Photo: College Idaho. Retrieved from: facebook.com/thecollegeofidaho
At Idaho’s oldest private college, the faculty at College of Idaho dedicates their time to educating students in a small setting. With small classes and fantastic teachers with many years of combined experience, students are able to receive a great education that they can use to further their careers. Realizing that a liberal arts education is crucial in a graduate’s personal and professional career, the administration at the College of Idaho require students to take courses in fine arts and humanities, natural science and mathematics, social sciences and history, and a professional field of the student’s choice. By doing this, students at the College of Idaho will graduate with a major and three minors, broadening their academic knowledge and setting them apart from competition later in their career.
The College of Idaho offers 26 majors and 55 minors. Students can study Environmental studies, Chemistry, or English. First year students are required to participate in the “First Year Experience.” They arrive on campus a week before upperclassmen, where they meet other freshmen students and get divided into groups. Here they will discuss the “first year book” and hike up the local mountains to gain perspective and meet new friends. Through the years they will be required to attend certain lectures and study groups to gain the tools and skills needed to succeed in school.
History
Located in Caldwell, Idaho, the College was founded in 1891 when the Presbyterian Church decided to establish a school of higher learning in Idaho. When the College opened, classes were held in a local Presbyterian Church. It was not until 1892 that the school moved into a building of their own. The school moved onto its present site 18 years later when Henry and Carrie Blatchley generously donated over 20 acres of land to the school.
For a while the college was named Albertson College of Idaho, due to a particular alumnus, Joe Albertson who graciously donated a generous endowment to the school. The school was changed back to the College of Idaho sixteen years later in 2007, after other alumni complained that he wasn’t the only alumnus to donate money to the school.
Campus
The College of Idaho is located in Caldwell, which is just 30 miles away from Boise. Home to over 46,000, Caldwell offers students extensive opportunities and fun activities. In such a big city, students can see theater productions, tour museums or go to one of many bars and restaurants located in the city.
There are many activities for students to participate in on campus. Students can attend poetry readings or learn ballroom dancing from the Ball So Hard Club. They can join one of the fraternities and sororities on campus or take up a new language in the Spanish Club.
Students can also cheer on their fellow athletics as they participate in Division II athletics. The College of Idaho offers sports such as football, soccer and volleyball. The women’s ski team has won multiple championships in the past 27 years, while the men’s basketball team has also seen success, qualifying for the playoffs every year since 1987. The “Yotes”, as they are called, won the Division II NAIA Basketball championship in 1996.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid department at College of Idaho offers students loans, grants, and scholarships to help them finance their education. Last year over 99% of students received financial aid, while 11.5% saw their financial needs fully met. Costing just under $35,000 a year to attend, a student can expect to be in $25,000 worth of debt upon graduation.
