Undergraduate Financial Aid

CIU desires to make our Christ-centered education more affordable for you and your family by expanding our scholarship offerings to their largest amounts ever! We offer exciting scholarship opportunities such as academic merit scholarships, Honors Program Scholarship, First-Generation Scholarship, Home School Scholarship, Community College Scholarship, Ministry Gap Year Program Scholarship, Parents in Ministry Scholarship, and more. We also offer church-matching grants, need-based grants and Legacy awards.

Below are some ways we are helping to make college more affordable. Explore these scholarships along with federal, state and outside financial aid opportunities.

Institutional Scholarships

Scholarships are defined as a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid by the recipients to assist students as they pursue their studies. Eligibility for CIU's Merit, Academic, and General Scholarships is determined by information gathered during the admission process. Total financial aid, including state and federal aid, is capped at the cost of a student’s tuition for the academic year. Amounts in excess of total tuition costs will be reduced.

CIU Merit Scholarships

Academic merit-based awards range from $2,000 to $12,000 for the 2024–2025 academic year. Merit scholarships are for full-time (minimum of 12 credits per semester) degree-seeking students and are based on a high school GPA (4.0 scale) for first-time freshmen or college GPA for transfer students. Use the appropriate calculator below to determine the scholarship you could qualify for as a full-time enrolled student:

First-Time Freshman

Award Name	Freshmen Resident Award Amount	Freshmen Commuter Award Amount	Renewal Policy
Award NameBoard Scholarship	Resident$12,000	Commuter$8,000	Maintain 3.0 GPA
Award NamePresidential Scholarship	Resident$10,000	Commuter$7,000	Maintain 2.5 GPA
Award NameDean Scholarship	Resident$7,000	Commuter$5,000	Maintain 2.5 GPA
Award NameServant Leader Scholarship	Resident$5,000	Commuter$3,000	Maintain 2.5 GPA
Award NameRam Award	Resident$3,000	Commuter$2,000	Maintain 2.0 GPA

Transfer

Award Name	Transfer Resident Award Amount	Transfer Commuter Award Amount	Renewal Policy
Award NameBoard Scholarship	Resident$8,000	Commuter$5,000	Maintain 3.0 GPA
Award NamePresidential Scholarship	Resident$7,000	Commuter$4,000	Maintain 2.5 GPA
Award NameDean Scholarship	Resident$5,000	Commuter$3,000	Maintain 2.5 GPA
Award NameServant Leader Scholarship	Resident$3,000	Commuter$2,000	Maintain 2.0 GPA

CIU Athletic Scholarships

CIU is a member of the NAIA I ACC Appalachian Athletics Conference and NCCAA Division I. Athletic scholarships vary in amount and are determined by the head coach of each sport. To inquire about availability, complete a prospect questionnaire for your sport of interest.

Scholarship Information for Athletes

Amount: Varies

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• For full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU, unless otherwise noted by the Athletics Department

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office and Athletic Department determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Student athletes receiving an athletic scholarship are also eligible for the following CIU Scholarships:
  • Athletic Scholarship
  • Merit Scholarship
  • Early Deposit Scholarship
  • Campus Visit Scholarship
  • Honors Program

CIU Academic Scholarships

Honors Scholarship

Amount: $5,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Be admitted into the Honors Program
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 each semester while attending CIU to continue receiving the scholarship

Additional Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU

Ram Pell Promise

Amount: 100% tuition (after subtracting Federal and State Grants/Scholarships) per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• South Carolina resident that qualifies for the SC LIFE Scholarship and the Federal Pell Grant
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 each semester, complete an average of 30 credit hours per academic year while attending CIU, and sign the SC certification form to continue receiving the scholarship
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

Amount: 100% tuition (after subtracting Federal and State Grants/Scholarships) per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• South Carolina resident and recipient of the SC Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 each semester, complete 30 credit hours per academic year while attending CIU, and sign the SC certification form to continue receiving the scholarship
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

National Merit Finalist and Semi-Finalist Scholars Scholarship

Amount:

• Finalist — 100% tuition (after subtracting Federal and State Grants/Scholarships) per year for up to four consecutive academic years
• Semi-Finalist — 100% tuition (after subtracting Federal and State Grants/Scholarships) per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Provide a copy of your National Merit Certificate to the Admissions Office
• Be admitted into the Honors Program
• OR Apply to the Honors Program by May 1 for Fall or by December 1 for Spring
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 each semester while attending CIU to continue receiving the scholarship

Additional Information:

• The National Merit Scholarships program awards a limited number of scholarships per year and is highly competitive
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship

Amount: 100% tuition (after subtracting Federal and State Grants/Scholarships) per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• New full-time degree-seeking first-time freshman student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Must have a cumulative unweighted high school GPA of 3.90
• A school administrator must verify that the applicant is ranked as either 1st or 2nd in their class from a traditional high school
• Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 each semester while attending CIU to continue receiving the scholarship

Additional Award Information:

• The Valedictorian/Salutatorian awards a limited number of scholarships per year and is highly competitive
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

CIU General Scholarships & Grants

Alumni Referral Scholarship

Amount: Up to $4,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• For new traditional undergraduate students referred by a CIU alumni with an earned undergraduate degree or higher from CIU (alumni could have completed a Resident or Online degree, does not include certificates)
• Full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• In order to receive this award, the alumni referral information must be added on the admissions application
• All eligible applicants may receive only one Alumni Referral Award, regardless if referred by more than one alumnus from CIU
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• For new undergraduate students with a parent, grandparent, or guardian who earned an undergraduate degree or higher from CIU (guardian could have completed a Resident or Online degree, does not include certificates)
• Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
• Must be a federally dependent child as defined by the U.S. Department of Education

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• All eligible applicants may receive only one Alumni Legacy Award, regardless if more than one parent/guardian earned an undergraduate degree or higher from CIU
• Cannot be combined with the Alumni Referral Grant
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Home School Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• For new first-time freshman undergraduate students who graduated from home school

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded and is calculated based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Ben Lippen Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• For new undergraduate students who graduated from Ben Lippen

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Out of State Scholarship

Amount: Up to $4,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• For new undergraduate students whose legal state of residence is not South Carolina

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Community College Scholarship

Amount: Up to $4,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• Transferring directly from a community college having earned a minimum of 12 credit hours for a minimum of one semester post high school
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Ministry Gap Year Program Scholarship

Amount: Up to $8,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Must have successfully graduated from a ministry gap year program at the following institutions: Word of Life Bible Institute, Impact 360, Torchbearer Bible Schools, OM Logos Hope, VOX Bivium
• Cannot be combined with a Partnership discount

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Pastor or Missionary Kid Scholarship

Amount: 100% tuition (after subtracting Federal and State Grants/Scholarships) per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• For new undergraduate students, whose parent(s) serve in fulltime ministry as a paid missionary, pastor, or staff member at a church 
• Must submit an official signed letter from employed agency or organization confirming fulltime paid employment status by the first day of the semester
• Must be a federally dependent child as defined by the U.S. Department of Education
• Must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress while enrolled at CIU
• Full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
• Ministry Position Definitions:
  • Pastor - A pastor is defined as an ordained minister or religious leader who serves as the leader of a Christian congregation or church. To be considered eligible for this scholarship, the applicant's parent must hold the official title of pastor within their religious institution.
  • Missionary - Defined as an individual who is sent 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's parent must have been officially designated as a missionary by a recognized religious organization.
  • Church Leadership Staff Member - Defined as an individual who is employed by the church to fulfill various roles and responsibilities in support of the church’s mission, vision, and ministry activities. To be considered eligible for this scholarship, the applicants parent must hold a full-time role within the church, such as Discipleship Director, Men’s/Women’s Ministry Director, Worship Director, Director of Communications.

First-Generation Scholarship

Amount: Up to $4,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• A first-generation college student is someone whose neither parent completed a bachelor’s degree in the U.S.
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Church Matching Grant

Amount: Up to $1,000 matching per year if church participation and application is received by July 1 for Fall or December 1 for Spring

Eligibility:

• Renewable based on continued church participation and application completed by July 1st for fall semester or December 1st for spring semester
• Full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)

Additional Award Information:

• CIU will match a church donation up to $500 per semester
• Complete and submit the downloadable application
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Campus Visit Scholarship

Amount: $500 for the first year of enrollment

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• Experienced campus through one of our on-campus visit options with Admissions by May 1 for Fall or December 1 for Spring
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Students may attend multiple campus visits or events, but are only eligible for a one time award of up to $500

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student

Early Deposit Scholarship

Amount: $500 for the first year of enrollment

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• Pay the $100 Enrollment Deposit by May 1 for Fall and December 1 for Spring
• New full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)

Additional Award Information:

• The Financial Aid Office determines the amount awarded based on the individual facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition and fees

Partner Organization Scholarship

Amount: Up to $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• For new full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester) who meet the qualifications of a partner organization
• 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 facts and circumstances of each student
• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
• Full list of Partnerships

CIU Employee and Dependent Education Benefit

Amount: 100% tuition (after subtracting Federal and State Grants/Scholarships)

Eligibility:

• Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
• Serve as a full-time employee at CIU or be the dependent of a full-time CIU employee
• Employees and Dependents are not eligible for any additional CIU scholarships

Additional Award Information:

• Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition

Tuition Exchange Program Scholarship

CIU is a member of the Tuition Exchange Scholarship Program through which dependents of eligible employees may attend other Tuition Exchange institutions through a reciprocal scholarship program. Tuition Exchange scholarships are not guaranteed and are based on a balance between students exported and imported to the institution. Further information is available at TuitionExchange.org.

International Student Scholarships

CIU believes in supporting talented individuals from around the globe who are eager to make a positive impact in their fields and communities by providing institutional scholarships. 

International Student Scholarship:   

• Amount: Up to $4,000 per year for up to four consecutive academic years
• Eligibility: For new full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students who are not citizens of the United States 

International students, who are not receiving an athletic scholarship, are also eligible to receive the following CIU Scholarships and Grants up to the cost of full tuition:

• Merit Scholarship
• Alumni Referral Scholarship
• Alumni Legacy Scholarship
• Campus Visit Scholarship
• Early Deposit Scholarship
• Ben Lippen Scholarship
• Honors Scholarship
• Ministry Gap Year Program Scholarship
• Community College Scholarship
• Pastor or Missionary Kid Scholarship
• Church Matching Grant
• Partner Organization Scholarship
• CIU Employee and Dependent Education Benefit

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. Qualifying criteria and continued eligibility:

• HOPE Scholarship
• LIFE Scholarship
• Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
• LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Math and Science Enhancement Scholarship
• SC Need-Based Tuition Grant
• SC Teacher Loan Program

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 Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year of college (CIU School Code: 003429). A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid except under certain circumstances. The amount will depend on the following:

• Your Expected Family Contribution
• The cost of attendance
• Status as a full-time or part-time student
• Plans to attend school for a full academic year or less

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for Pell Grant recipients with exceptional financial need determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year of college (CIU School Code: 003429). The FSEOG does not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study Program allows students the opportunity for part-time employment on or off campus. Work-study awards are based on financial need determined by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year of college (CIU School Code: 003429).

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 Subsidized Loan

• Based on a student’s financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
• The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan while the student is enrolled.
• Loans provide a six month “grace period” after finishing school before repayment begins.

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.

Direct PLUS Loans

• The U.S. Department of Education provides the Direct PLUS Loans to eligible parents of dependent undergraduate students as determined by the FAFSA and the Direct PLUS Loan Application.
• The maximum PLUS loan amount you can receive is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.

Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits

If you plan to use a VA benefit, or if you are a dependent of a servicemember who plans to transfer their benefit to you, begin exploring your benefit options on our Veterans Benefits web page.

Benefits eligibility questions are fundamentally the responsibility of the Veterans Administration. Questions about qualifications, amounts of benefit and months of eligibility may be directed to the VA website or by calling 1-888-442-4551.

Outside Scholarships

An outside scholarship is any scholarship not awarded by the government or the school, such as a scholarship provided by a private sector company, philanthropist, or foundation.

There are many resources to assist a student’s search for scholarship funding. The list below can help your search:

• BrokeScholar.com
• FastWeb.com
• CareerOneStop.org

Private Loans

Private student loans are an alternative loan option that is money you borrow that must be paid back with interest. While CIU does not recommend, promote or endorse one lender above another, we do provide a comparison tool from Credible showing a variety of lenders to review and compare.

The listings shown on Credible are not preferred lender lists, nor do they represent every lender that provides private educational loans. CIU will certify private education loan requests for any lender you choose, regardless if they appear on Credible or not.

The lender you choose will provide you with current interest rates, processing fees, and co-signer requirements. The lender, based on the student and cosigner’s credit worthiness, determines interest rates for loans.

Additional Information

To help with financial planning for college, the Net Price Calculator is available as a guide to provide an estimate of aid eligibility. 100% of CIU students receive financial aid, and we are committed to making your educational experience more affordable. Financial aid awards are initially made based on the assumption that an undergraduate student will be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours), limited to eight semesters (four years) of eligibility, and maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). CIU institutional aid is awarded after state and federal aid and cannot exceed the cost of tuition.

All scholarships and grants listed on this page are in effect for students entering Columbia International University in the 2024–25 academic year. CIU reserves the right to change or alter any scholarship requirements, deadlines or award amounts.