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, we welcome students with a home school background. We find that our home-schooled students have the ability to “think outside of the box” and work independently – exactly the attributes you’ll need to succeed at CofI.
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. We take a holistic view of your application when making admissions decisions and consider your:
| 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.
Resources

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Apply Via Cofi's AppAs 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.
Being a Gipson Honors Scholar and ASCI Student Body President 2024-2025 did not slow Amara Davidson ’25 down at all. She performed in several theatre productions, traveled the globe and made time to express her artistry through the Cooking Club and Creative Writing Club. Watch as she shares why she chose CofI and how she did MORE — a lot more — in FOUR.
After being accepted to The College of Idaho and touring the campus, I felt as though I had connected with the faculty and others in as little as a few hours compared to my weekend-long tours at other universities. My mom told me that when I spoke about CofI, I lit up in a way that led her to believe that this was the place that I needed to be.
B.A. in Biomedical Science with minors in Psychology & Health and Spanish and a Pre-Med specialization.
During my first meal on campus as a freshman who didn’t know a soul, I took the first seat I could find in the cafeteria next to two students from Egypt. This would become one of the most fascinating lunches of my life. The College community is full of impressive people from the U.S. and all over the world, and to be able to get to know them and engage with them every day has been the highlight of my college experience.
B.A. in Biology with minors in English Literature and Psychology & Health.
I chose CofI because of the genuine nature I experienced from the people when I first visited. I felt as if the faculty wanted me to be here because of who I was and my skill set, and not just to add another number to their roster. Not only was CofI able to provide a close-knit community, which was very important to me, but they were able to provide a small school environment with big world exposure and thinking.
B.A in Music Performance with minors in Creative Writing, Human Performance and Psychology & Health.
The first CofI professor I met was Dr. Mark Gunderson, and I recall being amazed at his open honesty, his sense of humanity, and his broad knowledge base. As I met more College faculty, I realized that Dr. Gunderson is not an outlier – he is an excellent example of how incredible all CofI faculty are. Though there are other universities I could have gone to, that was a huge factor that made the College very appealing.
B.A in Environmental Studies and Literature & Creative Writing with a minor in Classics and a specialization in Conservation Biology.
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.
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.