Financial aid is monetary assistance to help the student meet the expenses of attending college. Aid may be in the form of grants, student employment, loans, scholarships, types of outside assistance or a combination thereof.
Grants
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).
Student Employment
The College provides jobs for students on campus through institutional and federally-funded programs. Student employment is limited based on the available positions. Students are paid minimum wage or above. Information is available through Human Resources.
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 through 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 through Human Resources.
Loans
A loan is a type of financial assistance that must be repaid when a student graduates or is no longer enrolled at least half-time in college, depending on the terms of the loan. Students must sign a promissory note (legal agreement to repay) for any loan monies received. The promissory note contains detailed information about terms, responsibilities, and repayment of loans.
Direct Loan Program
This program provides unsubsidized loans to eligible students who complete the Free Application for Federal Aid annually. 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. The student is responsible for paying back the principle of the loan along with any interest that accrues.
Direct PLUS Loan Program
This is a credit-based unsubsidized loan made to graduate students (Graduate PLUS) and parents of dependent post-baccalaureate students. This loan must be repaid. Students must access their Direct Loan eligibility first before they are eligible for the Graduate PLUS loans. Graduate PLUS loan award amounts are available for the difference between the Cost of Attendance less than other aid and Direct Loans. Graduate PLUS Loans are only available to Full and Conditional Admit graduate students.
Private Loan Program
Students who do not have federal loan eligibility or are looking for additional loan options may apply for a credit-based private loan. Additional information is available on the financial aid website.
Outside Sources
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 contact info@vr.dese.mo.gov.
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 education benefit programs. For additional information and application materials, contact the Ousley Family Veterans Service’s Center at (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.
Scholarships
Scholarships, awards, and grants are forms of “gift” assistance that do not require repayment. Institutional aid is generally intended for tuition assistance. Endowed scholarships and awards are made through the generous gifts of alumni and friends of Columbia College. These awards are competitive and are primarily based on academic performance. Generally, scholarships, awards, and grants are non-need based forms of financial assistance.
Due to federal regulations, scholarships and awards may be affected if you are receiving federal and/or state financial aid.
If you have questions about the College’s financial aid program, contact the Center for Student Success for assistance at (573) 875-7252.
Additional financial aid information is available at Columbia College’s website: Financial Aid.
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