Talent Scholarships

Talent Scholarships are scholarships awarded based on your talent in specific fields. Each department has its own criteria and application process.

How Do We Decide the Scholarship Winners?

Each department evaluates applicants based on its own criteria for Talent Scholarships.

Do You Qualify for this Scholarship?

• You must be admitted as a BYU-Idaho campus student without an earned bachelor’s degree.
• You must complete the required elements of the application process for the specific department.

How Do I Apply?

• The application process is determined by each individual department.
• Contact the department you're interested in for specific application information:
  
  • Department of Art
    
    • SPO 316
    • 208-496-4900
  • Department of Dance
    
    • Hart 217
    • 208-496-4850

  • Department of Music

    • SNO 246
    • 208-496-4950
  • Department of Theatre
    
    • SNO 126
    • 208-496-4820

  • Department of Communication (Journalism)

    • SPO 229
    • 208-496-3691

How Much Money Could You Receive?

Award amounts are based on LDS member tuition rates and your enrolled credit level:

2025–2026 Award Amounts Table

• Your award amount depends on how many credits you’re taking on the Full Semester Financial Aid Determination Date (FADD).
  
  • Students who register after the Full Semester FADD for second block classes will not be awarded scholarships.
  • If you change your credit load before FADD, your award will change too.
• Credits don't need to apply to your major (Program Applicable).
• Only courses taken for credit are included in your credit count for this scholarship.
  
  • Audited courses do not qualify.

How Do You Keep Your Scholarship?

• Enroll in at least 6 credits.
• Meet any additional requirements set by your specific department.
• You’re no longer eligible to apply if you’ve earned 120 or more credits by the end of Winter semester. 
  
  • All credits on your official transcript count, including Advanced Placement, language exam credits, and transfer credits.

Can You Combine This With Other Scholarships?

You can combine this scholarship with other BYU-Idaho scholarships, but the total can't be more than full LDS tuition (except for the Returned Missionary Scholarship). These include:

• Merit Scholarship
• The BYU-Idaho Scholarship (need-based)
• Academic Scholarship
• Returned Missionary Scholarship (this scholarship can be awarded over full tuition)

Example: If you receive a half-tuition Academic Scholarship and a full Talent Scholarship, you'll receive a full LDS tuition scholarship, as the combination can't exceed full tuition.

How Can I Check My Scholarship Status?

• Check with the department that awarded your Talent Scholarship.
• Awards will show in your financial aid portal and award letters.

For questions about eligibility, award amounts, stacking awards, or other concerns, email scholarships@byui.edu.

When Will I Receive My Scholarship?

• The scholarship is added to your student account the first week of the semester.
• It's applied first to tuition charges.
• Be sure to sign up for eRefund so any remaining funds can go directly to your bank account.