Undergraduate loan limits
with
demonstrated financial need:
Classification
(Credits
Earned)
Subsidized
Unsubsidized
Total Loan
Additional Unsubsidized for
Independent Student
Freshman
(0-29)
$3,500
$2,000
$5,500
$4,000
Sophomore
(30-62)
$4,500
$2,000
$6,500
$4,000
Junior
(63-93)
$5,500
$2,000
$7,500
$5,000
Senior
(94+)
$5,500
$2,000
$7,500
$5,000
Undergraduate loan limits
without
demonstrated financial need:
Classification
(Credits
Earned)
Unsubsidized
Additional Unsubsidized for
Independent Student
Freshman
(0-29)
$5,500
$4,000
Sophomore
(30-62)
$6,500
$4,000
Junior
(63-93)
$7,500
$5,000
Senior
(94+)
$7,500
$5,000
Graduate-level
students may qualify for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The unsubsidized loan accrues interest while
the student is enrolled, but repayment is deferred for a one-time, six-month “grace period” after graduation or dropping below
half-time enrollment. The borrower can either pay the interest or allow the interest to be capitalized (added to the principal).
Graduate-level students have an annual loan limit of $20,500.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study (FWS) is a need-based program of financial aid providing students an opportunity to work part-time in an
approved on-campus job or community service position. It provides an opportunity for students to earn money and obtain
transferable skills while attending CIU. To be eligible for work-study, a student must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program
and have documented need. “Need” is calculated based on the information submitted on the FAFSA. The Financial Aid office
and the Office of Career Services oversee the FWS program. Students are encouraged to apply early.
Summer Students
Summer is considered a trailer term for the current academic year. Although CIU does not offer regular scholarships during
Summer terms, students can be considered for federal loans if they are enrolled at least half-time in a degree-seeking program
and have not already used their annual loan eligibility for the academic year. Students can also be eligible for Federal Pell
Grant funds if full eligibility has not already been used in the academic year.
177│ Columbia International University
Financial Aid