search

popular searches

Admission requirements Financial Aid deadlines Tuition Faculty directory Course schedule Study abroad Advising Online resources Student Success Coaches Admissions Dates & Deadlines
Two Columbia College graduates smiling while surrounded by other graduates at commencement.

Scholarship Day

Columbia College hosts an annual Scholarship Day, a unique interview competition specifically designed for incoming students, offering you an opportunity to secure funding to assist with college expenses. Each year, we proudly award a diverse range of scholarships. The successful candidates will be unveiled in December.

The competition is held at our primary campus in Columbia, Missouri. Throughout this special day, our dedicated faculty, staff, and current students will be on hand to address any queries you might have. Additionally, we'll be providing insights into our degree programs, student organizations, residential living, and community-centric activities.

Parents and guardians are not only welcome, but actively encouraged to take part in Scholarship Day. We provide sessions for them that run concurrently throughout the morning.

Event Details

Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. in New Hall Lobby. The event will begin at 9 a.m. and end around 1 p.m. Free parking will be available across campus. Directional signage will be provided.

Students will be greeted by campus officials and student ambassadors during the Welcome Presentation and Breakfast. Students will then begin the interview competitions, while parents and guardians learn more about campus resources available to students.

Columbia College representatives conduct interviews with each student individually. Admissions staff and student ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions throughout the event. Lunch will be provided to students and families after interviews are completed.

See campus map

Eligibility

New freshmen students are eligible to compete if they have been admitted to the Columbia College traditional Day program for Fall 2026. Admitted students must have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.

Required Application Materials

Complete the free online Columbia College Admissions application. Submit all required documents in order to be admitted. Additionally, all materials listed below must be submitted to admissions@ccis.edu by November 17th to be eligible for the competition.

  • Resume of high school, community and leadership activities
  • One letter of recommendation
  • A 300-500 personal statement 
    • In this goal statement, please elaborate on why you are an excellent candidate for one (or more) of below awards and why you will be an outstanding member of the Columbia College community. Be sure to provide information that may not be reflected in your resume or transcript. This statement will be reviewed by the scholarship committee as part of the competition.

Once all documents are turned in, the student will receive their interview time. Please wear business professional clothing for this event

Scholarships Available

Every year, Columbia College takes pride in offering a broad spectrum of scholarships to our students. These financial aid packages are designed to recognize and support a variety of talents, skills, and backgrounds.

  • Full tuition scholarship awarded to one student 
  • Requirements: 3.7 cumulative high school GPA and minimum 27 ACT 
  • 75% tuition scholarship awarded to two students. 
  • Requirements:  3.7 cumulative high school GPA and minimum 27 ACT 
  • Requirements: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA

Number of awards and amounts vary. Students who are considered first generation, defined by the following are encouraged to compete: Individuals whose both parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree or any individual who regularly reside with and received support from only one parent and such parent did not complete a baccalaureate degree.

  • Requirements: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA

Number of awards and amounts vary. Students who demonstrate solid high school academic preparation, exceptional leadership qualities, and have shown their commitment to inclusion and equity in their service through support, volunteering, or engagement activities are encouraged to compete for this scholarship.

because a future built by you is a future built for you.

Too many people have been made to feel that higher education isn’t a place for them — that it is someone else’s dream. But we change all that. With individualized attention and ongoing support, we help you write a new story for the future where you play the starring role.

request info visit campus apply register for classes