For the purposes of awarding financial aid, a student’s need is determined by contrasting the student’s nine-month academic year expenses with his or her income and other financial resources.
Expense norms for 2012-2013
Financial aid is available only to students who have full-time status (9 or 12 credit hours per semester, 3 credit hours for winter term, and 6 credit hours for summer).
Need-based financial aid requires participation in Columbia’s on-campus work-study program. Students must complete all of the required work-study hours to retain the entire amount of need-based aid.
Maximum financial assistance amounts for 2012-2013
Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.30 at the end of fall and spring semesters to retain financial aid eligibility for the next enrollment period.
Students who receive additional financial resources after submitting the need-based application must notify the Financial Planning Office. Additional resources may affect the amount of the need-based financial aid award.
Budget Calculator
Applying for Need-based Financial Aid
In addition to the seminary’s financial aid application, you must also complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Columbia's federal code is G01560. To complete this form, you must have a copy of your tax return for the previous year.
New Students
After you are accepted for admission to Columbia, you may apply for need-based financial aid as a new student. The letter notifying you of acceptance to the seminary will include the password that allows you to open and print financial aid forms for completion.
Application Materials for New Students
Need-based financial aid application deadlines for new students:
- To enter in July: May 1
- To enter in September: July 1
- To enter in January: November 15
- To enter in February: January 15
Returning Students
As a returning student, you must re-apply each year in order to receive financial aid. You will receive password information from the Financial Planning Office so you can access the forms online, then print and complete them. The application deadline for returning students is April 30.
Application Materials for Returning Students
Password Assistance/Application Status
Financial Planning Office
404-687-4582
hodov@ctsnet.edu