The Power of the Signature Scholarship

Three female BYU-Idaho students smiling outside on the BYU-Idaho campus

Each year, many would-be BYU-Idaho students decline to attend for no other reason than a lack of funds. Some of these students  come from humble circumstances or have faced extraordinary challenges or heart-wrenching setbacks. For these students, a helping hand can make all the difference in their education and their future.

With a BYU-Idaho Signature Scholarship , you have the opportunity to help students progress in their educational journey. The program also provides an opportunity for you to personally witness the tremendous impact you have in students’ lives.

Click on the buttons below to learn more about a signature scholarship at BYU-Idaho, or to get started on creating yours today.

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Three Characteristics Make a Signature Scholarship Unique:

1. Naming and Designation

A Signature Scholarship allows you to name your scholarship—for yourself, your organization, or a loved one. You may also designate that your scholarship be awarded to students from a particular BYU-Idaho fundraising priority.1


2. Annual Gathering

Each fall, Signature Scholarship donors are invited to campus to meet with scholarship recipients. This event gives you the opportunity to meet the students you support, hear about how the scholarships are blessing their lives, and build new friendships.


3. Affordability

Whereas named scholarships are typically reserved for large endowments, Signature Scholarships—which can be started with a donation of $10,000 and will generally fund two students for two semesters—is feasible for donors in many financial situations. The university encourages providing this support for four years.2

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is required to establish a Signature Scholarship?

The minimum donation to establish a Signature Scholarship is $10,000, which is currently the amount needed to fund two students for two semesters. The amount can change depending on the cost of tuition. The university encourages providing support for four years.2

What is the deadline for making a donation?

Donations may be made throughout the year and will be awarded beginning with the semester following the donation.

How long do Signature Scholarships last?

Scholarships are awarded each year as long as there are sufficient funds in the account to cover current tuition costs. Larger or recurring donations will help more students for more years. If there are not sufficient funds  to make scholarship awards for a period of two consecutive award cycles, then any remaining amounts in the Signature Scholarship will be combined with other Signature Scholarships having a similar purpose.

How will I meet the student(s) I support?

An annual Signature Scholarship event gives donors a chance to meet the students they support and hear about how their support is blessing students’ lives. The event is typically held in the fall on BYU-Idaho campus and may include a dinner. Details will be sent to you prior to the event.

Which students are considered for Signature Scholarships?

When students apply for financial aid, their applications are also used to determine eligibility for a Signature Scholarship.

When are Signature Scholarships awarded?

Signature Scholarships are awarded the semester after a donation is made.

1Proposed scholarship names will be reviewed and approved by BYU-Idaho.

2This constitutes an expression of your charitable intent and does not represent a contract, promise, binding pledge, debt, or legal obligation to pay.