Federal Financial Aid
Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students based on the financial need of the student. Pell grants are awarded based on full-time enrollment. A student may be eligible for the Pell Grant with less than full-time enrollment depending on student’s award amount. Students may not receive Pell at more than one school at a time. Pell Grant recipients are limited to six scheduled awards (maximum amount for full-time enrollment for a full academic year).
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
This is a grant for students who are not eligible for a Pell Grant and whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11/01. Students must be, at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death, less than 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time at an institution of higher education. The amount varies and is determined annually by the federal government.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG is a grant available for undergraduate students and is based on financial need. To be eligible students must be receiving Pell. Columbia College is provided a limited amount of SEOG funding. Awards are no longer made after funds have been expended. Student must be enrolled to be eligible for SEOG.
Direct Loan Program
This program provides subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans to students; this aid must be repaid with interest. Loan award amounts depend on various factors (see Determination of Federal Financial Aid Award ). Students must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling, Direct Loan Master Promissory Note, and submit the Electronic Award Letter for loans to be certified. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible for loan disbursement.
- Subsidized Direct loans are need based. The US Department of Education pays the interest while a student is attending school at least half time, and during periods of deferment.
- Unsubsidized Direct loans are available for students who do not have financial need and for amounts beyond subsidized loan limits for some students. The US Department of Education does not pay interest on unsubsidized loans.
Direct PLUS Loan Program
This is an unsubsidized loan made to parents (biological, adoptive, or in some cases, step parent of a dependent student) and must be repaid. This loan is a credit-based loan. Student must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible for PLUS loan disbursement. PLUS loans may be available up to unmet cost (see Determination of Federal Financial Aid Award ). The parent must complete a PLUS Loan Data Sheet and the PLUS Master Promissory Note for a loan to be certified. The parent also must be approved through a credit check for loan to be processed.
If a student’s parents do not qualify for a PLUS loan, the student may be eligible for additional Direct loans (see Determination of Federal Financial Aid Award ).
Federal Work-Study Program
This federal program provides funding for employment for students who demonstrate financial need according to the results of their FAFSA. Students work either on or off campus earning minimum wage or above. Work-study-eligible students are not guaranteed employment. Students must meet all federal aid eligibility. Students cannot exceed their student employment award. Information regarding open positions and application process is available from the Student Employment Coordinator, Human Resources.
State Financial Aid
Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program
This grant is available to residents of Missouri, based on financial need. Application for the grant is made by completing the FAFSA by the priority deadline of February 1st or the final deadline of April 1st (the spring before the academic year begins). Eligible students who apply between February 1st and April 1st will be awarded based on funding availability. Students must be enrolled full-time at Columbia College to be eligible. Enrollment at other institutions may not be used to determine full-time enrollment for state aid. Amounts vary. Awards are made in an estimated status; awards become official after the add/drop period has ended, full-time enrollment is verified, and Columbia College receives the funding from the state.
Renewal students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 as well as satisfactory academic progress based on quantitative measure and maximum time frame (see Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress ). Renewal is not automatic; renewal is based on financial need and the FAFSA being completed by the priority deadline of February 1st or the final deadline of April 1st (the spring before the academic year begins). Eligible students who apply between February 1st and April 1st will be awarded based on funding availability. A student may not receive Access for more than 10 semesters. More information can be found with the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (see Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program).
Bright Flight Scholarship
Students who are Missouri high school graduates and scored in the top 3 percent of Missouri students on the ACT or SAT are eligible for this scholarship. The Missouri Department of Higher Education awards the scholarship and more information can be found with them (see Bright Flight Scholarship). To apply, students should contact the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development, high school guidance counselors or the Enrollment Service Center at Columbia College.
This scholarship is renewable for four years with full-time enrollment, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and meeting satisfactory academic progress based on quantitative measure and maximum time frame (see Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress ).
Scholarships, Grants and Awards
Scholarships, awards and grants are forms of “gift” assistance that do not require repayment. These types of assistance usually come in one of two forms, institutional aid or endowed aid. Some awards are automatic based on specific criteria. Other scholarships are made available in recognition of performance.
Generally scholarships, awards, and grants are non-need forms of financial assistance. Institutional aid is generally intended to be applied to the cost of tuition. Institutional aid is only awarded to degree seeking students working on their first undergraduate degree. A student that completes an associate’s degree and continues to pursue their bachelor’s degree is considered to still be working on their first degree.
Endowed scholarships and awards are made available through the generous gifts of alumni and friends of Columbia College. These awards are competitive and are primarily based on academic performance.
For more information regarding scholarship opportunities, students can work with their advisor and location for site specific information. Additionally, students can view a complete listing of scholarships and their criteria via the Scholarship Finder.
ABLE Grant
Florida ABLE (Access to Better Learning and Education) grant is available to full-time students enrolled in the fall and/or spring 16 week semesters. Students must be working on a bachelor’s degree and meet Florida residency requirements. Residency requirements are determined through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and supporting residency documentation. Awards are packaged in an estimated status until funds are received from the stat e. Full time eligibility is determined after the add/drop period in the late session of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students may not be in default or owe an overpayment on state or federal aid.
The ABLE grant eligibility is based on budgetary constraints. For additional requirements please visit the Florida Department of Education’s website
Alleen Preston Jones Scholarship
Presented to students attending Columbia College in any field of study. Available to Day and Evening students. (Awarded to an Evening Campus student in odd-numbered years and to a Day student in even-numbered years.)
ALMM/PLA Women’s Achievement Scholarship
The Assistance League of Mid-Missouri/Professional Leaders Auxiliary Scholarship presented to female students who are Mid-Missouri residents, U.S. citizens and 25 years or older with at least a 2.75 GPA. To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Associate Degree Transfer Grant
Associate Degree Transfer Grants are available to undergraduate students when they have completed an Associate Degree. The degree must consist of 60 credit hours or its equivalent. The student must not have received the Associate Degree from Columbia College, and they must not have attended another college (other than the college that awarded the associates degree) since the award of the Associate Degree. The student must apply for the Associate Degree Transfer Grant before or during their first semester of enrollment at Columbia College after they completed their associate degree.
Students wishing to apply for the Associate Degree Transfer Grant must complete the Application for Institutional Aid on CougarTrack. The Associate Degree Transfer Grant provides a reduction in tuition for each eligible student at a maximum of 5 percent. This award is available for up to six consecutive semesters (including summer). To receive and remain eligible for the grant, the student must maintain good academic standing, according to established institutional policy.
Barnhouse Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to an Evening Campus student who is a single mother concentrating her studies in Humanities. The student must have a minimum of 24 hours completed at Columbia College and a 2.5 GPA or higher at Columbia College. To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Brigadier General Charles McGee Scholarship
This competitive scholarship is awarded annually to a Veteran and/or their dependent. The scholarship will be available to the general population only if there are no veterans and/or dependents who qualify for the award. For more information, visit the Brigadier General Charles McGee Scholarship website.
Carol Frobish Award
Presented to an Evening Campus student who is female, degree-seeking, has completed FAFSA, and has evidence of financial need. Awarded each semester. To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Centurylink Foundation Scholarship
Awarded to students who are residents of Missouri, have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and show evidence of financial need. Recipients must be incoming freshmen, transfer students or seniors. The scholarship can be used towards tuition or books. To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Coast Guard Spouse Grant
Awarded to the spouse of an active duty Coast Guard or Coast Guard Reserve member with a pay grade of E1-E5, CW02, or 01-02 who is pursuing an associate degree program (excluding the Associate of General Studies degree). This grant provides a 50 percent tuition discount on online and in-seat courses, up to $2000/year and for a lifetime maximum of $4,000. Students must submit the Military Grant Application on CougarTrack each year to apply for the grant.
Colonel Mike Randerson Scholarship
This scholarship is an annual endowed scholarship created to help qualified veteran students, including active duty military, Guard, Reserve and/or their dependents who wish to attend the college. The Colonel Mike Randerson Scholarship recognizes the efforts of outstanding military students who exemplify Randerson’s dedication to service and education. For more information, visit the Colonel Mike Randerson Scholarship website.
Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) Lifelong Learning Grant
This grant is available to students that completed the highest undergraduate degree available at the time of graduation; for graduates of Christian Female College, this would be an associate’s degree and for graduates of Columbia College it is the bachelor’s degree. Eligible students may enroll in one course free of charge, if five years have elapsed since receiving their degree, they owe no fees, and they are not in default on federal loans.
Students may enroll for credit or as auditors in courses being offered during the regularly scheduled semesters or sessions, provided space is available and course prerequisites are met. This grant cannot be used for graduate-level or online courses.
Students are permitted to enroll in one free course in each subsequent five-year period but may not accumulate free courses.
Students must apply for admission to be eligible to register for a course. No application fee is required. Students must apply for the grant by completing the Application for Institutional Aid (available on CougarTrack).
eScholarship
The eScholarship is a one-time award designed to reward outstanding achievement in online study at Columbia College. The award will be given to undergraduate students who, in addition to meeting the minimum criteria, demonstrate a history of academic excellence and personal growth while a student with Columbia College. At the time of application, the student must meet the following criteria:
• Be a degree-seeking, undergraduate student working on first baccalaureate (bachelors) degree.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 with Columbia College.
• Have successfully completed at least nine credit hours of online courses during the past or current academic year.
• Have at least 21 hours of coursework with Columbia College (in-seat or online).
Evening Campus Scholarship
This award, established in 1989, is presented to an outstanding full-time student in the Evening Campus. Awarded to an Evening Campus student who is 25 years of age or older and has a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA, with at least 42 credit hours from Columbia College. When more than one student qualifies, GPA, financial need, and service to the College or community will be considered. To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Colonel (Ret) Frank S. Westling Scholarship
The scholarship is for tuition and books and is non-renewable. To be considered for the scholarship, students must apply, have a 3.0 GPA, be degree-seeking, and have completed 15 credit hours with Columbia College. To apply, students must submit a completed Colonel (Ret) Frank S. Westling Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Jolene Schulz Scholarship
Awarded to a Day or Evening Campus student with preference from Boone County; second preference from Macon County. (Awarded to an Evening student in odd-numbered years and to a Day student in even-numbered years.)
MACC Associate Transfer Scholarship
MACC Associate Transfer Scholarships are available to undergraduate students who have completed an Associate Degree from MACC with a minimum 2.75 GPA and are enrolled with Columbia College. The Associate Degree must consist of 60 credit hours or more. The student must not have attended another college (other than MACC) since the awarding of the Associate Degree. The student must apply for the MACC Associate Transfer Scholarship before or during their first semester of enrollment at Columbia College, after they have completed their associate degree.
Students wishing to apply for the MACC Associate Transfer Scholarship must complete the Application for Institutional Aid on CougarTrack. The MACC Associate Transfer Scholarship provides a reduction in tuition for each eligible student at a maximum of 10 percent. This award is available for up to six consecutive semesters (including summer). The scholarship cannot be stacked with any other institutional aid and cannot be applied retroactively. The scholarship will not be awarded until a final official transcript has been received by Columbia College. To be awarded the grant for a second year, students must maintain a minimum cumulative Columbia College GPA of a 2.5.
Mary Alice Robertson Simon-Merideth Scholarship
Awarded to a Evening Campus student with a declared major in either mathematics or science. Student must have at least a 3.25 GPA and show financial need. Preference is given to females. To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Mary Isabel Omer Scholarship
Awarded to a junior or senior Evening Campus student majoring in psychology (counseling) or education (with a strong emphasis in psychology). Must have grade point averages of 3.0 or higher and show evidence of need. (Cross-listed with Education and History & Social Sciences.) To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Metscher Family Scholarship
Awarded to a returning Evening Campus student who has a 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA and is at least sophomore standing. To apply the student must fill out the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Military Family Member’s Opportunity Grant
Award amount is tuition for one in-seat course. Awarded to family members (dependents) of military members currently serving on active duty or in the Guard and Reserves. Student must be seeking first undergraduate degree and be enrolled in first course at Columbia College. Student must complete the Military Grant Application on CougarTrack before registering. The award cannot be applied retroactively.
Military Spouse Tuition Grant
The spouse of an active duty, Guard or Reserve member of any military service will be granted a 20 percent tuition discount for in-seat classes. To be eligible a student must show a valid military spouse I.D. or other documentation that confirms marriage to a military member and complete the Military Grant Application on CougarTrack each year. The discount does not apply to online coursework, nor does it apply to military spouses covered under a tuition-assistance program.
Rose Lamb Accounting Scholarship
Awarded to an Evening Campus accounting student who has 12 hours of accounting with a minimum 3.25 GPA; an overall GPA of 3.0; and evidence of financial need. A letter of application stating the student’s goals and need for the scholarship must be submitted along with the Evening Campus Scholarship application, found on the Scholarship Finder.
Silver Citizen Award
Students 65 years of age or older are eligible for the Silver Citizen Grant, which is a 50 percent tuition-only grant. Students must be at least 65 years of age before the start of the term in order for the grant to be applied. The grant can only be applied to in-seat courses. To apply a student must fill out the Application for Institutional Aid on CougarTrack.
Spouse Opportunity Grant
Awarded to the spouse of a military member currently on active duty, in the Guard or Reserves. This grant covers tuition for the first course taken at Columbia College. Students must submit the Military Grant Application on CougarTrack and the award cannot be applied retroactively.
Two-in-Family Grant
Undergraduate students with an immediate family member (spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister) enrolled at Columbia College in the same semester are eligible. The Two-in-Family Grant provides a tuition reduction of 5 percent per credit hour for each family member who is enrolled. The Two-in-Family Grant is repeatable in succeeding semesters as long as both family members remain students and the student continues to maintain good academic standing, according to established institutional policy. Students must apply for the grant each year using the Columbia College Application for Institutional Aid available on CougarTrack.
Veteran’s Grant
Former U.S. military personnel are eligible for this non-renewable grant. This one-time award is worth $800 for one year. Students must apply for the grant through the Application for Institutional Aid available on CougarTrack or through the Ousley Family Veterans Service Center.
Honors and Awards Convocation
Columbia College recognizes the academic achievements of its students through the annual Honors and Awards Convocation. These annual honors or awards consist of gifts, certificates and/or monetary awards given to current students that return the following academic year of their undergraduate program. Many of the awards are made possible by the generous philanthropy of alumni and friends of Columbia College. The monetary awards are applied to the student’s institutional expenses for the upcoming academic year and are non-renewable.
Outside Sources
Alternative Loan Program
Students who do not have federal loan eligibility or are looking for additional loan options may apply for an alternative loan. These loans are credit based. Additional information is available on the financial aid website.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Students with physical or mental disabilities may be eligible to receive benefits from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Assistance may include counseling; training for vocational, technical or professional employment; and funding for books, supplies, maintenance, medical services and transportation. To apply, students should contact the regional Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
War Orphans or Armed Services Benefits
If students are dependents of veterans who died or were permanently disabled as a result of military duty, are between the ages of 18 and 26, and are enrolled on a full-time basis, they may be eligible for educational benefits. Students may contact their regional Veteran’s Administration office or the Ousley Family Veterans Service Center, (573) 875-7504 or vacert@ccis.edu.
GI Bill® Educational Benefits
Columbia College is approved for enrollment certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance (GI Bill®) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). Eligibility requirements vary for veteran’s education benefit programs. For additional information and application materials, contact the Ousley Family Veterans Service Center, (573) 875-7504 or vacert@ccis.edu. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)
Students may be eligible to receive benefits from JTPA. Assistance may include counseling; training for vocational, technical or professional employment; and funding for tuition and books. To apply, contact the local Work Connections Office.
Financial Aid Information
If you have any questions about the College’s financial aid program, call the Enrollment Service Center for assistance at (573) 875-7252.
Additional financial aid information is available at Columbia College’s web site: web.ccis.edu/offices/financialaid.aspx.
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