CSI Parents & Families
Whether your student is just starting college or already attending the College of Southern Idaho, you play an important role in their success. These resources can help you support them from understanding financial aid to encouraging academic progress and staying connected throughout the journey.
Where will your student thrive?
At CSI, every student deserves the chance to succeed. That means real people will answer their questions, guide them through their goals, and help them stay on track.
See it for yourself with a tour of CSI’s main campus in Twin Falls! A CSI Student Ambassador will lead you through the heart of campus, with stops at the student community center, library, rec center, classrooms, and career training labs.
Help your student apply
Your student can complete CSI’s free online application in just a few minutes. After applying, they’ll set up their accounts, explore scholarship and financial aid options, and connect with an enrollment specialist.
Applying early helps your student stay ahead of important deadlines for scholarships and class registration. It also means they’ll be ready to meet with an advisor and start building their class schedule without delays.
Stay connected with CSI Families Portal
When you join the CSI Families Portal, you’ll get customizable updates on important dates like application deadlines, financial aid reminders, class registration alerts, and more. It’s how you stay in the loop, without having to keep checking multiple sites.
Pay on your student’s tuition and fees
Wanting to help pay for your student's tuition, housing, or fees? It is easy when you have your student’s CSI ID number. You can mail a check, pay in person, or call us to pay by phone. College savings plans are easy to use—and may even qualify for matching funds!
Resources for Parents and Supporters
Students succeed when they know what help is available—and ask for it early. CSI offers free tutoring, advising, counseling, mentoring, and more. Look through these links and remind your student: don’t wait until finals week to speak up.
Start Strong
Help your student take the first steps: apply, register, and understand how to cover college costs.
Stay on Track
CSI offers advising, wellness services, and student support that help your student succeed both in and out of class.
Stay Informed
Keep up with deadlines, student privacy policies, and the CSI Family Portal, which helps supporters stay in the loop.
Parents Often Ask...
I never went to college — how can I help my student get started?
If your student is the first in your family to attend college (sometimes called a "first‑generation student"), you might not know what to expect. That's perfectly normal-and CSI offers Instant Enrollment events designed with families exactly like yours in mind.
At Instant Enrollment, students and their parent/supporter teams can:
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Apply to CSI
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Meet with Enrollment Specialists
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Get advising and choose courses
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Complete FAFSA, scholarship, and financial aid forms
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Learn your tuition/payment options
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Tour the Twin Falls campus and explore resources and support services
These events are a great way to handle many of the start‑up steps in one trip, ask questions in person, and feel more confident about the whole process.
How much will college at CSI actually cost?
CSI is one of the most affordable colleges in the region. Most students pay $140 per credit, and many qualify for financial aid, scholarships, or tuition assistance that can reduce costs even further.
A full-time semester (typically 12–16 credits) costs around $1,700–$2,200 before aid, plus textbooks and course materials. Some programs may have additional fees for labs or equipment, but those are clearly listed during registration.
Tip for Parents: Encourage your student to fill out the FAFSA—even if you think you may not qualify. Many students receive aid just by applying, and CSI can help walk you through it.
See Tuition and Fees Breakdown
Explore Financial Aid Options
Do we have to go to Twin Falls for everything?
Not at all. CSI has off-campus centers in Burley and Jerome that offer many of the same services as the Twin Falls campus. These centers make it easy for students and families to take care of important steps without making a long trip.
At the Burley or Jerome centers, your student can:
- Meet with an advisor and register for classes
- Get help with financial aid questions
- Request transcripts or other records
- Order books or use bookstore services
- Take in-person classes or access virtual courses locally
Some specialized labs, technical programs, or support services are only available on the main Twin Falls campus. If you're unsure, call your local center first—they can let you know if you need to visit Twin Falls or not.
What documents will my student need when they apply?
The CSI application is quick and free—but your student may need a few details that you can help provide. Having this information ready can make the process smoother:
- Social Security Number (for identity verification and financial aid)
- Home address and emergency contact information
- High school details, including name, address, and graduation year
- Parent income and tax information (for FAFSA and financial aid)
- 529 plan or college savings account info (if applicable)
- Residency or citizenship documents (if your student isn’t a U.S. citizen)
Most of this information isn’t required to submit the application, but it will be needed soon after—especially when applying for scholarships or financial aid.
Tip: If you’re planning to help your student fill out the FAFSA, you’ll need your most recent tax return, W-2s, and any untaxed income details.
What if my student isn't sure what they want to study?
Is community college a good option for undecided students?
Absolutely. In fact, community college is one of the best places to start if your student isn’t sure what career path or major they want to pursue yet.
Our General & Liberal Studies department offers programs that let them explore many subjects—arts, humanities, science, communication, wellness, and more—while they decide. These courses count toward graduation and also meet Idaho’s general education (GEM) requirements.
At CSI, students can:
- Take general education courses to sample different fields before choosing a major
- Meet with academic and career advisors who help explore strengths and interests
- Build foundational skills—thinking, communicating, connecting, and personal wellness—that support both university transfer and career preparation
- Keep costs lower by starting with these courses in a smaller, more supportive environment
- Discover programs they may not have considered — from transfer degrees to hands-on technical training
Not having decided yet is more common than you might think. CSI’s flexible, affordable structure is designed so students can explore first, and decide later—with plenty of guidance along the way.
Is there on-campus housing at CSI?
Yes, CSI offers on-campus housing through Eagle Hall, located right on the Twin Falls campus. It’s a short walk from classrooms, the Student Union, the library, and dining options.
Living on campus can be a great option for students who are moving from rural areas, commuting from farther towns, or just want to stay close to classes and campus activities. Students from across southern Idaho — including the Magic Valley, Mini-Cassia, Wood River, and beyond — live on campus during the semester.
Eagle Hall offers:
- Fully furnished rooms
- Shared kitchen, laundry, and lounge spaces
- A short walk to academic buildings and recreation
- Staff and resident assistants on-site
Tip for Parents: Housing fills quickly, so encourage your student to apply early if they’re considering living on campus.
Why can't I see my student's account balance?
Your student’s tuition balance is part of their educational record, which is protected by a federal law called FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). This means CSI cannot share account details directly with parents or other supporters, even if they’re helping with payments.
To view their balance, your student can:
- Log into MyCSI > Self-Service > My Finances
- Check their current tuition and fees
- Download or print a copy to share with you if they choose
FERPA gives students full control over their educational and financial records once they start college—even if someone else is paying the bill.
If your student is unsure where to find their balance or payment tools, they can contact the Enrollment Services for help.
Is there parking for students who drive from home?
Yes! Parking at CSI is free and easy, with plenty of spaces available across campus and no parking permit or payment required.
Many students commute from nearby towns like Jerome, Kimberly, Filer, and Buhl. Whether your student arrives early or mid-morning, they'll find a spot close to their classes, labs, or the Student Union.
If your student lives in Twin Falls, they can also use Ride TFT, the city’s public transportation system. It’s affordable and connects several key areas of town to the main campus.