NEED-BASED AID
Federal Pell Grant
If you have not yet earned a bachelor's degree, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, which is awarded to students on the basis of need as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. A confirmed Federal Pell Grant is credited to your CIA student account in two equal installments.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Similarly, if you have not yet received a bachelor's degree, you may be considered for a Federal SEOG. Grants are awarded on the basis of exceptional financial need. A confirmed Federal SEOG is credited to your CIA student account during the semester in which it is awarded.
Academic Competitiveness Grant
Students who have completed a rigorous academic high school program, and are eligible to receive a Pell Grant, may qualify to receive this federal grant, which is $750 for freshman and $1,300 for sophomores. Applicants will be notified of possible eligibility through the FAFSA process.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
If you demonstrate financial need, you may borrow up to $3,500 in your freshman year, $4,500 in your sophomore year, and $5,500 in each of your junior and senior years. Prior degrees earned at other colleges do not affect these amounts. Loan proceeds are disbursed in two equal installments credited to your CIA student account. The repayment period does not begin, and interest does not accrue, until six months after you leave the CIA. The minimum payment is $50 per month.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
Dependent students can borrow $2,000 per year, in addition to the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. If you qualify for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and we determine you are financially independent, you may borrow up to $6,000 a year in your freshman and sophomore years and $7,000 a year in your junior and senior years, in addition to the amount awarded with the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. If you do not qualify for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, you may borrow up to $9,500 in your freshman year, $10,500 in your sophomore year, and $12,500 a year in your junior and senior years. Under this program, you are responsible for the interest during in-school and deferment periods. Interest accrued during these periods may be paid or capitalized as agreed by the borrower and the lender. Your lender can help you if you have any questions.
Federal Perkins Loan
The Financial Aid Office determines eligibility, giving priority to students with the greatest financial need. Priority is also given to students who have first applied for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS. Students who have completed the financial aid application process by the start of the academic year will be considered. The amount will be determined at the beginning of the academic year and will be paid in two installments.
Federal Work-Study
You may apply for a Federal Work-Study position on campus if the Financial Aid Office determines you are eligible. The dollar amount of the award, however, is only an estimate of your expected earnings and is not deducted from your bill by the Bursar's Office. As a Work-Study-approved student, you find employment by applying for one of the jobs at the CIA, which are listed in the Student Bulletin, and you receive a paycheck each week. You might work up to 20 hours per week. While preference for on-campus employment is given to Work-Study-approved students, jobs are based on availability and are not guaranteed. There are also opportunities to work off campus in community service positions. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the total cost of the student's CIA education, less any other financial aid awarded. The interest rate is variable and payment can begin after the student leaves school. Loan proceeds are disbursed in two equal installments, which are usually sent electronically by the lender to the CIA for credit to the student's account. Parents should contact their bank or lending institution for details.
Veterans' Benefits
Veterans, and surviving family members of veterans whose deaths or disabilities were service-connected, are eligible for educational benefits while attending the CIA. Forms and information are available at all Veterans' Administration offices. The Registrar's Office may be contacted for further information.
>> State Programs
State Grants
California, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Delaware, Connecticut, and Michigan offer need-based and/or merit grants to CIA students who are residents of these states. (Available for A.O.S. degree program only)
Cal Grant
Residents of California enrolled at the Greystone campus are eligible for this grant. To be considered, you must complete your FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) by March 2 of the year you will enter the program. To learn more, visit www.csac.ca.gov.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you have a disability, you may be offered assistance by your state's Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, depending on the state's criteria. If you are offered financial assistance through this program, please have your rehabilitation counselor contact the CIA's Financial Aid Office.