Need-Based Financial Aid

• Need-Based Financial Aid Limits
• Applying for Need-Based Aid
• Need-Based Financial Aid Deadlines
• Details of Need-Based Aid
• Expense Norms and Budget Estimates

Financial Aid Guidelines and Forms:

New Students
Returning Students

Need-Based Financial Aid Limits for 2008-2009

Depending on your need as determined by the seminary’s financial aid guidelines, you may be awarded need-based aid up to the amounts shown in the charts below.

Single term, fall or spring (12 credit hours)

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January term (3 credit hours)

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Base year: fall, winter, and spring terms ( 27 credit hours)

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Summer term (6 credit hours)

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Applying for need-based aid:

To apply for need-based aid, you will need to complete the following:

1) Columbia Financial Aid Application

We will send the application to you when you are admitted.

2) Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA may be retrieved and completed online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. The seminary’s federal school code is G01560.

Need-based financial aid application deadlines:

• To enter in July: May 1
• To enter in September: July 1
• To enter in January: November 15
• To enter in February: December 15
• Returning students: April 30

Details of Need-Based Aid

3. Need is determined by contrasting your nine-month academic year expenses with your income and other financial resources.

4. Financial aid for 6 credit hours during the summer is available on a pro-rated basis.

5. 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.)

6. Your need-based financial aid award requires participation in the on-campus seminary work-study program. You must complete all of the required work-study hours to retain the entire grant.

7. You 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.

8. If you receive additional financial resources after you submit your need-based application, you must notify the Financial Aid Office. Additional resources may affect your need-based financial aid award.

Expense norms are the maximum amounts used in each budget category to determine financial aid eligibility. If your expenses are higher than the norms and you would like to request an exception, you may provide an explanation and documentation of the additional expenses. The additional expenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Consumer debt and car payments are not considered in financial aid eligibility calculations.

2008-2009 Nine-Month Expense Norms and Budget Estimates (View Chart)
You will need to scroll back down to the bottom of the page to see the pop-up chart.

For more information:
Financial Aid Office
404-687-4582