The College of Idaho
Caldwell, ID, USA

Reviews

The College of Idaho

Toni from Nampa, ID

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The College of Idaho has smaller class rooms than the larger schools in this area. I came in with a lower GPA and needed a little more help and have found it here. I am going into my second year with a truly positive and excited attitude. Who would have thought I would go to college? The professors are great and genuinely seem to care.
Am enjoying being here
I worried that I wouldn't be able to make new friends. No problem, everyone is so friendly. The Cafe has the BEST food and even take special orders. The campus is small enough that I don't have to walk miles between classes. There are campus police so I feel safe.
Bang for the buck
I'm not sure what other schools cost but I do know that what I am paying for it, is definitely worth it. I also know that there are a lot of scholarships out there. You have to do the footwork people!
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid of success!
Great for these types of students
We have a variety of students. Every one fits in here!

Anna from Idaho Falls, ID

a current student here
4 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
The classes are challenging and the professors always ask thought provoking questions.
Am enjoying being here
The college community is great! There is a very diverse community.
Bang for the buck
It's a private school so I was expecting it to be expensive but the college really helped me out with scholarships. The professors are excellent and are always looking out for the student's best interest.
Great for these types of students
I chose The College of Idaho because it was a small college and one of the best in Idaho. I plan on going onto grad school and I know I am being prepared.

Tori from Pendleton, OR

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
I don't think I've ever been able to learn so much about so many of my favorite subjects anywhere else. College of Idaho's liberal arts style covers a huge variety of topics and how they connect to other topics. The PEAK program may seem like a hassle to some, but for those who can't limit themselves to just one subject, like me, it's perfect!
Am enjoying being here
One of the main reasons I decided on the College of Idaho was because of how small and homey it felt when I toured it. Unlike a lot of bigger colleges, I could actually see myself living here; the school feels like a community, not like a huge corporate city.

I've only been here for one year and I've already encountered plenty of awesome people who are very welcoming, including most all of the professors I've met.
Bang for the buck
All in all, College of Idaho definitely feels like it lives up to its price. The professors are very friendly and very good at what they do, there's lots of diversity in the things you can study, and it just has a general calm and welcoming feel to it. I'm definitely struggling to keep up with the prices, but the college offers quite a few scholarships to help.
Tips for prospective students
Learn to organize! This was the worst problem I had. Everything works out fine if you can keep on top of it.

Also, if you need a quiet place to work on something, the library worked wonders for me.
Great for these types of students
Students who are looking for a smaller, less-hectic college.

Also, students who are interested in a well-rounded liberal arts kind of education.

Sean from Caldwell, ID

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
There is not a better school out there for developing close relationships with students. The education is top of the line, given the small class sizes with professors that truly care about the students and the materials. The College of Idaho is perfect for anyone who wants to live in a personalized community full of friends and support.
Tips for prospective students
There are no better tips I can give, then to study and keep up on homework. It sounds overly typical, but the grades do not come easy, and much is expected of you. Given your new responsibilities, you must put aside your distractions and work your hardest to what you are attempting to achieve.
Academic Rigor
The academics at the College of Idaho are not to be taken lightly. With the development of our PEAK program, students are not only encouraged, but mildly forced to distribute their majors and minors. By obtaining such a diverse education, students will be well-rounded and gain the full benefits of a liberal arts education. As a current student, taking such a variety of courses is helping me figure out what I want to do later in life. This pertains to class difficulty because you may be required to take some classes that are new, and difficult. Most professors also take attendance daily, and deduct grade points should you not be present. It's a very high school-like system, but it shows that the professors care.
Dorm Life
With required dorm residence for three years, one must only hope that the experience be worth it. The dorms are clean, respectable, and roomy. For those easily home-sick, there is no worry to be had. From the minute you walk into the dorms and meet your roommate and hall mates, you are a family. The support system is incredible, and there are always helping hands with homework. The dorms also hold events to help you with study habits, safety, and other necessary subjects to help you succeed in years to come.
Food and Dining
Food at schools can be a make or break factor for some people. The cafeteria at the College of Idaho boasts a healthy and organic menu. There are a variety of options such as a grill, comfort food, Chinese food, and pizzeria. Within the options, are other options. For example, at the grill you may order anything from a Cheeseburger to a quesadilla. They are more than happy to cater to your needs. The food itself is tasty, but as the year drags on, alternatives may be necessary.
What to do for fun
Being such a small campus, activities seem limited. On the contrary, there is much to do on campus, as well as off. The school has a homemade disc golf course, swimming pool, volleyball courts, and a game room. Within the game room are foosball tables, ping pong, pool, and arcade games. The school also supports local businesses by renting out their services, such as once a month bowling nights, with school sponsored transportation. It's always a good time, and best of all, it's free for students.
Bang for the buck
By no standards is attendance to College of Idaho cheap. It's highly expensive for the average income family, and may be a challenge to afford even with loans. However, the statistics involving success after graduation is remarkable. You definitely are getting the education you pay for, but some costs such as food and residence may be a little excessive.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
One unusual tradition comes to mind when termed with the word unusual. The Finney Fun Run is the name of the event, and it occurs the night of the first snowfall, at midnight. Male and Female students start at the opposite ends of the campus, and run through an obstacle course, while being pelted with snowballs by bystanders. Also on the agenda is a work out session involving lying on the icy terrain doing sit ups and push ups. However, when all is said and done, all the participants enjoy hot chocolate in a cozy foyer. However, the most unusual part of the event, is clothing is optional, and not encouraged.
Great for these types of students
The College of Idaho is great for students who do not want to be at a large university, and enjoy close relationships with others. You learn to know everyone on campus, and if you would rather be a fly on the wall, then this school is not for you.
Clubs and Activities
There are more than enough clubs to suit anyone's needs. At the beginning of the year, there is a club fair to introduce all the clubs and offer sign-ups. They can be on or off campus activities, all of them being student led. As far as sports are concerned, the school is highly supportive of all of them. Students are encouraged to attend sporting events by being offered free shirts, food etc. All in all, there is more than enough activities to be done.
Greek Life
The Greek life at the college is nothing to write home about. There are only three fraternities, and two sororities. However, everyone involved in Greek life seems to be very close to one another, and they each bring unique facets to the college environment.
Campus Safety
Security at this school is not even the slightest problem. The campus safety staff is overly helpful and will do anything for any student, at any time. All students are given the number to their hotline, and the staff is quick to respond whether you need to get into your room, or an escort back to the dorm.

Cynthia from Boise, ID

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Am learning a lot
All professors are currently pursuing their own research projects. With our small classes, the professors really get to know you and are willing to help you in any way they can.
Am enjoying being here
You will walk by someone you have never seen before, and they will say hi. Everyone is very friendly. Staff, advisors, mentors, student organizations--all are willing to do what they can to make sure you feel right at home.
Bang for the buck
Study hard, party hard. There's something here for everyone. Definitely worth every penny.
Tips for prospective students
Enroll at the College of Idaho! You will not regret your decision. I look forward to meeting you!
Great for these types of students
Students who like to learn, participate in their communities, have fun, party, study, and get somewhere in life.

Gabrielle from Parma, ID

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
The C of I was and is my dream College. The small community makes it easy to find help, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that just about everyone on campus is ready to jump at the chance to help out. The professors and peak system challenge me to dig deeper, question things, and make myself a well rounded individual.
Tips for prospective students
College is not easy. Don't go into it expecting to get straight A's. Definitely strive to do your best, but don't be devastated if you get a bad grade on your first test. Remember that college is meant to challenge you and push your mind further than it ever has been, so as a Freshman it is normal to not do so well, and your professors are there for you. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't be afraid to find a tutor. Be prepared to learn how to take notes off of what the prof. is saying, and not the power point. This is crucial. Most importantly make a schedule to balance free time with study time and study the material as you go along in the class, so you aren't cramming during dead week. Remember that this is about you. This is about your future, and what you want to do. Don't let anything stand in the way of your goals.
Academic Rigor
Like I said College is HARD! However, that does not mean it is not fun. It can be fun and most definitely fulfilling. At the C of I we have many College Community activities that bring us together, and give us excuses to take reasonable breaks and make relationships, but as far as the learning goes, the profs. are thinking about what is going to get you to think harder and question things. They want you to be a thinker; a well rounded citizen who doesn't go into the world with ignorance. The work load can be huge at times especially towards the end of semester, but it is totally worth it. You just have to except that fact that success means hard work. If you can accept that and act on it then you' be just fine.
Dorm Life
To be honest I don't like having a roommate, but that all depends on your personality. I work best alone and even though I live alone now I don't enjoy hearing everyone around me. However, I appreciate the fact that my dorm tries to organize times where we can hang out and relax, study together, and talk. There are also alternative studying areas. Downstairs in Anderson there is a study room. You can also go into other buildings outside of class hours where you will always find an empty and quiet classroom. There is also the library. The dorms are more or less comfortable. There are washing and drying machines free of charge to use along with a fridge and sink.
Food and Dining
The food is great! Bon Appetite is the company that makes our food. They serve breakfast lunch and dinner for a reasonable amount of time, and if you miss any of those meals you can go over to McCain and get something there (It's like a restaurant/grocery store). They go the extra mile to make sure everything we eat is natural as well as tasty. In the caf. you have several options: A salad bar, pizza bar, grill, main meal, deli, oriental, and desert bar. They cater to everyone's taste.
What to do for fun
Audition for a play, join any one of our many many clubs, go to dances, go the shows, the occasional out of state performer, watch a movie in your theatre, go to free movie Monday, go to free bowling night, organize a get together with your floor, or the whole dorm, challenge a friend to pool, air hockey, fooseball, or ping pong, go to the rock climbing night, canoeing trips, sports games, karaoke night, or any of the other random events the C of I hosts. There are also many places to hang out at in Caldwell. We have like 7 coffee shops.
Bang for the buck
You get such an education here as I have previously mentioned. The people make you feel at home right away by taking you on a camping trip to McCall where you get to bond with your class. Everyone here really cares about your success. It's amazing really.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Our mascot used to be a real stuffed Coyote. During induction they played a Harry Potter song as we walked into the cathedral which made my day. We have a lot of traditional things we do every year. Like the cultural show. The lighting of the tree around Christmas. Anderson has Thanksgiving dinner. I've only been here for a semester, so I'm not sure....there is a rumor that Haman Hall is haunted.
Great for these types of students
I'm an introvert. The library is great, the student support center, the quiet room in Anderson, the McCall trip which forces you to meet people, and building relationships with teachers. There are also opportunities for you to shine and get people to notice you like plays (You do not have to be a theatre major or minor), the karaoke night, dance club, and writing club, and I'm sure many other clubs. As a person who has a hard time interacting with people I find it helpful to get into clubs where I am forced to interact.
Clubs and Activities
So many of them. To be totally truthful I signed up for a few but only was able to participate in helping with one production. It really depends on how much you can balance your 1st year. It takes getting used to. The work doesn't get easier, but you get better, and balancing becomes possible. I had to take a step back from the clubs, but for those who are balance gurus there are many options when it comes to clubs, and if your club doesn't exist you are more than encouraged to make it happen.
Greek Life
am not part of any Greek activities but I assure you we definitely have them.
Campus Safety
AMAZING! Our campus is all about safety, and our campus safety people definitely care about you! I have been locked out of my room twice, and someone was sent right away to let me back in. We have their number in our phones, and you can call them at any time of the day or night. They are super friendly and will even give you a lift across campus in their golf carts which is especially useful if you need to get somewhere safely in the middle of the night. Just give them a ring, and they are happy to help.

Shayna from Caldwell, ID

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Academically challenging and lively campus with professors who really care.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved early! If you wait too late you will feel left out and not have nearly as much fun.
Always do your assigned readings. They only assign things that will help you.
Academic Rigor
Challenging, but not impossible as long as you think ahead and stay on top of it. You will receive a major and three minors and they push you and expect that you can do that in four years. With your adviser's help it will be easy.
Dorm Life
I had several bad experiences in the dorms and chose to move off of campus after freshman year. However, they do have great RA's and the dorms themselves are very nice. If you hang out with the right people you'll have a great time in the dorms.
Food and Dining
Great food, but a very crowded cafeteria. Plan to get there before or after the rush or before or after the teams come in. Nothing worse than getting stuck behind the soccer or football players.
What to do for fun
Caldwell does't offer much but it's close proximity to other places helps a lot. Boise is only thirty minutes away so either have a car or make friends with someone that does. Once there the possibilities are endless whether your're into music, shopping, or outdoor activities, you'll find something there.
Bang for the buck
Very good education and by far the best you can get in Idaho, but be prepared to pay a lot. Not just for tuition, but for your books, housing, and food as well. They offer scholarships, but they don't often cover everything.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Finney fun run!!! Ask someone when you get here! Also, you have to participate in midnight ultimate Frisbee at least once (clothing discouraged).
Great for these types of students
Focused, outgoing, loves to learn.
Clubs and Activities
A ridiculous number of things to do on campus. If you're bored then that is by choice.
Greek Life
Three fraternities and four sororities. All very nice people that don't cause problems.
Campus Safety
Super great. I've never not felt safe on campus. They do a great job and will even come pick you up if you feel uncomfortable at a party.

JoAnna from Milwaukie, OR

accepted here and planning to attend soon
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
Will learn a lot
The PEAK program at CofI is really a great opportunity, it lets you really broaden your horizons and specialize in things that you may have never had the chance to otherwise. Having at least one major and three minors may seem overwhelming, but think about how great that will be once you're out of college.
Will enjoy being here
CofI is a very small school with a low student to faculty ratio, meaning you're going to get the attention that you need to excel in what you do. This was one of the main reasons that I chose this school, plus throughout my admission process I was talking to one of the admissions counselors which really made it clear that I was wanted there.
Bang for the buck
While trying to choose a college, I didn't really focus on the money aspect of it, figuring I'd look at that later. College of Idaho is a private school, which automatically makes it a little more spendy than other colleges. However, they also have great scholarship and financial aid options. For example, every year so long as I hold a 2.5 or higher GPA I will get $7,000 for my schooling.
Tips for prospective students
Make the best of your high school career, it goes by quick so take advantage of it.
Great for these types of students
Just make sure that you know what you're getting into, if you want a big college, this is definitely not the place for you. However, if you're looking for somewhere that you will be appreciated for being you, come check it out =)