Columbia College: Viewbook 2022

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Rolling Admission

We operate on a rolling admission basis. That means applying early increases your likelihood of being accepted because we make admission decisions as applications are completed. Admitted students are notified by mail and will receive follow-up information about the next steps, like financial aid, housing, orientation, and registration.

Scholarships

You’re also eligible for more scholarship opportunities if you apply early. We invite qualified students to come to campus to interview for scholarships.

Academic Scholarships include the Presidential, 1854, Columns, Fountain, Koala, and Honors Scholarships. To learn more about these scholarship programs visit ColumbiaSC.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships

How Do I Know I’m Eligible to Apply?

First Year Student To be eligible for admission as a freshman, you should be a graduate of an accredited high school or its equivalent. We recommend that 16 or more college preparatory academic courses should be earned in the following:

• English (2 courses)

• Laboratory Science (2 courses)

• Foreign Language (2 courses)

• Algebra I and II

• Geometry

• U.S. History

• World History

• Social Sciences

• Advanced Mathematics

• Natural Sciences

Non-Degree Seeking Student When applying as a non-degree seeking student, please note the course you are applying for in your application. You must submit an application for each semester you are a student, and you’ll be required to pay your course fees prior to the start of classes.

Second Degree Student If you are applying for a second degree, you’ll be required to submit official transcripts from every institution you have attended since graduating high school. Once your application and documentation have been received, you’ll be asked to pay a $50.00 application fee.

Financial Aid The Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to helping students and their families make attending Columbia College an academic and financial reality through financial aid planning. It is best to submit all required forms as soon as possible since most aid is awarded to qualified applicants on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of race, gender, religious creed, place of national origin, ethnic group, or physical disability.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Apply for admission to Columbia College.

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at STUDENTAID.GOV. (Undergraduate students, keep in mind that all South Carolina residents must complete the FAFSA no later than June 30th (of the year starting college) to qualify for the South Carolina Tuition Grant.)

3. Receive your official award after your acceptance.

Out-of-State Scholarship Opportunities

• Academics Scholarships

• Athletics Scholarships

• Degree Scholarships

Types of Federal Financial Aid

• Grants

• Federal Direct Loan

• Parent Plus Loan

• Private Loans

• SC Teacher Loan Program

• Federal Work-Study

In-State Scholarship Opportunities

• Palmetto Fellowship

• Life Scholarship

• Hope Scholarship

• Tuition Grant

If you have questions regarding Financial Aid or Tuition Accounts, please call 803.786.3612. Press 1 to speak with Tuition Accounts, and 2 to speak with Financial Aid.