Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance to students who, without such help, would be unable to attend Columbus State University. In addition, the office provides information and assistance to students seeking loans, grants, or scholarships. In cooperation with high school counselors and administrators, local civic organizations and interested individuals, Columbus State University encourages eligible students to participate in this program.
Financial aid may be awarded based on a combination of financial need, academic ability, and leadership potential. Students apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA. Applications can be completed as early as January 1 for the next academic year, and may be secured from the Financial Aid Office or from area high schools. In order to expedite the application and notification process of a student's financial aid request, applicants are highly encouraged to complete the FAFSA by accessing the Internet at: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once you have completed the application, you must print, sign and mail the signature page only to the address indicated on the form. Students should apply at least three (3) months before the semester they wish to receive aid. Students who submit all required documents by the deadline date, as published in the Columbus State University Schedule of Classes, will be notified regarding their request for assistance before the fee payment deadline.
Students must be admitted to a degree program before their application for financial aid can be processed. Recipients of Title IV (federal) financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to maintain award eligibility. Copies of the satisfactory academic progress policy can be requested from the Financial Aid Office. Students who are placed on financial aid probation, and students who lose their eligibility to receive financial aid are notified by the Financial Aid Office regarding their eligibility for future assistance.
Grants
Federal and state grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and no repayment is required. All students must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for award consideration.
Federal Pell Grant - Award is available to eligible undergraduate students who qualify in accordance with federal regulations.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant - This grant is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need as funds are available.
State Incentive Grant - Available to full-time students who are legal residents of Georgia.
Scholarships
Academic Decathlon Scholarship - Awarded to academically talented entering freshmen. Award is $600. Contact the Muscogee County School District at 1200 Bradley Drive, Columbus GA 31906 or call (706) 649-0500 for further information.
Abbott Turner College of Business Book Scholarship- Awarded to full-time business students to help cover book expenses. Award varies depending upon hours of enrollment. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
American Association of University Women - Provides scholarship support to a female adult re-entry student.
Paul Amos Scholarship - Provides support to undergraduate students who are employed full-time in the Columbus and Phenix City area.
Art Scholarships - Scholarships are available to art and art education majors who demonstrate a high aptitude in the visual arts. The amount of the scholarships varies depending upon aptitude. Contact the Department of Art for further information.
Athletic Scholarships- Awarded to outstanding students with demonstrated talent in one of the following areas: baseball, men's and women's basketball, cheerleading, men's and women's cross country, golf, softball, and men's and women's tennis. Contact the Department of Athletics for further information.
AUSA Scholarships - The Columbus-Phenix City-Fort Benning chapter of the Association of the United States Army provides scholarship funds for ROTC cadets.
Judge Averill Graduate Fellowship - Provides assistance to outstanding full-time students pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.
Louise Garrard Davis Blanchard Award - Awarded annually to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Contact the BSN or ASN program director for further information.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Career Club Scholarship- Awarded to students majoring in nursing who have demonstrated financial need and academic ability. Awards are $444 per year. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Lloyd and Effie Bowers Music Endowment Scholarship- Awarded to talented students majoring in music. The amount ranges from the cost of applied music lessons to full tuition and fees. Contact the Schwob Department of Music for further information.
Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship - Awarded to entering full-time freshmen who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. Awards are up to $1,500 per year. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Columbus Artists Guild Scholarship- Awarded to art and art education majors with demonstrated high aptitude in the visual arts. The amount of the scholarship varies depending upon aptitude. Contact the Department of Art for further information.
Columbus State University Alumni Association Roy Tanner Scholarship - Awarded to an adult re-entry student who has financial need and academic potential, who has completed 30 semester hours of college study with at least six semester hours completed at CSU. Contact the Alumni Office for further information.
Columbus State University Honor Scholarship - Awarded to academically talented entering freshmen with at least a minimum SAT/ACT score of 1100/25 respectively and a high school GPA of at least 3.0 These awards, which are given without regard to financial need, provide recipients with a $3,300 for full-time enrollment, and may be renewable for up to four years. Contact the Office of Admissions for application forms.
Columbus State University Pep Band Scholarship- Awarded to talented students for performing with the CSU Pep Band. This spirit organization pays a stipend per basketball game. Contact the Schwob Department of Music for further information.
Columbus State University Presidential Scholarship - Provides a tuition scholarship to the top two graduates of Chattahoochee Valley Community College. Contact the dean of enrollment services for further information.
Columbus State University ROTC Nursing Scholarship- Awarded to nursing students enrolled in ROTC at CSU. Contact the Department of Military Science for further information.
Computer Information Management Award- Awarded annually to a graduating computer information management student chosen by the faculty and based upon overall academic excellence. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Virginia Cook Lee and Katie Lou Cook Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund - Provides support to students majoring in music and music education.
Ralph H. & Annie G. Owen Curry Scholarship- Awarded to persons who are not CSU employees nor family members of CSU employees, who are full-time students at CSU, have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and have demonstrated financial need. The recipients may receive tuition and fees for two semesters during the academic year. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Environmental Science Scholarship sponsored by The Columbus Water Works- Awarded to juniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA majoring in natural science who are interested in a career in, or directly related to, environmental sciences. Awards provide recipients with $1,000. Contact the College of Science for further information.
Fieldcrest Scholarships - Awarded to students who have demonstrated academic ability and financial need. Preference is given to dependents of employees of Fieldcrest Mills.
Finance Award- Awarded annually to a graduating finance student chosen by the faculty and based upon overall academic excellence. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Maude Flournoy Dixon Piano Scholarship Fund - Provides support to students majoring in music with a concentration in piano.
Dwight Curtis Floyd Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Fund - Awarded to talented students majoring in music. The amount ranges from the cost of applied music lessons to full tuition and fees. Contact the Schwob Department of Music for further information.
Irving J. Fox Accounting Award -- Awarded annually to a graduating accounting student chosen by the faculty and based upon overall academic excellence. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Georgia Governor's Scholarship - Awarded to entering freshmen, who were selected as Georgia Scholars, STAR students, valedictorians, or salutatorians. Awards are up to $1,540 per year. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Louise B. and F. L. Griffin Nursing Scholarship - Scholarship awarded annually to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement.
Georgia Lung Association Health Science Scholarship Fund - Awarded to students pursuing studies in respiratory therapy, health science, or health education at CSU. Contact the respiratory therapy program director or the Division of Health Professions for further information.
Rose Gutman Nursing Endowment Scholarship- Awarded to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Contact the BSN or ASN program director for further information.
Katherine P. Hazouri or the Louis A. Hazouri Award - Awarded annually to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Contact the BSN or ASN program director for further information.
HOPE Scholarship - Funded by the Georgia lottery, HOPE (Help Outstanding Pupils Educationally) is a state-sponsored gift aid program. Recipients must meet academic requirements, and must have been identified as HOPE recipients by their high schools. College sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are eligible for HOPE will be notified by the Financial Aid Office.
HOPE Teacher Scholarship - Funded by the Georgia lottery and a component of the HOPE Scholarship Program, the HOPE Teacher Scholarship provides forgivable loans to teachers, school counselors and individuals who are seeking advanced degrees in critical fields of study leading to certification. The scholarship provides loan funds up to $10,000 for the degree program.
Jill Howard Music Education Fund- Awarded to talented students majoring in music with an emphasis in voice. The amount ranges from the cost of applied music lessons to full tuition and fees. Contact the Schwob Department of Music for further information.
William Howard Memorial Scholarship - This scholarship is a living memorial to William Howard, who served as a Columbus State University faculty member from 1958-1964. The Columbus State University Alumni Association awards this scholarship annually to an incoming freshman on the basis of scholastic achievement.
Hughston Sports Medicine Education Foundation Scholarship- Awarded to students who have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and are enrolled in a degree-seeking program at CSU. Hughston employees will be considered before non-employees. Award varies depending upon hours of enrollment. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Regina Jankiewicz Memorial Scholarship- Awarded to juniors or seniors who have completed at least one year of study in the College of Business with a cumulative GPA of 3.3. Awards will be $500 per year. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant and Public Safety Memorial Grant- Awarded to children of law enforcement officers, firemen, EMT, or correction officers in Georgia who have been permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. Recipients must be legal residents of Georgia who are full-time undergraduate degree students. Awards are up to $2,000 per year. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Management Award- Awarded annually to a graduating management student chosen by the faculty and based upon overall academic excellence. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Marketing Award- Awarded annually to a graduating marketing student chosen by the faculty and based upon overall academic excellence. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Masters of Business Administration Award- Awarded annually to a graduating MBA student chosen by the MBA director and based upon overall academic excellence. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Jean McArthur Memorial Nursing Award - Awarded annually to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Contact the BSN or ASN program director for further information.
Alma Taliaferro McGee Piano Endowment Fund - Provides scholarship support to students majoring in music with a concentration in piano.
Music Scholarships - Scholarships are available for talented students in the fields of music and music education. The amount ranges from the cost of applied music lessons to full tuition and fees. Auditions are held throughout the spring to determine the recipients of the scholarships. Contact the chair of the Schwob Department of Music for further information and application forms.
Kenneth Nance Nursing Scholarship - Awarded annually to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Contact the BSN or ASN program director for further information.
Herbert H. Hughes and James Newsom Scholarship Awards - These scholarships are a living memorial of Herbert H. Hughes and James Newsom. Preference is given to residents of Muscogee County. Scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership, and need are considered in this order. Awarded in conjunction with the Columbus State University Honors Scholarship.
Lucy Q. Page Nursing Scholarship - Scholarship awarded annually to a nursing student based on academic excellence.
Mary Passailaigue Art Scholarship - Awarded to art and art education majors with demonstrated high aptitude in the visual arts. The amount of the scholarship varies depending upon aptitude. Contact the Department of Art for further information.
Patrons of Music Scholarship Fund - Provides support to students majoring in music. The amount ranges from the cost of applied music lessons to full tuition and fees. Contact the Schwob Department of Music for further information.
Philips Lin Scholarship- Awarded annually to an MBA student who has demonstrated a high quality of effort, enthusiasm, and superior academic performance and has completed the first year of graduate study. Contact the Abbott Turner College of Business for further information.
Presser Foundation Music Scholarship- Awarded to a rising senior majoring in music. The award provides full tuition and fees. Contact the Schwob Department of Music for further information.
PROMISE Teacher Scholarship - Funded by the Georgia lottery and a component of the HOPE Scholarship Program, the PROMISE Teacher Scholarship provides forgivable loans up to $3,000 per academic year. The purpose of the program is to attract high achieving undergraduates into the teaching profession and provide them with financial assistance beginning with the junior year. Students agree to teach in a Georgia public school at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or secondary level.
Ramsey Art Endowment Scholarship- Awarded to art and art education majors with demonstrated high aptitude in the visual arts. The amount of the scholarship varies depending upon aptitude. Contact the Department of Art for further information.
Regents' Opportunity Scholarship - Awarded to Georgia residents who are economically-disadvantaged and enrolled in the Master of Public Administration or the Master of Business Administration degree programs.
Regents' Scholarship - Scholarships are available to full-time, degree-seeking students who are residents of the state of Georgia. Applicants must be in the upper 25 percent of their class to qualify. To be eligible, an entering freshman's predictable standing (based on high school average and SAT scores) must be in the upper 25 percent of the class. Students must demonstrate financial need.
Retired Officers Association Scholarships - Provides scholarship funds for ROTC cadets.
Helen Roberts Endowed Music Scholarship - Awarded to talented students majoring in music. The amount ranges from the cost of applied music lessons to full tuition and fees. Contact the Schwob Department of Music for further information.
Rotary Club of Columbus - Provides the Terry S. Pemberton, Alan F. Rothschild, and James O. Hoover scholarships. These awards are given to outstanding junior and senior students at Columbus State University.
ROTC Scholarships - Students enrolled in, or planning to enroll in, ROTC at Columbus State University can apply for Army ROTC scholarships. The Army provides funds for four-, three-, and two-year scholarships which pay for full college tuition, textbooks, laboratory fees, and other educational expenses.
Jac H. Rothschild Award- Awarded annually to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Contact the BSN or ASN program director for further information.
Gerald B. and Charlotte A. Saunders Music Scholarship Endowment Fund - Provides assistance to talented students majoring in music.
Ruth S. Schwob Music Scholarship Endowment Fund - Provides support to talented students majoring in music and music education.
Simon Schwob Foundation Music Endowment Fund - Provides support to talented students majoring in music and music education.
Edward Shorter Endowment - Provides scholarship support to students majoring in art.
Benjamin Thomas Siegfried Memorial Scholarship Fund - Established in 1989 in memory of a former student, this scholarship is a need-based award with priority given to a student enrolled in ROTC.
Bebe Smith Art Scholarship- Awarded to art and art education majors with demonstrated high aptitude in the visual arts. The amount of the scholarship varies depending upon aptitude. Contact the Department of Art for further information.
Bill Evans/Springer Theater Scholarship- Annually awarded to two theatre arts majors who demonstrate outstanding potential in either performance or technical theater. Contact the Department of Theatre Arts for further information.
Celia B. Taylor Communication Scholarship- Awarded to outstanding students majoring in communication. Amounts of the scholarship vary. Contact the communication program director for further information.
Teen Achievers Award- Awarded to a member of the CSU Teen Achiever Program. Members are selected by area school counselors, principals, and individuals in the community. A tuition and fee scholarship is given to an academically talented senior for use at CSU. Other senior teens attending Columbus State University will receive a $100 book allowance. Contact the Minority Affairs Office for further information.
Theatre Arts Scholarships - Scholarships are available to theatre arts majors who demonstrate, by audition and interview, exceptional ability in the areas of performance or technical theater. Amount of scholarships ranges up to full tuition. Auditions and interviews are normally held in the spring. Contact the chair, Department of Theatre Arts, for further information.
Pearl Austin Thiele Scholarship - These scholarships are in memory of Pearl Austin Thiele. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholastic achievement and demonstrated leadership. Awarded in conjunction with the Columbus State University Honors Scholarship.
Wal-Mart Competitive Edge Scholarship- Awarded to an academically talented entering freshman with a declared major in a technology-related area who has demonstrated leadership and community service. Recipient must be enrolled as a full-time student. Awarded in conjunction with the CSU Honor Scholarship. Awards are $5,000 per year. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Scholarship - Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student who is a Georgia resident and has demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, and participation in community and school affairs. Award covers tuition and fees. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Dorothy Guinan Woods Memorial Award- Awarded annually to a nursing student based on demonstrated leadership and scholastic achievement. Contact the BSN or ASN program director for further information.
Other Scholarships - A number of other scholarships are available to students through the contribution of individual donors. Some of those awarded through the university, or in conjunction with the university are: Orpheus Club Scholarship, Columbus State University Alumni Association, Future Business Executive Scholarship, Hughston Sports Medicine Hospital Nursing Assistance Scholarship, Kennon and Parker Realtors, Nathan Patterson Scholarship, William Henry Shaw Scholarship, Columbus Business and Professional Women Scholarship, Valley Association of Past Masters, and AFLAC.
Recipients of these scholarships must generally show financial need and prediction of academic success. In some cases, awards are made solely on the basis of academic success and leadership ability.
Loans
The Columbus Rotary Education Foundation - Information and applications may be secured from the secretary, Columbus Rotary Educational Foundation, Box 1138, Columbus, Georgia 31902-1138.
Federal Direct Student Loan - This is a federal loan bearing the following loan limits: freshman - $2,625, sophomore - $3,500, juniors and seniors - $5,500. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500. Students must demonstrate financial need for amounts received.
Federal Perkins Loan - Students may borrow up to $3,000 per year as an undergraduate student and up to $5,000 per year as a graduate or professional student. Recipients must demonstrate financial need for the amounts borrowed.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan - Parents may borrow for dependent undergraduate students. Loan limits are determined by parents and the Financial Aid Office.
Greentree-Sevier Educational Loan - Annually, a limited number of these loans are made to students who have demonstrated satisfactory academic ability and are in need of funds to continue their education. These loans, in amounts generally up to $900 per semester, bear a simple interest rate of 8.5 percent per annum. No interest accrues, nor is any payment due, while the student is enrolled. Repayment and interest begin 90 days after termination of studies.
Elisabeth D. Pattillo Loan Fund - Provides support to undergraduate students majoring in special education with an emphasis in mental retardation. Borrowers may qualify for service repayment by teaching in the Muscogee County School District in the field of mental retardation.
The Pickett and Hatcher Educational Fund - A nonprofit, non-commercial educational trust fund created to assist full-time undergraduate students in fields of study other than law, medicine, or the ministry. The deadline for submitting an application is June 15. For more information write to: Pickett and Hatcher Educational Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 8169, Columbus, GA 31908.
Dora G. and Jac H. Rothschild Assistance Fund - This fund was established through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Rothschild for the benefit of Columbus State University students who are in need of small, short-term loans to help defray college expenses. These awards are for a maximum of 90 percent of in-state tuition and fees and must be repaid by the day before early registration for the next semester.
Part-Time Employment
Federal Work-Study Program - Students who qualify for the program are permitted to work in an approved part-time job and earn a specific amount of money, normally between $700 and $2,100 per year. An award is made for a specified period, and job assignments are based on ability, interest, major, and needs of the university.
Off-Campus Jobs - Listings of many part-time job opportunities (as well as full-time) are available in the Career Center. Often, employers who call the center regarding job openings are willing to allow a student flexibility in order to work around class schedules.
Regular Student Assistant Program - A limited number of part-time positions is available to students through various campus departments. Applications should be made directly to the Career Center. Opportunities under this program are based on university work needs.
Graduate Assistantships
A student holding an appointment as a graduate assistant must be fully admitted to a graduate degree program, be in good academic standing, and earn a minimum of nine and maximum of 10 semester hours of graduate course work (or required prerequisites) during the period in which the assistantship is held. Work assignments cannot exceed 19 hours per week. Students interested in seeking an assistantship should contact the dean of the college offering the graduate program in which they are enrolled.
Veterans
Veterans, active duty personnel, reservists, and eligible dependents attend Columbus State University under the provisions of Title 38, U.S. Code and Veterans Administration regulations. These federal laws provide educational assistance to veterans and eligible spouses and children of disabled or deceased veterans.
Veterans and eligible persons entitled to VA educational benefits may be certified for a total of 30 non-degree credit hours in developmental studies if progressing academically. Only nine hours may be certified in each of the basic skills (i.e., mathematics, reading, writing). The need for enrollment in developmental studies must be established by testing and must be required by the school. VA payments are not allowed if the student is classified as a volunteer (audit student).
Veterans and eligible persons may enroll in and be certified for appropriate non-degree credit courses or remedial reading and/or remedial writing courses of the Regents' Testing program. However, under no circumstances may a student be certified for more than 30 semester hours of courses in remediation in any two programs (Regents' Testing and Developmental Studies). The maximum number of hours in each skill (writing and reading) is nine semester hours.
Interested persons should contact the Office of Veterans Affairs, 125 Richards Hall, (706) 507-8800 for information and assistance pertaining to eligibility and application for veterans' educational benefits. For information regarding credit for military service, please refer to the non-traditional sources of credit under the Undergraduate Admissions section of this catalog.
