Undergraduate Financial Aid

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
    • Ram Pell Promise
    • Early Deposit Scholarship
    • Campus Visit Scholarship
    • International students are also eligible for Donor Scholarships

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)
  • 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 full Federal Pell Grant
  • 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
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
  • 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
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)
  • 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 July 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
Nursing Scholarship
 

Amount:

  • $1,000 Freshman
  • $2,000 Sophomore
  • $3,000 Junior and Senior

Eligibility:

  • Declared Nursing major full-time degree-seeking student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
  • Submit the FAFSA (CIU’s school code: 003429)
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 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
  • 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

 

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
  • All eligible applicants may receive only one Alumni Referral Award, regardless if referred by more than one alumnus from CIU
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 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)
  • Earned a minimum of 12 credit hours at a community college 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
Parent in Ministry and Missionary Dependent 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 missionary, pastor, or on staff at a church or para-church organization
  • Must submit an official signed letter or pay stub from employed agency or organization confirming employment status by the start 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
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:

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
  • Total institutional aid cannot exceed annual tuition
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
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

All international full-time (minimum of 12 credits per semester) degree-seeking undergraduate students, who are not receiving an athletics scholarship, are eligible to receive the following CIU Scholarships and Grants up to the cost of full tuition:

  • Merit Scholarship
  • Out of State Scholarship
  • Donor Scholarship
  • Alumni Referral
  • Alumni Legacy
  • Campus Visit Scholarship
  • Early Deposit Scholarship
  • Ben Lippen Scholarship
  • Honors Scholarship
  • Ministry Gap Year Program
  • Community College Scholarship
  • Parent in Ministry
  • Church Matching Grant
  • Partnership
  • CIU Employee and Dependent Education Benefit

Donor Scholarships

Donor Scholarships are individual scholarship funds that are graciously donated to CIU. The criteria for receiving each Donor Scholarship varies, as does the amount of the award.

Eligibility:

  • Submit the Donor Application
  • New and returning international students
  • U.S. citizens are eligible after they complete their first year
  • For full-time degree-seeking students (minimum of 12 credits per semester)

Additional Award Information:

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:

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:

Outside Scholarship Chart
 
Scholarship Name Award Range Criteria and Eligibility
Meeting Street Scholarship Fund Up to $10,000 Available to hard-working, high-achieving students in SC who have been accepted into CIU.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Varies Undergraduate and graduate merit and need-based scholarships
APIASF Scholarship Program Varies Be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by the U.S. Census. Be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Must apply for federal financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a cumulative GPA of 2.7.
Carolina Children’s Home Scholarship $5,000 Student must be a permanent resident in the Midlands of SC and studying in the field of Nursing, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or Medicine.
Central Carolina Community Foundation Varies For High School seniors and current college students to apply for more than 200 scholarships with one general application
CTFCU Legacy Scholarship Fund $1,500 A high school senior or undergraduate student that is a Carolina Telco Federal Credit Union member with a GPA of at least a 3.0
Daniel R. Hoover Scholarship Fund Varies You must be studying in the ministry and must demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students from Cabarrus County, N.C. There are many other scholarships on this site as well.
Foundation for the Carolinas Varies Search for scholarships based on keyword or criteria for each selection requirements with an online application.
Glad Tidings Gospel Ministry $500–$700 For students who plan to serve in inner-city ministry or students with parents that have served or are currently serving as missionaries or students that come from unbelieving families who do not contribute financial support to their Christian education.
Harvesters Scholarship Foundation Varies Various Scholarships
Marguerite Young Endowment Fund $1,500 For MDIV students preparing for full-time ministry with a minimum 2.0 GPA and studying theology.
Nursing Scholarships for International Students Varies A list of financial aid scholarship possibilities for undergraduate and graduate international students majoring in Nursing.
Presbyterian Scholarship for Undgergraduates $4,000 PCUSA church members seeking first associates or bachelors’ degrees as a full time student.
SC Baptist Collegiate Ministry Scholarships Varies To be eligible you must be an active resident member of a South Carolina Southern Baptist Church, have church recommendation, and be able to attend a personal interview session.
Watson Brown Foundation Scholarship Varies For students from the select counties in Georgia and SC
Woman’s Missionary Union Foundation Scholarships Varies For Baptist students preparing for Baptist missions service.

 

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.