesses and cultural centers with numerous internship opportunities. C of I students have interned at NASA, Deloitte, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Boise Art Museum, Hewlett-Packard, Bank of China, and at the U.S. Capitol with Idaho’s senators and representatives.
ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS
Recent graduates of the College are working at Hewlett-Packard, St. Luke’s Health System, Wells Fargo, Bodybuilding.com, Microsoft, and hundreds of other employers. C of I alumni also are frequently accepted into prestigious graduate programs such as Harvard Law School, Oxford University, University of Washington School of Medicine and the Sarah Lawrence College MFA in Writing program. The medical school acceptance rate of C of I graduates is 75 percent, and a recent alumni survey indicated that 70 percent of C of I alumni go on to receive an advanced degree within 10 years of graduating.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Academic GPA
Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Application Essay | Recommendation(s)
Character/personal qualities | Alumni/ae relation
Considered
Class rank | Standardized test scores | Interview
Extracurricular activities | Talent/ability | First generation
Volunteer work | Work experience | Level of applicant’s interest
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $28,000
Fees: $755
Room: $4,460
Board: $4,732
Aid
The College of Idaho awards three types of scholarships:
- Need-based assistance includes scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. Eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a completed C of I application for admission.
- Talent scholarships are awarded to students for outstanding achievement in activities including music, theatre, art, debate, and athletics.
- Merit-based awards are based on student achievements, recognitions, and high academic standing, and students are automatically considered for most merit awards.
What Others are Saying
Contact The College of Idaho
Contact Admissions
collegeofidaho.edu/admission-aid
(208) 459-5305
admission@collegeofidaho.edu
Campus Location
2112 Cleveland Blvd.
Caldwell, ID 83605
(208) 459-5011
Visit C of I Online
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