Columbia Central

Scholarships

Scholarships are aid that you don't have to pay back—think of them as a gift. They are usually intended to be used for tuition expenses. There are many types of scholarships, from a variety of sources. 

For more information, visit our scholarships section. 

• Incoming Undergraduate Students

  Columbia offers renewable scholarships to incoming freshmen and transfer students. If you're interested in being considered for a Columbia scholarship, complete your undergraduate admission for application.

  For financial need-based aid for 2023-24, submit a FAFSA starting October 1, 2022. 

  For talent-based aid, submit a portfolio of your best creative work by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Submissions will not be accepted after this date.

  Note: while scholarships are typically awarded to students who start in the Fall semester, there are a limited number of scholarships available if you begin in the spring.

• Continuing Undergraduate Students

  Columbia offers scholarships to support sophomores, juniors, and seniors, both at a college-wide level and within individual departments.

  Use the scholarship finder to see a list of scholarships and for eligibility and application requirements. You can also apply online through your MyColumbia portal.

• Graduate Students

  If you complete the admissions application by the program deadline, you're automatically considered for a Graduate Assistantship Award. This award provides up to full tuition based on the duration of the program and the strength of your admissions application. International students are eligible.

  You can also use the scholarship finder to see a list of scholarships and for eligiblity and application requirements. You can also apply online through your MyColumbia portal.

Loans

Loans are borrowed money that you can use for college. Your loans must be paid back, along with any interest that may accumulate on them.

Federal loans, which have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private student loans, are an investment in your future and can be a great way to pay for school.

For more detailed information about federal loan options, visit our Federal Loans page. For more information about private loans, visit our Private Loans page.

Are you an admitted transfer student? Are you a current undergraduate student? Find out what you might need to know when applying for loans.

• Undergraduate Students

  You can take out direct loans to pay for your college education. There are a few options:

  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: You are not responsible for interest on your loans until you begin paying them back. While you're in school, and during periods of deferment, interest is paid by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: You are responsible for all interest, which will begin accumulating while you're in school. 

  Parents of dependent undergraduate students can also take out Federal Direct Plus Loans to pay for their children's expenses. 

• Graduate Students

  As a graduate student, you have several options for loans:

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: You are responsible for all interest on the loan, which will begin accumulating while you're in school.
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loans: You are responsible for all interest on the loan, which will begin accumulating while you're in school. 

Grants

A grant is a form of aid that generally does not need to be repaid if you finish each semester.

• Undergraduate Students

  Undergraduate, students who demonstrate financial need on their FAFSA application may be eligible for grants. These can include:

  • Federal grants, including the Federal Pell Grant
  • State grants, like the MAP Grant 
  • Institutional grants from Columbia

  For more detailed information about specific grants, visit our Grants page. 

Work Study

Federal work study is a federally funded program that provides part-time jobs to eligible degree-seeking students. Students must meet requirements, including demonstrating financial need, to be considered for work study.

For more information, visit our work study page.