Main Campus Day Aid Information

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 the 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. Students 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 Award in CougarTrack Self-Service Financial Aid 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. Students 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 the 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 ).

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 be 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 scholarships for the Day Campus at Columbia College are awarded on a competitive basis for academic ability. Some awards are automatic based on specific criteria. Other scholarships, awards, and grants are made available in recognition of performance or special talent. Endowed scholarships and awards are made available through the generous gifts of alumni and friends of Columbia College.

Institutional aid is generally intended to be applied to the cost of tuition only, and institutional awards may be reduced by other institutional aid, external aid, federal grants, and state grants. 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.

Students are considered for competitive awards based on academic and qualitative information. Only full-time, degree-seeking Day Campus students are eligible to be considered for the scholarships, grants, and awards. Aid is awarded for two academic semesters starting with the first semester of full-time Day Campus enrollment.

All institutional and endowed aid awarded to Day students can only be used for the fall (August to December) and spring (January to May) 16-week semesters unless otherwise specified by the College.

The amount of a student’s institutional aid is capped at the cost of tuition with outside assistance being applied first, including federal grants, state grants, and outside aid. In limited situations, aid may be used to cover the base on-campus housing charges. Students are automatically awarded the highest value scholarship they earned unless otherwise requested by the recipient.

Students receiving a room and board scholarship, award, or grant must live on campus in order to receive the aid (cash value for this aid will not be issued to students).

Students are eligible for a maximum of eight semesters of aid (two semesters initial award and up to six semesters renewal). The actual number of semesters of renewal is dependent upon the number of transferable college credits (earned post high school completion) associated with admission to the College (see Table 1).

Students who lose or will lose institutional aid eligibility can explore the reconsideration process through the Office of Student Success.

Outside scholarships will be applied to tuition before institutional funds unless specifically noted by the outside scholarship agency. To determine what specific costs the outside scholarship can be used towards, students should include contact information for the scholarship agency with any outside scholarship they are awarded.

Scholarship Renewal

Table 1

See individual aid information for specific eligibility and renewal requirements associated with each form of aid.

Renewal

Scholarships, awards, and grants are typically awarded and distributed over two consecutive semesters. Academic scholarships and awards are reviewed for renewal following the second semester. Awards made for students who are admitted for the spring semester will be reviewed for renewal in January of the following year.

Many awards require a minimum number of semester hours and or a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as a condition of renewal. The semester hours and cumulative GPA are determined from Columbia College courses only.

If a student has not earned the minimum semester hours required of the scholarship during the two semesters, summer courses may be taken at any Columbia College campus (within the same award year) to achieve the required total. Both components must be successfully achieved to renew an award.

Columbia College aid is awarded based on an established set of criteria identified in the originating documents. Aid is typically awarded for a set amount of time: one semester or one academic year. To receive the aid after the initial award, the student must meet established criteria or re-qualify for the award. If that criterion is not met, the aid is lost and will not be eligible for future reinstatement. NOTE: The Presidential and Provost Scholarships are exceptions to this policy.

The number of times a student can renew institutional aid is determined during the first year of eligibility and is based on the number of college credit hours accumulated by the student prior to starting in the Day program.  Incoming freshmen will have 6 semesters of renewal eligibility; incoming transfer students will have 2-6 semesters of renewal eligibility (see Table 1).

Renewal is not an issue when aid eligibility is the only criterion for qualification; when the student qualifies for the aid, they will receive the aid as identified in their award letter. This type of aid is not renewed; the student qualifies for it again using the same qualifications as the original award. Examples of this type of aid include but are not limited to: Talent Awards, Athletic Awards, and Two-in-Family Grant.

Other forms of aid are automatically awarded when set criteria are met for continuing the aid in the subsequent academic period. Examples of this type of aid include, but are not limited to: the CC Scholarship, CC Distinction Scholarship, CC Achievement Scholarship, CC Recognition Scholarship, and Navy & Silver Awards. If the automatic renewal criteria for these types of aid are not met, that aid is lost. For example, a student receives a CC Achievement Scholarship as an entering freshman. Following their freshman year, the student has a cumulative Columbia College GPA of 2.0; they have failed to meet the renewal GPA criterion of 2.25 for the scholarship so they lose the scholarship.

In some situations, students may meet the credit hour requirement for continuing the aid but not the cumulative Columbia College GPA. In this situation, the student would drop down one tier of eligibility. Once aid is lost it cannot be re-earned in future academic years, with exception forg the Presidential and Provost Scholarships.

Endowed Scholarships and Awards

Students may be eligible to receive a named endowed scholarship. These scholarships are established by donors who are committed to supporting Columbia College and its students. Some donors are alumni, who were themselves the beneficiaries of student aid. Scholarships are awarded to students who meet specific qualifications as designated by the donor.

A named endowed scholarship will not always change the total amount of financial aid awarded; rather, endowed scholarships are college resources that fulfill a portion of the college-sponsored funding awarded to the student.

Students applying for financial aid are automatically considered for these funds. Selection is based on a student’s match with a donor’s criteria. There is no separate application process.

General Aid

The following forms of institutional aid are available to all full-time, degree-seeking Columbia College Day Campus students. Some forms of institutional aid may be combined to provide increased tuition assistance, but at no point can the combined value of the tuition-only assistance exceed 100 percent of the tuition cost. Any combinations resulting in a value in excess of 100 percent tuition will be capped at the 100 percent amount; the excess will not be applied to other institutional expenses nor refunded to the student. All institutional aid is for tuition use only, unless otherwise specified.  Aid from the college falls into one of four categories: merit-based, need-based, affiliation-based, and talent-based.

MERIT-BASED AID

Merit-based aid is institutional aid awarded without regard to financial need; usually awarded for a student’s academic achievement.

Students transferring to Columbia College from other colleges or universities are eligible for specific transfer student scholarships, awards, and grants. A transfer student is an incoming student with at least 24 hours of completed transfer college credit.  The student’s selection for a particular transfer merit scholarship is based on the cumulative transfer GPA calculated from the evaluation of all college transfer credit.

1851 Collegiate Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.25 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student.

CC Achievement Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.25 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student.

CC Distinction Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student. 

CC Excellence Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.75 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student. 

CC Recognition Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.00 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student. 

Collegiate Achievement

The transfer scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition. The selection is made upon receipt of all college transcripts and calculation of the cumulative college transfer GPA. 

This scholarship is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with a 2.25 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student (see Table 1 for the number of renewals). 

Collegiate Excellence

This transfer scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition. The selection is made upon receipt of all college transcripts and calculation of the cumulative college transfer GPA. 

This scholarship is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with a 2.5 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student (see Table 1 for the number of renewals). 

Collegiate Recognition

This transfer scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition. The selection is made upon receipt of all college transcripts and calculation of the cumulative college transfer GPA. 

The scholarship is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with full-time enrollment in the current year and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student (see Table 1 for number of renewals). 

Collegiate Navy & Silver Award

This transfer scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition. The selection is made upon receipt of all college transcripts and calculation of the cumulative college transfer GPA.

This scholarship is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with full-time enrollment in the current year and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student (see Table 1 for number of renewals). 

Cougar Achievement

This is a competitive award available to students competing in Scholarship Day who demonstrate achievement.

Freshmen students are selected from participants in Scholarship Day to receive this award. This scholarship is renewable for six additional semesters with continued full-time enrollment. 

Dean’s Excellence Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.75 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student.

Diversity Excellence Award 

This is a competitive award available to outstanding students who are members of an underrepresented group in relation to the institution’s goal to achieve education benefits of a diverse student body, as defined by the following:

• Members of underrepresented racial or ethnic group: Hispanic/Latin, American/Alaska Native, Asian, Black or African American, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and two or more races
• Students with disabilities
• Members of the LGBTQ+ community
• Others who feel they may be underrepresented in their chosen field of study are encouraged to apply with explanation\

This scholarship is renewable for six additional semesters with continued full-time enrollment. 

Education Abroad Scholarship

This is a competitive award. Students planning to attend an approved education abroad program may be eligible for an education abroad scholarship of varying amounts. Students must have at least 12 semester hours of coursework at Columbia College at time of application.

Students receiving an award must agree to be a Columbia College Education Abroad Ambassador while they are studying abroad and following their return. During their trip, award recipients must document their experiences, such as through a journal, blog or photos that could be posted on the Columbia College Education Abroad website. Recipients are expected to provide 20 hours of service to the Education Abroad Coordinator promoting Education Abroad to other students. CCG students will coordinate activities with the Education Abroad Coordinator and their location directors.

This scholarship is not renewable. For more details on the education abroad scholarship and how to apply, go here.

First Generation Achievement Award

This is a competitive award available to outstanding students who are considered first-generation, as defined by the following:

• An individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree; or
• In the case of any individual who regularly resided with and received support from only one parent, an individual whose only such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

This scholarship is renewable for six additional semesters with continued full-time enrollment. 

Founder’s Achievement Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student.

Navy & Silver Award

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

The scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with full time enrollment in the current year and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student. 

Presidential Scholarship

This is a competitive award. Each year one incoming Freshmen is selected from participants in Scholarship Day to receive this full tuition-only scholarship. 

This scholarship is renewable for six additional semesters. Renewal criteria are a 3.0 Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year. Federal grants, state grants, and other sources of non-institutional aid earned by the student may be applied to additional institutional charges (on-campus room and board). Students without additional institutional charges will see the Presidential Scholarship reduced by external grants and awards (external grants and awards will ‘stack first’ in the aid equation). One exception to this rule is for students receiving a Student Government Association (SGA) Award. These students may request a book voucher up to the amount of their SGA award per semester.

Provost Scholarship

This is a competitive award. Each year two incoming Freshmen are selected from participants in Scholarship Day to receive this seventy-five percent tuition-only scholarship. 

This scholarship is renewable for six additional semesters. Renewal criteria are a 3.0 Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year. Federal grants, state grants, and other sources of non-institutional aid earned by the student may be applied to additional institutional charges (on-campus room and board). Students without additional institutional charges will see the Provost Scholarship reduced by external grants and awards (external grants and awards will ‘stack first’ in the aid equation). One exception to this rule is for students receiving a Student Government Association (SGA) Award. These students may request a book voucher up to the amount of their SGA award per semester.

Transfer Achievement Scholarship

This transfer scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition. The selection is automatic upon receipt of all college transcripts and calculation of the cumulative college transfer GPA of 3.00 or higher, but less than 3.75.

This scholarship is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with a 2.25 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student (see Table 1 for the number of renewals).

Transfer Excellence Scholarship

This transfer scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition. The selection is automatic upon receipt of all college transcripts and calculation of the cumulative college transfer GPA of 3.75 or higher.

This scholarship is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with a 3.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student  (see Table 1 for number of renewals).

Transfer Recognition Scholarship

This transfer student scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition. The selection is automatic upon receipt of all college transcripts and calculation of the cumulative college transfer GPA of 2.50 or higher, but less than 3.00.

This scholarship is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with a 2.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student  (see Table 1 for number of renewals).

Trustee Recognition Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. 

This scholarship is renewable annually for six additional semesters with a 2.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student.

Outstanding Leadership and Service Award

This is a competitive award available to students who demonstrate solid high school academic preparation, exceptional leadership qualities, and have shown their commitment to inclusion and equity in their service through support, volunteering, or engagement activities.

This scholarship is renewable for six additional semesters with continued full-time enrollment. 

We Are CC Award

Students starting in the Day Campus Program fall 2020 or after may be eligible to have a holistic review done for the potential to be awarded additional funds in the form of the We Are CC Award. Both entering freshmen and transfer students may be eligible for the award.

The scholarship is renewable for the same time period as the student’s other merit scholarship as long as they remain enrolled full-time. 

NEED-BASED AID

Need-based aid is institutional aid awarded based on a student’s financial need.

Ivy Grant

The grant amount is based on a student’s calculated financial need, and can only be applied toward tuition.  In order to consider eligibility for this grant, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in the first year of attendance. The student’s expected family contribution (EFC) will be calculated from the FAFSA.  This along with any other Columbia College scholarships and need-based aid, will be used to determine if the student has any unmet need remaining and if an Ivy Grant will be awarded. Award amounts vary. 

In order for a student to be eligible for an initial Ivy Grant to be awarded, they must meet the following criteria:

• If selected for verification, successfully complete the verification process.
• Resolve all federal general eligibility issues including but not limited to selective service, default, ability to benefit, valid social security number, no overpayment for Pell or loans, and valid citizenship.
• Meet federal requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Resolve dependency status issues (i.e. orphan, ward of the court, legal guardianship, emancipated, homeless).

The grant will remain the same as long as the student continues to attend Columbia College full-time and has not used up their total semesters of eligibility. If a student’s level of need changes drastically, the student can appeal for a recalculation through the Office of Student Success. 

AFFILIATION-BASED AID

Affiliation-based aid is institutional aid awarded based on a situation, category or membership in a unique group. Group examples would include, but not be limited to, veterans, military dependents, alumni legacy, two family members enrolled, or business partnerships. This aid is neither merit-based nor need-based.

A+ Recognition Grant

Incoming freshman students who have successfully completed the A+ program may be eligible for this award. Students must not have attended another institution (post high school) before coming to Columbia College. This award is renewable annually for six additional semesters with full-time enrollment. 

Alumni Legacy Grant

Children and/or grandchildren of alumni who earned an associate, bachelor, or master’s degree at Columbia College or Christian Female College are eligible for this $1,000 tuition-only grant. This grant is renewable annually for six additional semesters with full-time enrollment.

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).

Disciples of Christ Pastoral Award

Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) members who are nominated by their ministers through a letter of recommendation are eligible for a $1,000 tuition-only award. This award is available to new, transfer, and returning students at Columbia College. There is no limit per congregation. The award is renewable annually for up to six additional semesters with full-time enrollment.

EAP Tuition Grant

A 15 percent tuition-only grant is available to new students who enroll full-time English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program. This grant is not renewable and not stackable with other institutional aid. 

International Exchange Student Grant

Columbia College maintains exchange partnerships with international universities. Students selected to attend Columbia College may receive a tuition waiver for a maximum of two semesters. Conditions of the individual agreements apply. The scholarship cannot be combined with any Columbia College merit aid. For a list of active exchange agreements, please visit Semester Education Abroad Programs. 

Midwest Student Exchange Grant

Columbia College is a participating institution in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Students who started with Columbia College full-time prior to fall 2020 and are permanent residents of Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin will receive a 10 percent tuition-only grant upon admission to the College. This grant is renewable annually for up to six additional semesters with full-time enrollment.

Out of State Award

Students who have a permanent address outside of Missouri may be eligible for this award. This award is renewable annually for up to six additional semesters with full-time enrollment. 

Phi Theta Kappa Grant 

Incoming transfer students during the 2020-2021 academic year, who were a member of Phi Theta Kappa could have been considered for this award. 

This grant is renewable annually up to six additional semesters with a cumulative 2.75 Columbia College GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic or calendar year, depending on the start term of the student (See Table 1 for the number of renewals).

ROTC Award

ROTC scholarship recipients are eligible for this award of 100 percent of basic, double occupancy room charges. Ten awards are available each year. Eligibility for this award is automatically applied upon receipt and confirmation of the student’s ROTC scholarship status through the appropriate ROTC department.

Two-in-Family Grant

Full-time students with an immediate family member (spouse, father, mother, son, daughter, brother, or sister) enrolled full-time at Columbia College are eligible. The tuition grant is worth $500 per year for Day Campus students. To verify eligibility, the student must apply for the grant each academic year using the Application for Institutional Aid available on CougarTrack. The student and their family member must be enrolled full-time each semester to continue to receive this grant.

Veteran’s Grant

Former U.S. military personnel enrolled full-time are eligible for this grant. The tuition only grant is worth $1,500 annually and renewable with continued full-time enrollment for up to an additional six semesters. Students must apply for the grant through the Application for Institutional Aid available on CougarTrack.

TALENT-BASED AID

Talent-based aid includes all institutional aid provided to day students in return for a talent they bring to the college. Students with talent in such areas as art, music, and athletics are eligible to compete for these awards/grants. The department chairs/directors determine the recipients of these awards/grants. Contact the Admissions Office for more information. All renewal is determined by the appropriate academic or athletic department.

Athletic Award

This grant is selectively awarded by the Athletic Department to students participating in one of the college’s 19 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) athletic programs and eSports. The value of the award can be up to cost of tuition and standard room and board in combination with federal grants, state grants, all other forms of institutional aid and outside assistance; the grant is renewable through the Athletic Department but is signed as a one-year agreement. Columbia College competes in the NAIA in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s cross-country, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, women’s volleyball, competitive cheer, competitive dance, women’s softball, women’s bowling, men’s lacrosse and men’s baseball.

Student Employment

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 the application process is available from the Student Employment Coordinator, Human Resources.

College Work Program

This institutional program provides funding for jobs for student employment. Students work on campus earning minimum wage or above. Work Program eligible students are not guaranteed employment. Students must meet and continue making satisfactory academic progress for employment eligibility. Students must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student and attend at least part-time. If a student should withdraw from all classes, the student is no longer eligible for employment. Students cannot exceed their student employment award. Information regarding open positions and the application process is available from the Student Employment Coordinator, Human Resources.

Stipends

This institutional program provides funding for jobs for student employment. Students work on campus earning a set amount based on the stipend program. Students must complete all stipend requirements to earn the set amount of funds. Students must be enrolled as degree-seeking and attending at least part-time. If a student should withdraw from all classes, the student is no longer eligible for employment. Columbia College has various stipends available to students including athletic trainers and Emerging Leaders. More information is available from the Student Employment Coordinator, Human Resources.

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. Missouri residents may email info@vr.dese.mo.gov. 

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’s 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 veterans education benefit programs. For additional information and application materials, contact the Ousley Family Veterans Service’s 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.

Education Abroad Programs

Education abroad information can be found here. Federal financial aid may also be available for Education Abroad Programs. Information regarding individual eligibility is available from the Enrollment Service Center.

Coursework at Other Colleges

A student may be eligible to receive financial aid for courses that apply to the student’s degree that the student enrolls in at another school. A student may complete a Consortium Permission Request form, located on CougarTrack, and submit it to Enrollment Service Center (ESC) to be reviewed for eligibility. The form must be received in ESC at least three weeks before the course at the other college begins. For more information, contact ESC.

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 website: web.ccis.edu/offices/financialaid.