Financial Aid
Your Path to Affordable Education at CIU
At Columbia International University, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic and professional aspirations. We offer a variety of scholarships for graduate and online programs to make quality education more affordable. Explore our financial support options and discover how we can help you advance in your career with a CIU degree.
Explore the opportunities that can empower you as you progress in both your academic and spiritual growth.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
STEP 2
Submit the FAFSA
To be considered for financial aid, all students must visit studentaid.gov to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal aid, including grants, loans and work-study opportunities. CIU’s school code for the FAFSA is 003423.
After submitting the FAFSA, you may be selected by the Department of Education for verification, which means you will be required to provide additional documents to verify the information provided in your application. This might include tax returns, proof of income, or other financial documentation.
STEP 3
Complete Your Financial Aid Documents
Log in to MyCIU and go to Financial Aid to submit any missing documents.
You don’t need to submit loan documents if you don’t plan to use student loans.
Institutional Scholarships
At CIU, we offer scholarships to help cover the cost of your graduate studies—money you don’t have to repay. To qualify for our Academic and General Scholarships, we review the information you provide during the admissions process. The total amount of scholarship aid you receive is capped at the cost of your tuition for the year. (If the scholarship exceeds your tuition, the amount will be adjusted.)
Note: Students in our Seminary Competency-Based Theological Education or Graduate Certificate programs are not eligible for scholarships or loans.
Fulltime Ministry Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- For new degree-seeking students, who serve in fulltime ministry as a paid missionary or pastor
- Must submit an official signed letter or pay stub from employed agency or organization confirming full time employment status by the start of the semester
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Ministry Position Definitions:
- Missionary — Defined as an individual who is paid or fully supported by a religious organization to a foreign country to spread its faith and provide humanitarian aid and other services. To be considered eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must have been officially designated as a missionary by a recognized religious organization.
- Senior Pastor — A pastor is defined as an ordained minister or religious leader who serves and is paid as the leader of a Christian congregation or church. To be considered eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must hold the official title of senior pastor within their religious institution.
Partner Organization Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- For new fulltime degree-seeking students who meet the qualifications of our Partner Organizations
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Full list of Partnerships
First Responder Scholarship
Amount: $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New full-time degree-seeking students who are who are employed or volunteer as first responders
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition and fees
Campus Visit Scholarship
Amount: $500 one time ($250/first 2 semesters)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- Experience CIU through one of our Admission visit options by May 1 for Fall or December 1 for Spring
- New full-time degree-seeking student
- Students may attend multiple campus visits or events, but are only eligible for a one time award of up $500
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition and fees
Undergraduate Online Scholarships
Program Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year for up to four consecutive academic years
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
- New full-time online degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per year)
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
State Scholarships
South Carolina awards students scholarships and grants based on academic achievement, financial need and residency requirements set by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the South Carolina Tuition Grant Agency. Qualifying criteria and continued eligibility:
Master’s & Doctoral Scholarships
Continuing Alumni Scholarship
Amount:
- Master’s — Up to $2,250 per year ($750/semester)
- Doctoral — Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- For students who earned an undergraduate degree or higher from CIU (does not include certificates)
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Graduate Assistantship (GA)
Amount: $3000 per year for Academic GA; Tuition/Fees per year for Athletic GA
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- Complete the Graduate Assistantship Application
- For full-time graduate student with a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- International students are not required to complete a FAFSA
- Students must earn the scholarship, dedicating 10–12 hours per week toward the position for Academic GA; up to 30 hours per week for Athletic GA
- If you are selected, you must submit the GA work contract and paperwork no later than the first day of classes. Scholarship funds will be awarded once Financial Aid receives the graduate assistantship contract
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Scholarship
Amount: Up to $2,000 per year ($1000/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Master in Organizational Leadership Scholarship
Amount: Up to $2,000 per year ($1000/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Seminary Master of Arts & Master of Divinity Scholarships
Amount: Up to $3,000 per year ($1000/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Master of Education & Master of Arts in Teaching Scholarships
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Master of Arts in Global Migration, Intercultural Studies, Muslim-Christian Relations, & Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Scholarships
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Doctor of Business Administration Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Doctor of Ministry Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500 per year ($500/semester)
Eligibility:
- Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429) or contact the Financial Aid Office to waive the FAFSA application
- New online degree-seeking student
- Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
Additional Award Information:
- The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual circumstances and credit load for each student
- Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
- Automatic consideration upon admission; no separate application required
Additional Funding
Federal Aid
The federal government provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for students that meet certain eligibility requirements. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to estimate your eligibility for loans, grants, and work-study.
Federal Loans
A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. Eligibility for federal loans requires that you submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year of college (CIU School Code: 003429), are enrolled at least half-time, are degree seeking and take courses required for your degree. If you apply for financial aid, you will be offered federal loans as part of your financial aid offer.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
- Based on a student’s financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
- The student is responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.
- Loans provide a six month “grace period” after finishing school before repayment begins.
- The U.S. Department of Education provides the Direct PLUS Loans to students that are enrolled at least half-time. Interest accrues during all periods. Additional application required. Credit check required.
- The maximum PLUS loan amount you can receive is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work-Study Program allows you the opportunity for part-time employment on or off campus. Work-study awards are based on financial need.
Private Loans
CIU’s Role – CIU does not recommend or endorse any specific lender. However, we offer a comparison tool through Credible to help you review different lenders. These are not preferred lenders, and they do not represent all options available for private student loans.
Loan Certification – CIU will certify private education loan requests for any lender you choose, whether or not they appear on Credible.
Loan Terms – The lender will provide details about current interest rates, processing fees, and co-signer requirements.
Interest Rates – Interest rates are determined by the lender based on the creditworthiness of both the student and the co-signer.
Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits & Active Duty Military
CIU offers active duty service members, veterans and their eligible spouses educational benefits. Visit our Military & Veterans page for details.
Make Your Plans
Evaluate your financial aid package offer, which will be emailed to you.
Accept or decline your financial aid offers. You must accept (or decline) the awards within the MyCIU system in order to secure the aid you want to accept and to reject the aid you do not want (such as if you do not want to take out any loans).
Additional Information
Financial Aid Proration Guide – Learn how your financial aid may be adjusted if your enrollment status changes, such as taking fewer credits or withdrawing from classes. This guide provides clear details to help you understand and plan for any changes to your aid package.
Institutional Aid – CIU institutional aid is awarded after state and federal aid and cannot exceed the cost of tuition.
Scholarships & Grants – All scholarships and grants listed are for students entering CIU in the 2024–25 academic year.
Changes to Aid – CIU reserves the right to modify scholarship requirements, deadlines, or award amounts.
Quick Links
Tuition & Fees
Loans
Military & Veterans
International
Questions?
(803) 807-5036 | finaid@ciu.edu
CIU Administration Building
7435 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC 29203
