Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2012-2013

111 / 181

2012-2013 Undergraduate Programs
111
details regarding application process and dead-
lines.
Outside Scholarships
Literally thousands of scholarships are offered each
year through private foundations and civic organi-
zations. Students are encouraged to visit
for links
to scholarship search websites. Through your own
diligence in seeking out possibilities, God may
choose to provide for you through private founda-
tions and organizations.
International Students
International students do not complete the FAFSA.
Instead, they should contact the Office of Student
Financial Services to obtain the necessary instruc-
tions related to the application process.
International students seeking financial aid should
be aware that they are required by the U.S. federal
government to demonstrate they have the funds
necessary to attend the university prior to arriving
in the United States. The U.S. government has
determined that, barring unforeseen circum-
stances, adequate funding should be available
from the same or equally dependable sources for
subsequent years of study. (U.S. Federal code 22
CFR 41.61 (b)(ii).) Highest consideration in award-
ing CIU financial aid to international students will
be given to those students who meet the following
criteria:
• Have a proven record of ministry effectiveness,
especially in leadership positions
• Explicitly affirm their intention to return home to
engage in a specific ministry role for which
“Western” theological education is a strategic
advantage
• Receive endorsement and financial backing from
their native church and/or coordinating mission
agency
• Have strong references from CIU alumni, particu-
larly those with whom they minister
• Demonstrate mission quality to the institution
• Demonstrate strong Christian character and spiri-
tual maturity
• For federal aid, student must be U.S. citizen or
eligible non-citizen and certify funds will only be
used for educational expenses
Other Aid Sources and Information
Veteran’s Benefits
If you are an eligible veteran, you are encouraged
to pursue the possibility of Veteran’s Educational
Benefits. Visit www.va.gov for information and
forms. Also visit the CIU veteran’s website at
Review
this page to learn how to apply your benefits as a
CIU student.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
Students who are overcoming physical and/or
developmental obstacles may be eligible for
Vocational Rehabilitation benefits through their
state of residence. Students should contact their
local Vocational Rehabilitation agency for more
information.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy – Federal
Financial Aid
Satisfactory academic progress is defined as the
process of adequately proceeding toward the com-
pletion of a degree. The Office of Student Financial
Services is required by federal regulations to moni-
tor and determine if students are meeting the satis-
factory academic progress requirements. If you
should have any questions about our policy, we
encourage you to contact the office at (803) 807-
5036. For a Columbia International University
student to retain eligibility for federal financial
assistance, the student must meet both
qualitative and quantitative requirements set
out in the full policy available at
Institutional Financial Aid Policy
Institutional aid is defined as CIU scholarships and
grants awarded by the Office of Student Financial
Services. Each scholarship and grant has a mini-
mum GPA requirement. Institutional aid is also
dependent upon the student meeting all CIU com-
munity standards. In order for a CIU student to
retain eligibility for institutional aid, the student
must meet the following criteria: