Scholarships for traditional students
We offer generous scholarships based on academic merit and other varying factors. Scholarships are awarded to both U.S. and international students.
Columbia College aims to provide financial aid packages that meets the needs of our students. For information regarding additional funding opportunities, please contact your enrollment counselor.
All Columbia College scholarships and grants are awarded based on availability of funds.
Questions? Contact your enrollment counselor at Admissions@CCIS.edu for more information about scholarships and eligibility.
Incoming freshman scholarships
Automatic merit-based scholarships
Merit scholarships are based on a sliding scale and determined by academic achievement. Students should submit their high school transcripts and a test score to be reviewed for the highest possible scholarship. If no test score available, then we will consider GPA alone up to CC Distinction level.
The FAFSA External link, while highly encouraged, is not required for review for scholarships.
1Four-year value is potential total dollar amount at the end of four years, if scholarship renewal requirements are met each year.
Appeals may be made for a fifth year renewal, dependent on major & other holistic factors.
Competitive scholarships
Awarded during Scholarship Day to new incoming freshmen. Students must be admitted with a minimum 3.0 High School GPA to compete. Fall semester start only.
New freshman competitive scholarships for 2022-2023
Scholarship name |
Annual award amount(s) |
Four-year value |
Presidential Scholarship |
$24,806 (annual full tuition) |
$99,224 |
Provost Scholarship |
$18,605 (75% annual tuition) |
$74,420 |
Diversity Excellence Award |
Varies |
Varies |
First Generation Achievement Award |
Varies |
Varies |
Outstanding Leadership & Service Award |
Varies |
Varies |
Transfer scholarships
Automatic merit-based transfer scholarships
Merit scholarships for transfer students are based on availability of funds and determined by cumulative GPA or all post-high school credit completed. New transfer students coming to Columbia College after having successfully completed at least 24 college credits. Students should submit all college transfer credits to be reviewed for the highest possible scholarship.
The FAFSA External link, while highly encouraged, is not required for review for scholarships.
2022-2023 Merit-based incoming transfer scholarship overview
2Based on the number of college credit hours accumulated by the student prior to starting in the Day program (earned post high school completion).
Appeals may be made for a three-year renewal, dependent on major & other holistic factors.
Semester Hours |
Maximum Semesters of Renewal |
Less than 30 |
6 |
30 to 59.9 |
4 |
60 or more |
2 |
Additional Columbia College aid
Students may also be available for additional awards dependent on affiliation, location, talent or other factors. Eligibility for each award varies. Please note: institutional aid is stackable but may not exceed the cost of tuition. Renewability years vary based on freshman/transfer status upon admission.
Additional aid based on varying factors and review
Scholarship name |
Award amount(s) |
Four-year value |
A+ Recognition Award
|
$1,500 |
$6,000 |
Alumni Legacy Grant
|
$1,000 |
$4,000 |
Disciples of Christ (DOC) Award
|
$1,000
|
$4,000
|
Music/Art Talent Award
|
$1,000-2,000
|
$4,000-8-000
|
Out-of-State Award
|
$2,800
|
$11,200
|
Two-in-Family
|
$500
|
$2,000
|
Athletic aid
This scholarship is selectively awarded by the Athletic Department to a student participating in one of the college’s 17 NAIA athletic programs and eSports.
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, women’s softball, and men’s baseball. In addition, Columbia College also participates in NAIA recognized men’s lacrosse and women’s bowling.
Athletes are eligible for academic merit aid. If eligible, athletes may qualify to receive need-based aid, as well. The FAFSA External link, while highly encouraged, is not required for review for scholarships.
Art/Music Talent Scholarship
The Art/Music Talent Scholarship is available to incoming students committed to majoring or minoring in Art or Music. Students must apply for the award.
Learn more about this opportunity
Application for art External link
Application for music External link
Honors Scholarship
The Honors Scholarship is available to high achieving incoming students who participate in the Honors program. Students who are accepted into the program will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters with full time enrollment in Day classes and continued enrollment in the Honors program.
Learn more about the Honors program
Need-based aid
Need-based aid is institutional aid awarded based on a student’s financial need. The Ivy Grant amount is based on a student’s calculated financial need, and can only be applied toward tuition. In order to be considered for this grant, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA External link). The student’s expected family contribution (EFC) will be calculated from the FAFSA. This along with any other Columbia College scholarships and awards, will be used to determine if the student has any unmet need remaining.
Federal & State Financial Aid
Federal and state financial aid may also be available to students. In order to consider eligibility for this aid, a student must file the FAFSA. As noted in each scholarship section, federal financial aid & state aid will be applied to your student account before institutional aid.