Whether you have questions about scholarship eligibility, loan requirements, want to learn more about our Military Affiliated Benefits, or need someone to offer direction for the next steps, our dedicated team is here to help.
Grants
Finances Shouldn’t Be a Barrier to Your Education
Everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. That's why we offer both academically competitive and need-based grants that don't require repayment.
To be eligible, students must complete the FAFSA before the state deadline; criteria for awards are funded by the state's Department of Higher Education.
For Missouri Residents
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development administers state grants and scholarships to Missouri residents. Columbia College participates in the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, Bright Flight, and the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Programs.
Bright Flight
Bright Flight is the Missouri Higher Education Academic Scholarship Program that is a merit-based and encourages top-ranked high school seniors to attend approved Missouri postsecondary schools.
Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant
Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a financial aid program for adults. The grant addresses workforce needs by helping adults pursue a certificate, degree, or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need. The Fast Track grant is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fees are fully covered. Grant recipients must maintain Missouri residency and work in Missouri for three years after graduation to prevent the grant from becoming a loan that must be repaid with interest.
Eligibility requirements are listed on the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development webpage.
Students seeking the grant must:
- Find an approved program at Columbia College, complete an application for admission, and enroll at least half-time in an approved program.
- Complete the Fast Track application, available through the State Student Financial Aid Portal.
- Complete the FAFSA at FAFSA.gov. Columbia College’s school code is 002456.
- Complete the self-certification form for each disbursement and return to Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development.
For complete program details and to learn more about this program, please visit MOFastTrack.com.
Access Missouri
Access Missouri is a need-based program designed to be simple to understand, provide predictable, portable awards, and increase access to your school of choice. Your financial eligibility is determined by your Student Aid Index (SAI) as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
To be eligible for the Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program, undergraduate students pursuing a degree1, must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a Missouri resident; and be enrolled full time with an SAI of $12,000 or less. The Access Missouri award may be renewed annually, for a maximum of five semesters at a 2-year school or 10 semesters at any combination of 2-year or 4-year schools, whichever occurs first. To renew, students must submit a FAFSA to have eligibility re-evaluated each year. Renewal of Access Missouri also requires students maintain satisfactory academic progress or a 2.5 GPA.
Students wanting to be considered for Access Missouri program must submit their FAFSA by April 1 of each year to meet the priority deadline and no later than June 1. Eligible students who apply between February 1 and April 1 will be awarded based on available funding. Funding will be awarded for the academic year that begins in August. Complete the FAFSA using the myStudentAid mobile app or at FAFSA.gov. Columbia College’s school code is 002456.
1Cannot be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity. Cannot have received first bachelor's degree, completed the required hours for a bachelor's degree, or completed 150 semester credit hours.
For Florida Residents
Columbia College participates in several Florida state-funded programs. Florida residents are encouraged to research eligibility requirements and apply to scholarship programs where Columbia College is listed as a participating institution.
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.