Columbia Central

How to Apply for Aid

Your starting point for applying for any type of financial aid: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA. You can submit the FAFSA as early as October 1 for the following academic year. For more information, visit fafsa.gov. 

The FAFSA collects information about you as the student, as well as parents of dependent students, regarding income, number of family members in the household, and the number of family members in college. Columbia uses the result of the FAFSA to determine the amount of assistance provided to you for your education. 

• Prospective and Admitted

  To apply for need-based scholarships, all you need to do is submit a FAFSA and your application to Columbia. Once you're admitted to the school, we'll send you a Financial Aid Award Letter.

  To apply for talent-based aid, submit a portfolio of your best creative work.

  Undocumented students who meet Illinois residency criteria are also encouraged to apply for the MAP Grant by completing the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. This application can also be completed by transgender students who have been denied federal financial aid.

  For additional scholarship information, visit our external scholarships page.

• Current

  You must submit a FAFSA every year to be considered for need-based financial aid. 

  If you are selected to complete the Verification Process, you will need to do so in order to receive your Financial Aid Award Letter. Your Award Letter will sent to you 7-10 days after you are notified that you have completed the Verification Process. You can also find your Award Letter by logging into your MyColumbia portal.

  Undocumented students who meet Illinois residency criteria are also encouraged to apply for the MAP Grant by completing the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. This application can also be completed by transgender students who have been denied federal financial aid.

  For additional scholarship information, visit our external scholarships page.