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 student’s award. 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 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 is the same as Pell Grant amount and is adjusted for less than full-time enrollment.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

SEOG is a grant available for undergraduates based on the financial need of the student. To be eligible students must be receiving Pell. Columbia College is only given a limited amount of funding for SEOG. 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 to students subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans; 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 loan counseling, Direct loan master promissory note, and submission of eAward for loan to be certified. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible for loan disbursement.

• Subsidized Direct loan is need based. The US Department of Education pays the interest while a student is in school at least half time, during a period of deferment. Effective July 1, 2013 new borrowers are limited to 150% of their academic program to receive subsidized loans. Students who lose eligibility for additional subsidized loans and who subsequently enroll in the same program or another program of equal or shorter duration lose interest subsidy of subsidized loans received after July 1, 2013.
• Unsubsidized Direct loans are available for students who do not have financial need and for amounts beyond subsidized loan limit 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 ). Parent must complete PLUS loan data sheet and PLUS master promissory note for loan to be certified. 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 Direct Loan Annual Limits).

State Financial Aid

Access Missouri

This grant is available to residents of Missouri, based on financial need. Application is made by completing the FAFSA before April 1 (the spring before the academic year begins). 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 standards of academic progress). Renewal is not automatic; renewal is based on financial need and FAFSA application being completed before April 1 (the spring before the academic year begins). A student may not receive Access for more than 10 semesters.

Bright Flight Scholarship

Students who are Missouri high school graduates who 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. To apply, students should contact the State of Missouri Department of Higher Education, high school guidance counselors or the Enrollment Service Center at Columbia College.

Renewable for four years with full-time enrollment and 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 standards of academic progress).

Missouri Minority Teacher Scholarship

Through this program, students enrolled in approved teacher education programs receive loans to assist with educational expenses. For students who meet all of the program’s obligations, the loan is forgiven through conversion to a scholarship. This scholarship is available to minority students who rank in the top 25% of their class or on the ACT/SAT and intend to pursue teacher certification. Columbia College provides $1,000 of the award that is given by the State of Missouri. Applications are available from high school counselors or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Scholarship applications may be obtained from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website: http://www.dhe.mo.gov/ppc/grants/. Application deadline is June 1.

ROTC Scholarship

Students who are interested in Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC programs are eligible for this scholarship. The award provides $150 monthly and supplies funding for tuition (in varying amounts), books and fees. Two and three-year scholarships are available. Contact the Admissions Office.

Scholarships, Grants and Awards

NOTE: The following information applies to students admitted or re-admitted to the Day Campus during or after the 2015-16 Academic Year (August 2015 - May 2016).  Students in attendance during the 2014-15 Academic Year (August 2015 to May 2015) are held to the rules and policies in the Scholarships, Grants and Awards section of the 2014-15 Day Campus Catalog.

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 to students of high 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. These awards are competitive and are primarily based on academic performance.

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.

Students are considered for competitive awards based on academic and qualitative information. Only full-time Day Campus students are eligible to be considered for the following 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. The aid (to include scholarships, grants and awards) cannot be used for any summer session expenses unless otherwise specified.

The amount of institutional aid is limited to tuition, fees, on-campus basic, double occupancy room, on-campus board and textbooks purchased through a campus book voucher; the actual expense the aid is available to cover varies and is identified in the specific aid documentation. Students are automatically awarded the highest value scholarship earned unless otherwise requested by the recipient.

Scholarship recipients not receiving federal or state aid who also receive external private scholarships may receive the full value of the private scholarship unless otherwise stated by the organization giving the scholarship. Any fees incurred by the recipients (single room, lab fees, etc.) will be deducted from the private scholarship. If the private scholarship is restricted to tuition, room and/or board, the recipient cannot receive a refund of any unused scholarship funds.

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).

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 term, one session 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 CC Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship 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 3 years of renewal eligibility; incoming transfer students will have 1-3 years of renewal eligibility.

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 just 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 Award, Military Spouse Tuition Grant, Athletic Award and Two-in-Family Grant.

Other forms of aid are automatically awarded when a set criteria is met for continuing the aid in the subsequent academic period. Examples of this type of aid include, but are not limited to: the Dean’s Excellence, Founder’s Achievement, 1851 Collegiate and Trustee Recognition Scholarships. If the automatic renewal criteria for these types of aid are not met, the aid is lost. For example, a student receives a Founder’s Achievement Scholarship as an entering freshman. Following their freshman year, the student has a cumulative CC GPA of 2.8; they have failed to meet the renewal GPA criterion of 3.0 for the scholarship and it is lost. 

Endowed Scholarships and Awards

Students may benefit from awards and scholarships established through gifts and donations from private individuals, alumni, companies and/or foundations. Eligibility is based on criteria established by the donor and Columbia College. Criteria may include: academic achievement, intended major, community service, financial need or place of residence. A few of these scholarships and awards are included in this section of the catalog.

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.

General Aid

The following forms of institutional aid are available to all 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 identified.  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 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 valued at $5,000 annually to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. Visit the Scholarship Finder on the CCIS website for the calculated index.

This scholarship is renewable annually for three additional years with a 3.00 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College per academic year.

Columbia College Scholarship

This is a competitive award. The top five students are selected at Scholarship Days to receive the college’s most prestigious scholarship which includes full tuition, and on-campus room and board. New freshman applicants with a minimum 3.5 high school GPA and minimum 26 ACT (or equivalent test) are eligible to compete at Scholarship Days for this scholarship. To participate in Scholarship Days, applicants must complete the admission process, submit two letters of recommendation, and submit a résumé of school/community activities.

Scholarship Day activities include a written essay and an interview with Columbia College faculty members and administrators. The scholarship is renewable annually for three additional years with a 3.6 Columbia College cumulative GPA and 30 semester hours earned at Columbia College per academic year. The Columbia College Scholarship is coordinated with federal and/or state need-based aid. In no case will the student receive less than tuition, room and board as a total aid package. Columbia College Scholarship recipients not receiving federal or state need-based aid who also receive external private scholarships may receive the full value of the private scholarship unless otherwise stated by the organization giving the scholarship. Any fees incurred by the recipient (single room, phone charges, lab fees, etc.) will be deducted from the private scholarship. If the scholarship is payable to the College only, or if the scholarship is restricted (e.g., books only) the recipient cannot receive a refund.

Recipients of the Columbia College Scholarship who receive Resident Assistant Award or the Student Government Association Award may receive up to $400 per semester book voucher.

Dean’s Excellence Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship valued at $10,000 annually to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. Visit the Scholarship Finder on the CCIS website for the calculated index.

 This scholarship is renewable annually for three additional years with a 3.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year.

Founder’s Achievement Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship valued at $8,500 annually to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. Visit the Scholarship Finder on the CCIS website for the calculated index.

 This scholarship is renewable annually for three additional years with a 3.25 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Scholarship

This is a competitive award. New transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members may compete for this 100 percent tuition-only scholarship. Applicants must be transferring to Columbia College from a community college with an Associate in Arts or an Associate in Science degree or at least 60 transferable semester hours with a 3.6 cumulative grade point average. The scholarship is renewable for one year with a 3.6 Columbia College cumulative Columbia College grade point average and 30 semester hours earned at Columbia College.

Presidential Scholarship

This is a competitive award. Five students are selected annually at Scholarship Days to receive this full tuition-only scholarship. New freshman applicants with a minimum 3.5 cumulative high school GPA (GED equivalent) and a minimum 26 ACT (or equivalent SAT) are eligible to compete for this scholarship.

This scholarship is renewable annually for three additional years with a 3.6 Columbia College cumulative GPA and 30 semester hours earned at Columbia College per academic year. Recipients of the Presidential Scholarship who receive Resident Assistant aid or the Student Government Association Award may receive up to $400 per semester for a book voucher.

Study Abroad Scholarship

This is a competitive award. Current full-time sophomores and juniors who are planning to attend an approved study abroad program may be eligible for a study abroad scholarship of varying amounts; application is completed through the Study Abroad Program Coordinator. Students must have 3.0 cumulative GPA and at least 15 semester hours of coursework at Columbia College at time of application. A 300-500 word essay explaining their interest and goals of studying abroad is required. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need and those without prior study abroad experience.

Students receiving an award must agree to be a Columbia College Study Abroad Ambassador while they are studying abroad and following their return. During their experience, award recipients must document their experiences, such as through a journal, blog or photos that could be posted on the Columbia College Study Abroad website. Following their return, recipients will be expected to work a minimum number of hours for the Study Abroad Program Coordinator helping promote Study Abroad to other students. The number of hours of service required is contingent on the size of the award received.

Students must return to Columbia College for at least one semester immediately following their experience. This scholarship is not renewable.

Transfer Achievement Scholarship

This transfer student scholarship is a merit scholarship valued at $8,000 annually 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 for three additional years with a 3.25 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year.

Transfer Excellence Scholarship

This transfer student scholarship is a merit scholarship valued at $10,000 annually 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 for up to three additional years with a 3.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year.

Transfer Recognition Scholarship

This transfer student scholarship is a merit scholarship valued at $2,500 annually 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 for up to three additional years with a 2.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year.

Trustee Recognition Scholarship

This freshman scholarship is a merit scholarship valued at $2,500 annually to be used towards tuition.  Merit scholarships are calculated based on a combination of GPA and test scores. Visit the Scholarship Finder on the CCIS website for the calculated index.

This scholarship is renewable annually for three additional years with a 2.50 or higher Columbia College cumulative GPA and 27 or more semester hours earned at Columbia College the previous academic year.

Freshman Merit Scholarship Eligibility

Table 2

*The calculated index (CI) is determined by the Admissions Office after submission of a student’s high school transcripts and ACT (or equivalent test) score.

** All grade point averages (GPA’s) are cumulative

Transfer Merit Scholarship Eligibility

Table 3

* All grade point averages (GPA’s) are cumulative

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 un-met need remaining and an Ivy Grant will be awarded. 

The grant will remain the same as long as the student continues to attend Columbia College full-time.  If a student’s level of need changes drastically, the student can appeal for a recalculation through the Student Success Department.

In order for a student to be eligible for the Ivy Grant 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, valid citizenship.
• Meet federal requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Resolve dependency status issues (i.e. orphan, ward of court, legal guardianship, emancipated, homeless)
• Not be on a Columbia College athletic roster

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+ Program Grant

This grant is awarded to students who completed the Missouri A+ Program; this tuition-only grant is valued at $500. The grant is renewable for up to three additional years with full-time status and good academic standing.

Alumni Legacy Grant

Children and or grandchildren of alumni who earned an associate, bachelors or master’s degree at Columbia or Christian College are eligible for this $1,000 tuition-only grant. This grant is renewable annually for three additional years with good academic standing.

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 the associate 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 education courses.

Students are required to pay lab fees and purchase textbooks associated with the 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 Institutional Aid Application (available online). 

Disciples of Christ Pastoral Award

Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) members who are nominated by their ministers are eligible for these $1,000 tuition-only awards. 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 three additional years with a 2.5 cumulative GPA and full-time status.

EAP Tuition Grant

A 15 percent tuition-only grant is available to full-time English for Academic Purposes (EAP) new freshmen or transfer students enrolled in at least 12 semester hours of the following courses: EAPP 100, EAPP 101, EAPP 102, EAPP 103, EAPP 104 or EAPP 105. The grant is awarded to students who are new to Columbia College and is applied during the first two semesters the student is enrolled in the ESL sequence. This grant is not renewable.

International Exchange Student Grant

Students who attend Columbia College from universities or colleges that maintain an active exchange agreement with Columbia College may receive a tuition waiver on a one-for-one basis. Conditions of agreement apply. Columbia College currently maintains active exchange agreements with Jeju National University (South Korea), Kongju National University (South Korea), Konkuk University (South Korea), Rangsit University (Thailand), Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen Business School (Scotland) and the University of Shiga Prefecture (Japan).

International Student Grant

Students who attend Columbia College from Kongju National University (South Korea) receive a 30 percent tuition grant upon admission to the college, renewable annually for three additional years with good academic standing and 27 semester hours earned.

Midwest Student Exchange Grant

Columbia College is a participating institution in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Students who are permanent residents of Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wisconsin receive a 10 percent tuition-only grant upon admission to the College. This grant is renewable annually for up to three additional years with good academic standing.

Military Spouse Tuition Grant

The spouse of an active duty, Guard or Reserve servicemember of any U.S. military service is eligible for this 20 percent tuition grant for in-seat courses. To be eligible, a student must be able to show a valid military spouse ID or other documentation that confirms marriage to a military member and be in good academic standing. Eligibility must be renewed by completing a Military Grant Application each academic year.

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 by the appropriate ROTC department.

Silver Citizen Grant

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.

Two-in-Family Grant

Full-time students with an immediate family member 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 Institutional Aid Application available online. The student must be in good academic standing to receive this grant.

Veteran’s Grant

Former U.S. military personnel are eligible for this non-renewable grant. The tuition grant is available for $800. Students must apply for the grant through Institutional Aid Application available online or through the Ousley Family Veterans Service Center.

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 student-athletes participating in one of the college’s 12 NAIA Division I athletic programs. The value of the award is up to cost of tuition and room and board; the grant is renewable through the Athletic Department. Columbia College competes in NAIA Division I 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 track and field, women’s volleyball and women’s softball.

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. Student 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.

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 attending 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 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 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, Emerging Leaders, etc. More information is available from the Student Employment Coordinator.

Outside Sources

Alternative Loan Program

Students who do not have federal loan eligibility may apply for an alternative loan. These loans are credit based. 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 write to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

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 Veterans Coordinator, Columbia College, (573) 875-7504.

GI 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 Columbia College Veterans Certifying Official, (573) 875-7504, vacert@ccis.edu.

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.

Study Abroad Programs

Study Abroad Scholarship information can be found here. Federal financial aid may also be available for Study 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 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) 875-7390.

Additional financial aid is available at Columbia College’s web site: www.ccis.edu.