Resources for Parents & Family

Student Financial Services recognizes that financing a higher education is a collaborative effort involving not only the student but their support network.  In light of this, we offer several services for those closely associated with the management of your student’s account.  We offer these services as a supplement to student services and recommend that both the student and his or her support network utilize all of the services available to them at all times.

Virtual Advisor & the SFS Website    

Virtual Advisor and the SFS website are internet resources available online at www.colum.edu/sfs.  Utilize these resources to research your financial options, find answers to general questions and download financial aid forms.  You and your support network can use this service any time, day or night, to help you navigate through the SFS website.

CCCPay-Authorized Payer Access

CCCPay is Columbia’s electronic billing and payment system.  Students may elect to authorize to up to ten Authorized Payers (third-party users) access to their student account.  Authorized Payers may view billing statements, print past history, sign up for email notification, make payments on the student’s behalf, and receive electronic refund disbursements.  For CCCPay Authorized Payer please click here to make a payment.

Toll-Free Consultation Line

Questions that cannot be answered by utilizing the Self Service Resources and Outreach Services can be directed to the Toll-Free Consultation Line at 1.866.705.0200.  The SFS Toll-Free Consultation Line is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M.  Phone consultants are available to guide you on account specific questions and will assess if your question needs to be referred to a counselor for a Specialized Consultation.

Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Office of Student Financial Services operates within the guidelines of the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA.)  This act was created to protect student information and data.  For information on how to access student information within the parameters of FERPA, please visit the Student Handbook Policy & Procedures webpage.

Students who want to give parents, or any other individuals, permission to have access to their academic and/or financial information, must complete an Authorization to Release Information Form and submit it to the Records Office, 600 S Michigan, Room 611. Please be aware that this release is for inquiries and discussion purposes only.

Additional Parent & Resources

Columbia College invites parents and family to partner with their student to take advantage of all Columbia has to offer. We encourage you to explore our Parent website and familiarize yourself with the opportunities and resources available to assist your son or daughter in making the most of Columbia College’s community.