As part of our ongoing effort to support students and meet the needs of a growing campus, BYU-Idaho is updating its Approved Housing Eligibility Policy, effective Fall 2025.
This change is designed to align with recent updates to the Church’s General Handbook and YSA guidelines, enhance the student residential experience, and ensure suitable housing is available for all students.
Housing Eligibility Age Change FAQs
What’s Changing about Approved Housing Eligibility?
Beginning Fall 2025:
- Single, degree-seeking students aged 26 and older will no longer be eligible to reside in student-approved housing and will transition to community housing.
- Students under the age of 26 will continue to live in student-approved housing, unless they are living with a parent or qualified family member.
Why the Age Change?
This update is intended to:
- Align with Church guidelines – This policy is consistent with recent changes to the Church’s Young Single Adult (YSA) unit structure, which allows for separate YSA wards for those aged 18–25 and 26–35.
- Enhance the student living experience – Creating housing environments to serve both age groups fosters greater roommate compatibility and a stronger sense of community, helping all young single adults feel more connected and at home in their apartments.
- Improve housing options for students aged 26 and older – By moving to community housing, students aged 26 and older can choose living arrangements that better fit their stage of life, offering expanded housing choices with their peers.
- Address housing demand – BYU-Idaho expects enrollment to surpass approved housing capacity in Fall 2025. To accommodate demand, those 26 and older will transition to community housing.
Next Steps for Students Aged 26+
If you are affected by this policy change, here’s what you need to do:
- Know Your Options - Community housing can be just as affordable as student-approved housing, with more flexibility in lease terms, location, and living arrangements. Whether you prefer roommates or your own space, you’ll have options to find the right fit.
- Plan Ahead – Students aged 26 and older should secure alternative housing before Fall 2025. Start exploring early to make the best choice for you!
- Explore Community Housing Options – Resources are available at Community Housing Resources.
- Find a Roommate – Connect with your friends and make plans to live together. This will help keep your costs low. A bulletin board is available on the Housing & Student Living website to help you find others who are looking for roommates. Students also post listings on a variety of social media platforms.
Housing Support and Contact Information
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Housing & Student Living Office:
Address: Kimball 240
Phone: 208-496-9220
Email: housing@byui.edu
We appreciate the important role that positive, gospel-centered living plays in the student experience at BYU-Idaho. Thank you for your support as we implement this change with the well-being of all of our students in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Single, degree-seeking students 26 and older will no longer be eligible to live in student-approved housing and will transition to community housing. Students under 26 will continue to live in student-approved housing unless they reside with a parent or qualified family member.
To accommodate a growing student body, this change aims to:
- Align with recent updates to the Church’s General Handbook and YSA guidelines.
- Enhance the student living experience.
- Improve housing options for students 26 and older.
- Address housing demand.
Not necessarily. Community housing in Rexburg is among the most affordable in the region. Costs vary based on preferences-- private rooms may be more expensive, while sharing with roommates can lower costs.
The Financial Aid Office (Kimball 196) can assess your situation and determine if additional assistance is available.
Community housing is available throughout the region, including many options within walking distance of campus and near approved housing.
Yes, the BYU-Idaho Housing website has a “Community Housing” tab with listings.
A bulletin board is available on the Housing website. Students also post on a variety of social media platforms.
Some are. Start exploring early to find the best option for you.
You can attend a YSA ward or geographic/family ward based on your residential address. Local YSA leaders are aware of the change and prepared to welcome you.
Yes. After tuition and authorized charges have been paid, any remaining financial aid funds are refunded to you and can be used for rent expenses. For questions, contact the Financial Aid Office (Kimball 196)
Visit Accounting Services (Kimball 130) for assistance.
International students will transition to community housing under the same guidelines as domestic students. The Housing & Student Living Office (Kimball 240) can assist with finding suitable housing. For other concerns, contact the International Services Office (Manwaring Center 276).
No, you can stay until the semester ends.
Existing contracts will be honored, and students will not be asked to move.
Yes, but you will need to cancel or sell your contract. Check with your housing complex for details on fees or options.
Exceptions may be considered based on housing availability. You can submit requests to the Housing & Student Living Office (Kimball 240).