Tools

• EFC Calculator is a tool to estimate the amount a family can be expected to contribute towards a student's college education costs. The U.S. goverment and many colleges and universities use the EFC to determine a student's eligibility for financial aid.

Information from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators

• Cash for College is an online brochure that offers basic facts on the student aid programs and application procedures. Cash for College is updated as the programs change, usually once a year.
• Parent and Student Guide to Federal Tax Benefits for Tuition and Fees provides guidance to help explain two tax credits offering federal income tax relief for college expenses--the Hope Scholarship Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit--as well as available tax deductions for tuition and fees.
• Student Aid Program Summary (describes eligibility requirements and features of federal student aid programs)   
• Financial Aid Application Checklist (presents a running list of necessary actions with space for you to enter due dates and check off accomplished items)
• Financial Aid Consultants and Scholarship Search Services Fact Sheet (helps avoid unnecessary and costly reliance on paid consultants to obtain help and advice that is available at no charge)
• Sample Scholarship Inquiry Letter (suggests how you might inquire about financial aid from a private organization)
• Award Letter Comparison Worksheet

Articles for Parents and Students from the U.S. Department of Education

• Early Consolidation to Lock in Low Interest Rates is explained by the Department of Education. Contact your school or lender for details.
• The Student Guide is a comprehensive resource on federal student financial aid.
• FSA Student Aid on the Web Home Page offers help for every stage of the financial aid process, whether you're in school or out of school.
• Repaying Your Student Loans explains available repayment options so you can successfully repay your debt. It also tells what steps to take so you won't get behind in payments or go into default.
• Federal Student Aid at a Glance provides a quick reference to the federal student aid programs.
• Resources for Blind and Visually Impaired Students notes a variety of information resources available for blind and visually impaired students enrolled in education beyond high school.

Additional Information

College Navigator - College Navigator is a free consumer information tool designed to help students, parents, high school counselors, and others get information about institutions of higher education.

Student's Rights & Responsibilities

National Student Loan Data System - Federal Direct Stafford Loan records will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system.  Borrowers have access to view their Title IV, HEA loan records at www.nslds.ed.gov.

Columbia International University does not maintain these websites and is not responsible for their content.
However, if a link is broken please email finaid@ciu.edu.