Financial Aid and Scholarships

Day Program

Financial aid is monetary assistance to help the student meet the expenses of attending college. Aid may be in the form of grants, scholarships, work, loans or a combination of thereof.

Applying for Financial Aid

1. Complete an application for admission and submit it with the one-time $25 application fee to the Admissions Office. (Applies to first-time students only). The fee is waived for fall semester applicants who apply by January 1 and spring semester applicants who apply by October 1.
2. Complete the Columbia College Financial Assistance and Scholarship Application and return it to the Financial Aid office.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and indicate the Columbia College school code, 002456. The FAFSA can be obtained from a high school counselor or the Financial Aid Office. Students can also apply by accessing the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
   The FAFSA is used to gather information about the financial resources of a student and his or her family. From this information, a parent contribution (for dependent students) and a student contribution are calculated. These two figures together total the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for federal aid purposes. State aid is also awarded based on information obtained from the FAFSA. The FAFSA must be processed by the U.S. Department of Education, Central Processor, by April 1 in order to be considered for state aid.
4. Submit certain documentation, such as a copy of the family¡s federal tax forms, prior to receiving federal aid, if selected for verification.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

The Columbia College Financial Assistance and Scholarship Application determines eligibility for institutional forms of aid while the FAFSA determines the student¡s eligibility for federal need based financial aid. Institutional aid is offered in the form of scholarships and awards and is based on the student¡s academic achievement, performance or special talent. When the FAFSA is submitted, the federal government analyzes student and family income, family size and assets to determine financial need. Most federal and state aid is based on financial need.

To receive the maximum amount of aid from most federal and state programs, students must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours per semester. To be eligible for institutional funds, students must enroll full-time (12 semester hours or more) per semester. The Federal Pell Grant can be prorated for less than full-time enrollment. Students are required to be enrolled at least half-time (6 semester hours) per semester for Federal Stafford Loan eligibility.

To be eligible for federal and state financial aid and institutional academic awards (excluding Honors and Awards Convocation), students must be:

1. U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
2. Pursuing a degree or diploma. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible for federal financial aid. If students earned previously an undergraduate degree, they are not eligible for institutional aid.
3. Making satisfactory academic progress.

Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress

According to United States Department of Education regulations and Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education policy, all students applying for federal and/or state financial assistance must maintain satisfactory academic progress in a degree program to receive funding. Satisfactory progress is measured in terms of qualitative, quantitative, and maximum time standards. Once a student receives financial aid, all course work in prior terms is applied to these standards.

Qualitative Measure

Quantitative Measure

Repeated courses will add total hours attempted but not hours completed; the grade will simply be replaced. The new grade will be included in the GPA calculation, which will be considered when progress is again checked.
Total withdrawals result in automatic Financial Aid suspension, and are subject to the same reinstatement and/or appeal procedures.

Maximum Time Measure

Financial Aid Probation and Suspension

If placed on Financial Aid Suspension, notification will be sent to the student and all forms of Title IV federal and state aid will be withdrawn for the next term in which the student enrolls. The Financial Aid Office will review the academic progress of financial aid recipients twice per academic year: once in December and again in May. Please read the reinstatement and appeal policies that follow.

Reinstatement

1. The student completes courses in one or more terms at Columbia College with the cumulative GPA at the required standard.
2. The student files an appeal and the Campus Hearing Board approves the appeal (see appeal procedures below).

Appeal Procedure

• Death of an immediate family member
• Severe injury or illness of the student or an immediate family member
• Emergency situations such as fire or flood
• Legal separation from spouse or divorce
• Military reassignment or required job transfers or shift changes

Students who do not meet the above criteria and/or cannot thoroughly document such situations, must reestablish eligibility through Reinstatement before any additional federal or state aid will be disbursed.

Students who do meet one of the above criteria may appeal using the following procedure:

1. The student submits a completed appeal packet to the Financial Aid Office, to the attention of the Director of Financial Aid (see instructions on completing the appeal packet).
2. The completed appeal packet is presented to the Campus Hearing Board for review.
3. The student is notified in writing of the committee's decision and recommendations.

The Appeal Packet

1. A Financial Aid Suspension Letter of Appeal (form can be obtained in the Financial Aid Office).
2. Documentation to support extenuating circumstance.

Incomplete packets will not be considered.

Determination of Financial Aid Award

Once the Expected Family Contribution and financial need have been determined, the student¡s information will be reviewed and a financial aid package prepared. The student will be offered a combination of financial aid that may consist of grants, scholarships, loans and employment through work-study funds, to meet unmet need. Students who qualify for need based aid may be offered the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work Study, Federal Family Education Loan Program and/or the Gallagher Grant (formerly the Missouri State Grant). Students may also qualify for institutional awards and scholarships. Institutional aid typically is applied to the cost of tuition and cannot exceed tuition, room and board for any given year.

Students are responsible for reporting to the Financial Aid Office all assistance received from outside sources, as federal law requires that all outside assistance be considered as part of the financial aid package. These types of assistance include such aid as Veteran¡s Benefits, outside scholarships, Vocational Rehabilitation or other state aid. Federal guidelines require that a student not exceed the Cost of Attendance in the amount of aid they receive.

Students who wish to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan or parents applying for a Federal PLUS loan should contact the Financial Aid office for an application. Loan amounts are determined from information received on the FAFSA. Students are eligible for one loan per grade level. If a student has less than an academic year (24 semester hours) remaining in their degree program, the loan will be prorated, per federal guidelines. This eligibility includes previous outstanding loan amounts at other institutions. Grade levels are determined as:

 

Grade Level	Cumulative Hours (toward degree)	Amount
1	0-23.9	$2,625
2	24-51.9	$3,500
3	52-83.9	$5,500
4	84+	$5,500

Notification of Award

Aid Disbursement

Except for employment through the Federal Work-Study Program, a student¡s financial aid is credited directly to their student account in the Student Accounts Office and applied to tuition, fees and housing costs each semester. Aid funds may be credited for other charges with authorization from the student.

Credit balances are disbursed to students through the Student Accounts Office. Federal Work-Study funds are paid in the form of bi-weekly paychecks on the 15th and last workday of the Student Accounts Office. Funds are paid for hours worked.

When a student registers for courses, he/she may deduct the amount of aid that has been awarded (except Federal Work-Study) from what is owed the College. If students financial aid awards exceed his/her charges, the student will receive a refund. Refund dates are posted and are available from the Student Accounts Office or Financial Aid Office. A student whose aid does not cover all expenses should be prepared to pay the difference from personal funds. Any student unable to do so is required to complete a deferred payment contract for the unpaid balance.

The Student Accounts Office has information on payment plans allowing students to extend payments over a prearranged period of time. For more information about the deferred payment plan, contact the Student Accounts Office, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers, Columbia, Missouri, 65216 or call (573) 875-7447.

Return of Title IV Funds

To conform with the policy, Columbia College must determine the student's withdrawal date. The withdrawal date is defined as:

1. the date the student began the withdrawal process or officially notified Columbia College of their intent to withdraw; or
2. the midpoint of the enrollment period for a student who leaves without notifying Columbia College.

The calculation required determines a student¡s earned and unearned Title IV aid based on the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the student. The percentage of the period that the student remained enrolled is derived by dividing the number of days the student attended by the number of days in the period. Calendar days (including weekends) are used, but breaks of at least five days are excluded from both the numerator and denominator.

Until a student has passed the 60% point of an enrollment period, only a portion of the student¡s aid has been earned. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point is considered to have earned all awarded aid for the enrollment period.

Earned aid is not related in any way to institutional charges. In addition, the College¡s refund policy and Return of Title IV Funds procedures are independent of one another. A student who withdraws from a course may be required to return unearned aid and still owe the College for the course. For more information on Columbia College withdrawal and institutional charges please refer to the Fees section of the Catalog.

The responsibility to repay unearned Title IV aid is shared by Columbia College and the student. For example, the calculation may require Columbia College to return a portion of Federal funds to the Federal Title IV programs. In addition, the student may also be required to return funds based on the calculation. A student returns funds to the Federal Stafford Loan programs based on the terms and conditions of the promissory note of the loan. A student who receives a Federal Pell Grant may be required to repay 50% of the funds received. The return of Federal aid is in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal Perkins loans, Federal PLUS (Parent) loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant).

A student who owes funds to a grant program is required to make payment of those funds within 45 days of being notified that he/she owes the overpayment. During the 45 day period students will remain eligible for Title IV funds. If no positive action is taken by the student within 45 days of being notified, Columbia College will notify the U.S. Department of Education of the student¡s overpayment situation. The student will no longer be eligible for Title IV funds until he/she enters into a satisfactory repayment agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.

During the 45-day period, the student can make full payment of the overpayment to Columbia College. The College will forward the payment to the U.S. Department of Education and the student will remain eligible for Title IV funds. Please make the check payable to Columbia College, attn: Director of Accounting, and attach the enclosed remittance coupon to assure proper credit.

If a student is unable to pay the overpayment in full, he/she can set up a repayment plan with the U.S. Department of Education. Before doing so, the student should contact the Columbia College Home Campus Financial Aid Office to confirm that his/her situation has been referred to the U.S. Department of Education before any repayment plan can be set up.

U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Programs
P.O. Box 4222
Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: 1-800-621-3115
E-mail: DCS_HELP@ed.gov

For examples of the Return of Title IV Funds calculations or questions regarding the overpayment policy, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Study Abroad Programs

Day Program Scholarships, Grants and Awards

All full-time freshmen and sophomore Day Program students (those with fewer than fifty-two semester hours completed) and all Day Program students receiving institutional aid must live on campus except:

• Married students
• Single parent students
• Students residing with parents in Boone County, Missouri, where such address is the sole, legal and permanent residence of parents.
• Students age 22 or older
• Recipients of special honors awards
• Military veterans as defined by federal guidelines

A student who completes 30 semester hours at Columbia College with a 3.4 cumulative grade point average is eligible for the Cornerstone, Keystone, or Capstone Scholarship based on total number of semester hours completed. The 30 semester hours do not include those generated by ESOL 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106; ENGL 107; and MATH 104 or 106.

A student may receive the ACE, Cornerstone, Keystone or Capstone Scholarship consecutively for one year each. Academic awards and grants are only available for four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate study.

Institutional Scholarships

Students are considered for competitive awards based on academic and subjective information.

Endowed and Heritage scholarships and awards are made available through the generous gifts of alumni and friends of Columbia College. These awards are competitive and are primarily based on academic performance.

New Freshmen Students

Achieving Curricular Excellence (ACE)
Students who are entering freshmen with a minimum 3.4 cumulative grade point average or a GED score of 290, plus a score of 24 on the ACT or 1110 SAT, are awarded this half-tuition scholarship. The award is renewable as the Cornerstone, Keystone or Capstone Scholarship with an average of 30 semester hours earned per academic year and a 3.4 cumulative grade point average in Columbia College coursework.

Alumni Legacy Grant
Children of alumnae/alumni who earned an associate, bachelor¡s or master¡s degree at Columbia or Christian College are eligible for this 15% tuition discount grant. Renewable with good academic standing earned in 30 semester hours per academic year.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Children of alumnae/alumni who earned an associate, bachelor¡s or master¡s degree at Columbia or Christian College are eligible for this 20% tuition discount scholarship. Recipients must be new freshmen with a minimum 26 ACT or 1180 SAT and a 3.5 high school grade point average or 304 GED or new transfer students with a 3.3 cumulative college grade point average. Renewable with 30 semester hours earned per academic year and a 3.3 Columbia College cumulative grade point average in Columbia College coursework.

Boone County Endowed Scholarship
New freshmen who are residents of Boone County with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or a GED score of 290 and a minimum ACT score of 22 or SAT cumulative score of 1030, may compete for these scholarships. One letter of recommendation is required from a leader of a community organization in which the student participates. At least one $1000 scholarship and one $500 scholarship are awarded annually. Renewable with a 2.5 Columbia College cumulative grade point average and continued involvement in the community.

Columbia College Scholarship
Five students are selected at Scholarship Day to receive this most prestigious award which includes full tuition, room and board. New freshmen applicants with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and minimum 25 ACT or 1140 SAT are eligible to compete at Scholarship Day. To participate in Scholarship Day, applicants must complete the admission process, submit two letters of recommendation and a resume of school/community activities. Scholarship Day activities include a written essay and an interview with Columbia College faculty members and administrators. The deadline to apply for the Columbia College Scholarship is February 15. Renewable for three additional years with a 3.5 cumulative GPA, 30 semester hours earned per academic year, and campus involvement.

Dillingham Family Scholarships
New freshmen who demonstrate academic and community leadership and who live in Clay or Platte County, Missouri are eligible to compete for these varying awards. Preference is given to students with artistic talent. Non-renewable.

Disciples of Christ Award
Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) members who are nominated by their ministers and who are first time students at Columbia College are eligible for these $1,000 awards. There is no limit per congregation. Renewable for three additional years with a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Leadership Award
New freshmen who demonstrate leadership in high school and/or community activities are eligible to compete for these awards which vary up to $1500. Preference may be given to students who have been involved in Girls/Boys State, Scouts or the Junior Miss Program. Renewable for three additional years with participation in leadership development activities, including involvement in a minimum of two campus organizations.

Mary Green Lozier Award
New freshmen with at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average may compete for varying amounts. Priority is given to Missouri residents who are members of the Christian Church (Disciples). Renewable for one year with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Midwest Student Exchange
Columbia College is a participating institution in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Students who are residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska receive a 10% tuition discount upon admission to the College. Renewable for three additional years with good academic standing.

Presidential Scholarship
Five students are selected at Scholarship Day to receive this full tuition award. New freshmen applicants with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and minimum 25 ACT or 1140 SAT are eligible to compete at Scholarship Day. The deadline to apply for the Presidential Scholarship is February 15. Renewable for three additional years with a 3.5 cumulative GPA, 30 semester hours earned per academic year, and campus involvement.

ROTC Award
ROTC scholarship recipients are eligible for 100% of room charges. Ten awards are available each year. Submit the ROTC scholarship award letter with the Columbia College Financial Assistance Application to the Financial Aid Office. ROTC students at Columbia College participate in conjunction with the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Althea Whitcraft Schiffman Scholarship
New freshmen and transfer students who show academic promise are eligible to compete for varying amounts. Renewable for three additional years with a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Silver Citizen Discount
The Silver Citizen Discount (50% tuition reduction) is available to students 65 years of age or older. Students are required to pay all other charges in connection with enrollment, coursework and graduation.

Lois Singletary Scholarship
New freshmen with a 3.0 Columbia College cumulative grade point average who show promise of academic success and leadership potential may compete for these varying awards. Non-renewable.

Talent Awards
Students with talent in art, music or athletics are eligible to compete for these awards. The department chair/director determines awards, which vary in amount. Contact the Admissions Office or the appropriate department directly for more information.

Two-in-Family
Full-time students with an immediate family member enrolled full-time at Columbia College are eligible. The grant is worth $500 per year, per student. Renewable with good academic standing.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship
New freshmen applicants ranked first or second in their high school class are awarded a $1000 non-renewable scholarship.

Veteran¡s Grant
Former U.S. military personnel are eligible for this need-based, non-renewable grant. The award is available for each six months of active service and is worth $200 (maximum $800).

New Transfer Students

Alumni Legacy Grant
Children of alumnae/alumni who earned an associate, bachelor¡s or master¡s degree at Columbia or Christian College are eligible for this 15% tuition discount grant. Renewable with good academic standing earned in 30 semester hours per academic year.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Children of alumnae/alumni who earned an associate, bachelor¡s or master¡s degree at Columbia or Christian College are eligible for this 20% tuition discount scholarship. Recipients must be new freshmen with a minimum 26 ACT or 1180 SAT and a 3.5 high school grade point average or 304 GED or new transfer students with a 3.3 cumulative college grade point average. Renewable with 30 semester hours earned per academic year and a 3.3 Columbia College cumulative grade point average in Columbia College coursework.

Associate Degree Transfer Grant
Students who transfer directly to Columbia College from a community college who have earned an associate degree with a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average are awarded this non-renewable $1,000 grant. Phi Theta Kappa and Community College Scholarship recipients are not eligible for this award.

Community College Scholarship
Students transferring from a community college with a 3.4 cumulative grade point average who have earned an associated degree or 60 transferable semester hours are awarded this half-tuition scholarship. Renewable for one year with a 3.4 cumulative Columbia College grade point average and 30 semester hours earned per academic year.

Disciples of Christ Award
Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) members who are nominated by their ministers and who are first time students at Columbia College are eligible for these $1,000 awards. Renewable for three additional years with a 2.5 cumulative GPA. There is no limit per congregation.

Freshman Transfer Award
Transfer students who have attended only one semester at another institution and have earned a 3.4 grade point average are awarded any automatic scholarships and awards for which they were eligible as a new freshman at Columbia College.

Midwest Student Exchange
Columbia College is a participating institution in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Students who are residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska receive a 10% tuition discount upon admission to the College. Renewable for three additional years with good academic standing.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Scholarship
New transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members may compete for this full tuition scholarship. Applicants must be transferring to Columbia College from a community college with an associate degree or 60 transferable semester hours with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average. Renewable for one year with a 3.5 cumulative Columbia College grade point average and 30 semester hours earned.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Half-tuition plus $500 scholarships are awarded to Phi Theta Kappa members who transfer from a community/ junior college who have earned an associate degree or 60 transferable semester hours with a 3.6 cumulative grade point average. Renewable for one year with a 3.6 cumulative Columbia College grade point average and 30 semester hours earned per academic year.

ROTC Award
ROTC scholarship recipients are eligible for 100% of room charges. Ten awards are available each year. Submit the ROTC scholarship award letter with the Columbia College Financial Assistance Application to the Financial Aid Office. ROTC students at Columbia College participate in conjunction with the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Althea Whitcraft Schiffman Scholarship
New freshmen and transfer students who show academic promise are eligible to compete for varying amounts. Renewable for three additional years with a 2.5 cumulative GPA.

Silver Citizen Discount
The Silver Citizen Discount (50% tuition reduction) is available to students 65 years of age or older. Students are required to pay all other charges in connection with enrollment, coursework and graduation.

Talent Awards
Students with talent in art, music or athletics are eligible to compete for these awards. The department chair/director determines awards, which vary in amount. Contact the Admissions Office or the appropriate department directly for more information.

Two-in-Family
Full-time students with an immediate family member enrolled full-time at Columbia College are eligible. The grant is worth $500 per year, per student. Renewable with good academic standing.

Veteran¡s Grant
Former U.S. military personnel are eligible for this need-based, non-renewable grant. The award is available for each six months of active service and is worth $200 (maximum $800).

Currently Enrolled Students

Capstone Scholarship
This half-tuition scholarship is available to students with 90 cumulative semester hours (seniors), with the most recent 30 hours earned at Columbia College, and a 3.4 cumulative grade point average.

Capstone Presidential Scholarship
The full-tuition scholarship is available to students with 90 cumulative semester hours (seniors) who have enrolled for the last three years of study at Columbia College and have earned a 3.85 cumulative grade point average. Previous Capstone recipients are not eligible.

Cornerstone Scholarship
This half tuition scholarship is available to students with 30-59.9 cumulative semester hours (sophomores), with the 30 most recent hours earned at Columbia College, with a 3.4 cumulative grade point average. An average of thirty hours per academic year is required for renewal.

Keystone Scholarship
This half-tuition scholarship is available to students with 60-89.9 cumulative semester hours (juniors), with the 30 most recent hours earned at Columbia College, with a 3.4 cumulative grade point average. An average of thirty hours per academic year is required for renewal.

Midwest Student Exchange
Columbia College is a participating institution in the Midwest Student Exchange Program. Students who are residents of Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota and Nebraska receive a 10% tuition discount upon admission to the College.

ROTC Award
ROTC scholarship recipients are eligible for 100% of room charges. Ten awards are available each year. Submit the ROTC scholarship award letter with the Columbia College Financial Assistance Application to the Financial Aid Office. ROTC students at Columbia College participate in conjunction with the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Silver Citizen Discount
The Silver Citizen Discount (50% tuition reduction) is available to students 65 years of age or older. Students are required to pay all other charges in connection with enrollment, coursework and graduation.

Special Honors Awards
Several awards and scholarships, typically for upperclassmen, are provided through gifts and donations from private individuals, alumni, companies and/or foundations. Information regarding specific eligibility criteria may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office. Receipt of Special Honors Awards does not require on-campus residency.

Talent Awards
Students with talent in art, music or athletics are eligible to compete for these awards. The department chair/director determines awards, which vary in amount. Contact the Admissions Office or the appropriate department directly for more information.

Two-in-Family
Full-time students with an immediate family member enrolled full-time at Columbia College are eligible. The grant is worth $500 per year, per student. Renewable with good academic standing.

Veteran¡s Grant
Former U.S. military personnel are eligible for this need-based, non-renewable grant. The award is available for each six months of active service and is worth $200 (maximum $800).

International Students

Alumni Legacy Grant
Children of international alumnae/alumni who earned an associate, bachelor¡s or master¡s degree at Columbia College or Christian College are eligible for this 15% tuition discount grant of $1,515. Renewable for three additional years with 30 semester hours earned per academic year with good academic standing.

Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Children of alumnae/alumni who earned an associate, bachelor¡s or master¡s degree at Columbia or Christian College are eligible for this 20% tuition discount scholarship. Recipients must be new freshmen with a minimum 26 ACT or 1180 SAT and a 3.5 high school grade point average or 304 GED or new transfer students with a 3.3 cumulative college grade point average. Renewable for three additional years with a 3.3 cumulative GPA and 30 semester hours earned per academic year.

Athletic Grant
International students may be awarded the Athletic Grant up to cost of tuition and room and board. Columbia College competes in NAIA Division I in men¡s basketball, women¡s basketball, men¡s soccer, women¡s volleyball and women¡s softball.

ESOL Tuition Grant
A $1,000 per semester tuition grant is available to full-time English as a Second or Other Language students enrolled in ESOL 100, ESOL 101, ESOL 102, ESOL 103, ESOL 104 or ESOL 105. The grant is awarded to students who are new to Columbia College and is applied during the two semesters the student is enrolled in the ESOL sequence.

International Award
New freshman international students with a minimum 530 (197 computer-based) TOEFL score or 22 ACT or 1030 SAT and a minimum 2.0 secondary school cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale are eligible for this automatic award. New freshman international students who enroll in Columbia College ESOL courses and earn 24 semester hours in their first year at Columbia College with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average are eligible for this automatic award. Renewable with a 3.0 Columbia College cumulative grade point average and 30 semester hours earned per academic year.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Scholarship
One full-tuition scholarship for a student transferring from a community/junior college with a 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale and an associate degree or sixty transferable hours is eligible for this automatic award of half tuition plus $500. Renewable for one year with a 3.5 Columbia College cumulative grade point average and 30 semester hours earned per academic year. Recipients are not eligible for the International Award.

Two-in-Family Grant
Students with an immediate family member enrolled full-time at Columbia College are eligible. The grant is worth $500 per year, per student. Renewable with good academic standing.

Scholarship Renewal

Academic scholarships and awards will be renewed after the Spring semester only. Many awards require an average of 30 semester hours earned per academic year to maintain satisfactory progress for scholarship purposes. If a student has not earned the 30-hour requirement by the end of the Spring semester, summer courses may be taken at any regionally accredited college or university and transferred to Columbia College. Only the Columbia College cumulative grade point average will be used for scholarship renewal purposes. Institutional awards and scholarships generally require recipients to be enrolled as full-time students.

Work Program

Federal CWSP (College Work-Study Program)
This program provides jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Students work either on or off campus earning minimum wage or above. This program is based on the financial need of the student. Information is available from the Work-Study Coordinator.

College Work Program
This institutionally-funded program provides the opportunity for qualified students to earn up to $1,200 per year.

State Financial Aid

Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly Missouri Grant)
This grant of up to $1500 is available to residents of Missouri, based on financial need. Application is made by completing the FAFSA before April 1.

Missouri Teacher Education Scholarship
This scholarship is available to entering freshmen who rank in the top 15% of their class or on the ACT/SAT and intend to major in education. Columbia College matches the $1,000 awarded by the State of Missouri.

Missouri Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
This scholarship is available to minority students who rank in the top 25% of their class or on the ACT/SAT and intend to major in education. Columbia College matches the $1,000 award by the State of Missouri. Applications are available from high school counselors or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship (Bright Flight Scholarship)
Students who are Missouri high school graduates who scored in the top 3 percent of Missouri students on the ACT or SAT are eligible for this scholarship. The Missouri Student Assistance Resource Service (MOSTARS) awards the $2,000 scholarship, which is renewable for four years with full-time enrollment and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. To apply, contact the State of Missouri Coordinating Board of Higher Education, high school guidance counselors or the Financial Aid Office at Columbia College.

ROTC Scholarship
Students who are interested in Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC programs are eligible for this scholarship. The award provides $150 monthly and supplies funding for tuition (up to $9500), books and fees. (Columbia College offers an additional $551 scholarship to cover the remaining tuition charge). Two- and three-year scholarships are available. Contact the Admissions Office or the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students and ranges from $400 to $3,300 per academic year, based on the financial need of the student.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG is a grant available for undergraduates and ranges from $200 to $1500 per academic year, based on the financial need of the student.

Federal Family Education Loans
A loan is a type of financial assistance that must be repaid when students graduate or are no longer enrolled in college, depending on the terms of the loan. Students must sign a promissory note (legal agreement to repay) for any loan monies received. The promissory note contains detailed information about terms, responsibilities, and repayment of loans. All loans are based on semester hours applicable to the student¡s degree.

Federal Perkins Loan Program
Perkins Loans are low-interest (5%) loans that must be repaid. The maximum annual loan amount is $1500 for undergraduate students. This program is based on financial need.

Federal Stafford Loan Program
This program provides to students subsidized or unsubsidized loans. The government pays the interest on a subsidized Stafford loan while the student is enrolled. The student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues on an unsubsidized Stafford loan. Loans must be repaid and are based on credits applicable to the student¡s degree program. Loan data sheets are available from the Financial Aid Office. Qualified students are eligible to borrow $2,625-$5,500 depending on class level.

Federal PLUS Loan Program
This is an unsubsidized loan made to parents and must be repaid. If a student¡s parents do not qualify for a PLUS loan, the student may be eligible for additional Stafford funds.

Outside Sources

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Students with physical or mental disabilities may be eligible to receive benefits from the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Assistance may include counseling; training for vocational, technical, or professional employment; and funding for books, supplies, maintenance, medical services, and transportation. To apply, students should contact the regional Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. Missouri residents may write to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

War Orphans or Armed Services Benefits
If students are dependents of veterans who died or were permanently disabled as a result of military duty, are between the ages of 18 and 26, and are enrolled on a full-time basis, they may be eligible for educational benefits. Students may contact their regional Veteran's Administration office or the Veterans Coordinator, Columbia College, (573) 875-7504.

GI Educational Benefits
Students may receive benefits if they have served over 181 days of active duty, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, or if they were discharged after that date inside of 181 days because of a disability incurred while on active duty. For additional information and application materials, contact the Veterans Coordinator, Columbia College, (573) 875-7504.

Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)
Students may be eligible to receive benefits from JTPA. Assistance may include counseling; training for vocational, technical, or professional employment; and funding for tuition and books. To apply, contact the Work Connections Office in your area.

If you have any questions about the College's financial aid program, call the Financial Aid Office for assistance (573) 875-7390.

Evening Campus

Columbia College¡s financial aid program exists to make education affordable for all students who qualify. The College believes that if students desire to attend college they should not be prevented from doing so simply because they lack sufficient funds. Financial aid is not intended to cover all student expenses. While the primary financial responsibility for education rests with the students and their families, Columbia College is committed to helping students bridge the gap between the cost of a college education and what the student can afford to pay.

Financial aid is monetary assistance to help the student meet the expenses of attending college. Aid may be in the form of grants, work, loans or a combination thereof.

Applying for Financial Aid

1. Complete an application for admission and submit with the required one time non-refundable $25 application fee to the Admissions Office.
2. Complete the Columbia College Evening Financial Aid Assistance and Scholarship Application and return it to the Financial Aid office.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and indicate Columbia College's school code of 002456. The FAFSA can be obtained from Admissions or the Financial Aid Office. Students can also apply by accessing the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
   The FAFSA is used to gather information about the financial resources of a student and his or her family, From this information, a parent contribution (for dependent students) and student contribution are calculated. These two figures together total the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for federal aid purposes. State aid is also awarded based on information obtained from he FAFSA. The application deadline to be considered for state aid is April 1.
4. If selected for verification, the student may be required to submit additional documentation such as a copy of the family's federal tax forms prior to receiving federal aid.

Students must reapply each year for financial aid. Contact the Financial Aid Office for annual deadlines.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

A student must be enrolled in six semester hours per session to be considered full-time and three semester hours per session to be considered half-time.

To be eligible for federal and state financial aid, students must be:

1. A U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
2. Pursuing a degree or diploma. If students are considered non-degree seeking, they are not eligible for federal financial aid. If students have previously earned an undergraduate degree, they are not eligible for institutional aid.
3. Making satisfactory academic progress.

Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress

Qualitative Measure

Quantitative Measure

Repeated courses will add total hours attempted but not hours completed; the grade will simply be replaced. The new grade will be included in the GPA calculation, which will be considered when progress is again checked.
Total withdrawals result in automatic Financial Aid suspension, and are subject to the same reinstatement and/or appeal procedures.

Maximum Time Measure

Financial Aid Probation or Suspension

If placed on Financial Aid Suspension, notification will be sent to the student and all forms of Title IV federal and state aid will be withdrawn for the next session in which the student enrolls. The Financial Aid Office will review the academic progress of financial aid recipients twice per academic year: once in December and again in May. Please read the reinstatement and appeal policies that follow.

Reinstatement

1. The student completes courses in one or more sessions at Columbia College with the cumulative GPA at the required standard.
2. The student files appeal and the Financial Aid Appeals Committee approves the appeal (see appeal procedures below).

It is the student's responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office when reinstatement conditions have been met.

Appeal Procedure

• Death of an immediate family member
• Severe injury or illness of the student or an immediate family member
• Emergency situations such as fire or flood
• Legal separation from spouse or divorce
• Military reassignment or required job transfers or shift changes

Students who do not meet the above criteria and/or cannot thoroughly document such situations, must reestablish eligibility through reinstatement before any additional federal or state aid will be disbursed.

Students who do meet one of the above criteria may appeal using the following procedure:

1. The student submits a completed Appeal Packet to the Financial Aid Office, to the attention of the Director of Financial Aid. (see below for instructions on completing the Appeal Packet)
2. The completed appeal packet is presented to the Campus Hearing Board for review.
3. The student is notified in writing of the committee's decision and recommendations.

The Appeal Packet

1. A Financial Aid Suspension Letter of Appeal (form can be obtained in the Financial Aid Office).
2. Documentation to support extenuating circumstance.

Incomplete packets will not be considered.

Determination of Financial Aid Award

Once the Expected Family contribution and financial need have been determined, a financial aid coordinator will review the student's information and prepare a financial aid package. The student will be offered a combination of financial aid that may consist of grants, loans and employment through work-study funds, to meet unmet need. Students who qualify for need based aid may be offered the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work Study, Federal Family Education Loan Program and/or the Gallagher Grant (formerly the Missouri State Grant).

Students are responsible for reporting to the Financial Aid Office all assistance received from outside sources, as federal law requires that all outside assistance be considered as part of the financial aid package. These types of assistance include such aid as Veteran's Benefits, outside scholarships, Vocational Rehabilitation or other state aid. Federal guidelines require that a student not exceed the Cost of Attendance in the amount of aid they receive.

Students who wish to apply for a Federal Stafford Loan or parents applying for a Federal PLUS loan should contact the Financial Aid office for an application. Loan amounts are determined from information received on the FAFSA. Students are eligible for one loan per grade level. This eligibility includes previous outstanding loan amounts at other institutions. Grade levels are determined as:

Notification of Award

Aid Disbursement

Credit balances are disbursed to students through the Student Accounts Office. Federal Work-Study funds are paid in the form of bi-weekly paychecks on the 15th and last workday of each month at the Business Office. Funds are paid for hours worked.

When a student registers for courses, he/she may deduct the amount of aid that has been awarded (except Federal Work-Study) from what is owed the College. If a student¡s financial aid awards exceed his/her charges, the student will receive a refund. Refund dates are posted and are available from the Student Accounts Office or Financial Aid Office. The student whose aid does not cover all expenses should be prepared to pay the difference from personal funds. Any student unable to do so is required to complete a deferred payment contract for the unpaid balance.

The Student Accounts Office has information on payment plans allowing students to extend payments over a prearranged period of time. For more information about the Deferred Payment Plan, contact the Student Accounts Office, Columbia College, 1001 Rogers, Columbia, Missouri, 65216 or call (573) 875-7252.

Return of Title IV Funds

To conform with the policy, Columbia College must determine the student's withdrawal date. The withdrawal date is defined as:

1. the date the student began the withdrawal process or officially notified Columbia College of their intent to withdraw; or
2. the midpoint of the enrollment period for a student who leaves without notifying Columbia College.

The calculation required determines a student¡s earned and unearned Title IV aid based on the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the student. The percentage of the period that the student remained enrolled is derived by dividing the number of days the student attended by the number of days in the period. Calendar days (including weekends) are used, but breaks of at least 5 days are excluded from both the numerator and denominator.

Until a student has passed the 60% point of an enrollment period, only a portion of the student¡s aid has been earned. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point is considered to have earned all awarded aid for the enrollment period.

Earned aid is not related in any way to institutional charges. In addition, the College¡s refund policy and return of Title IV Funds procedures are independent of one another. A student who withdraws from a course may be required to return unearned aid and still owe the College for the course. For more information on Columbia College withdrawal and institutional charges, please refer to the Fees section of the Catalog.

The responsibility to repay unearned Title IV aid is shared by Columbia College and the student. For example, the calculation may require Columbia College to return a portion of federal funds to the Federal Title IV programs. In addition, the student may also be required to return funds based on the calculation. A student returns funds to the Federal Stafford Loan programs based on the terms and conditions of the promissory note of the loan. A student who receives a Federal Pell Grant may be required to repay 50% of the funds received. The return of federal aid is in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal PLUS (Parent) Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant).

Students who owe funds to a grant program are required to make payment of those funds within 45 days of being notified that they owe this overpayment. During the 45 day period students will remain eligible for Title IV funds. If no positive action is taken by the student within 45 days of being notified, Columbia College will notify the U.S. Department of Education of the student¡s overpayment situation. The student will not longer be eligible for Title IV funds until they enter into a satisfactory repayment agreement with the U.S. Department of Education.

During the 45-day period, the student can make full payment to Columbia College of the overpayment. The College will forward the payment to the U.S. Department of Education and the student will remain eligible for Title IV funds. Please make the check payable to Columbia College, attn: Director of Accounting, and attach the enclosed remittance coupon to assure proper credit.

If a student is unable to pay their overpayment in full, they can set up a repayment plan with the U.S. Department of Education. Before doing this the student should contact the Columbia College Home Financial Aid Office to confirm that his/her situation has been referred to the U.S. Department of Education before any repayment plan can be set up.

U.S. Department of Education
Student Financial Assistance Programs
P.O. Box 4222
Iowa City, IA 52245
Phone: 1-800-621-3115
E-mail: DCS_HELP@ed.gov

For examples of the Return of Title IV Funds calculations or questions regarding the overpayment policy, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Study Abroad Programs

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG is a grant available for undergraduates and ranges from $200 to $1500 per academic year based on the financial need of the student.

Federal Perkins Loan Program
Perkins Loans are low-interest (5%) loans that must be repaid. The maximum annual loan amount is $1500 for undergraduate students. This program is based on financial need.

Federal Work-Study Program
This program provides jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Students work either on or off campus earning minimum wage or above. This program is based on the financial need of the student. Information is available from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Stafford Loan Program
This program provides to students subsidized or unsubsidized loans. The government pays the interest on a subsidized Stafford loan while the student is enrolled. The student is responsible for paying the interest that accrues on an unsubsidized Stafford loan. Loans must be repaid and are based on credits applicable to the student's degree program. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (three hours per session) to be eligible. Loan data sheets are available from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal PLUS Loan Program
This is an unsubsidized loan made to parents and must be repaid. If a student's parents do not qualify for a PLUS loan, the student may be eligible for additional Stafford funds.

Federal Family Education Loans
A loan is a type of financial assistance that must be repaid when students graduate or are no longer enrolled in college either as full- or part-time students, depending on the terms of their loans. Students must sign promissory notes (legal agreement to repay) for any loan monies received. The promissory note contains detailed information about terms, responsibilities, and repayment of loans. All loans are based on hours applicable to the student's degree.

State Aid

Institutional Financial Aid

Associate Degree Transfer Grant
Any student transferring to the College with an associate's degree (sixty or more semester hours) may apply for this $375 transfer grant for his or her first year. This grant is nonrenewable and is not need-based.

Two-In-Family Grant
These grants of up to $200 per academic year are available to students who apply and have an immediate family member who is also a student at Columbia College. This is a no-need-based type of financial aid, but students must be full-time to be eligible.

Boone County Endowed Scholarship
New Evening program freshmen who are residents of Boone County with a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 3.2 or GED of 290 may compete for these scholarships. Current Evening program students who have earned less than eighteen semester hours and a 3.0 Columbia College grade point average may also apply. At least one $1,000 scholarship and one $250 scholarship is awarded. One letter of recommendation is required from a leader of a community organization in which the student participates. Recipients must enroll full-time.

Summer Aid

Intersession

Student loans are not available for intersession. Students who have not attended or otherwise used their full Pell Grant Award for the academic year will be eligible for a portion of the Pell Grant award. Students should contact the Work Study Coordinator to inquire about work study funding.

Distance Education

Federal financial aid may be available for Distance Education. Information regarding individual eligibility is available in the Financial Aid Office.