WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID? Financial aid makes the cost of higher education more affordable for students and their families. It’s funded by alumni, friends of the University, and by the federal and state governments. There are five primary types of financial aid available: GRANTS Gift-based aid that is awarded by CCU, the federal government, or the state of Colorado (state grants for Colorado residents only), based on demonstrated financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid. SCHOLARSHIPS A form of gift aid awarded by CCU and other sources on the basis of academic achievement. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. FEDERAL AND STATE WORK-STUDY Students are provided with on-campus work opportunities and paid via paycheck. Eligibility is based on financial need and meeting the FAFSA priority deadline. STAFFORD STUDENT LOANS Loans awarded based on financial need. Unsubsidized loans are also available that are not based on financial need. Repayment begins upon graduation or transfer of enrollment. PARENT PLUS LOANS AND PRIVATE LOANS Parent PLUS loans and private credit loans are available to assist families with meeting college costs.
APPLYING FOR CCU SCHOLARSHIPS IS EASY When you submit your admission application to CCU and complete your FAFSA, you are automatically applying for scholarship consideration! Consideration for scholarships is based on a selective review process, including: Review of high school courses and college preparatory curriculum Review of GPA, ACT, or SAT scores Essay and spiritual recommendation forms Commitment to Christian community (church involvement, missions work, Bible studies, etc.) Leadership and service (clubs, extra-curricular activities, sports, community service) Work experience (where applicable) Fulfillment of academic progress or other requirements is necessary for continued scholarship rewards
GET A HIGH RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT The cost of attending college includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation, and other personal costs. Most students take advantage of a range of financial aid opportunities — such as scholarships, grants, and loans — to help offset these costs.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS At CCU, we want to invest in you so that you can go out and impact the world for Christ. We demonstrate this commitment by offering academic scholarships and need-based assistance: FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN SCHOLARSHIPS Full-Tuition World Changers Scholarship By invitation only; for applicants with outstanding ACT or SAT scores and GPAs and who have demonstrated a commitment to service. $56,000 Trustees’ Scholarship ($7,000/semester) Recipients typically have a 3.8 GPA and an ACT score of 28, an SAT II composite score of 1860, or a New SAT composite score of 1320. $48,000 President’s Scholarship ($6,000/semester) Recipients typically have a 3.6 GPA and an ACT score of 24, an SAT II composite score of 1650, or a New SAT composite score of 1190. $40,000 Deans’ Scholarship ($5,000/semester) Recipients typically have a 3.4 GPA and an ACT score of 22, an SAT II composite score of 1530, or a New SAT composite score of 1110. $28,000 Honors Scholarship ($3,500/semester) Recipients typically have a 2.8 GPA and an ACT score of 21, an SAT II composite score of 1410, or a New SAT composite score of 1030. TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS $10,000 Distinction Scholarship ($5,000/semester) Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 3.5. $8,000 Commendation Scholarship ($4,000/semester) Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 3.25. $6,000 Recognition Scholarship ($3,000/semester) Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 2.8. THE MULTICULTURAL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP (new freshmen only) This scholarship provides an opportunity for multicultural students to complete a Christian college undergraduate degree. CCU will support the students through a series of academic, personal, mentoring, and leadership development activities. The selection process is highly competitive and students must demonstrate financial need (as determined by the information reported on the FAFSA) to be eligible.
303.963.3230 PARTNER SCHOLARSHIPS CCU offers $1,250 annual scholarships to any first-time freshman or transfer student who attends CCU from a partner school, church, or organization. These are renewed annually and awarded evenly by semester — totaling up to $5,000. For more information, visit ccu.edu/partners. BECKMAN SCHOLARSHIP Given to students with demonstrated financial need. A student must apply for federal aid to receive this award. MUSIC PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP Recipients must audition to qualify and are required to participate in a choral or band ensemble. ATHLETICS SCHOLARSHIP Available to student-athletes recommended for scholarship consideration by the Athletics Department. POST-9/11 G.I. BILL YELLOW RIBBON PROGRAM CCU will contribute up to $10,000 per year for each student who qualifies for the federal Post-9/11 Yellow Ribbon benefit. The Department of Veterans Affairs will match CCU’s contribution up to $10,000. Eligible students can apply this scholarship annually toward tuition and fees. For details, visit ccu.edu/finaid/military. NEED-BASED AWARDS To apply for need-based financial aid, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) beginning October 1 of your senior year and list CCU as a specified recipient. LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP For students who have parents or siblings who attended either CCU or its heritage institutions — including students who have currently enrolled siblings. This scholarship offers $1,250 annually, awarded evenly over eight semesters — totaling up to $5,000. DUAL CREDIT PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CCU offers scholarships to public high school students who are currently enrolled in CCU’s Dual Credit program at their schools. Recipients will receive a $1,250 annual award, up to a total of $5,000, awarded evenly over eight semesters. The following requirements apply to all scholarships: 1. Scholarships are awarded evenly by semester (for up to eight semesters) and students must be enrolled each semester to be eligible. 2. Students must maintain GPA requirements for continued scholarship eligibility. For more, visit ccu.edu/finaid.
ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT CCU.EDU/FINAID
FAQS WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID? Submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon possible beginning October 1 of your senior year. CCU will review applications for financial aid in December. We’ll continue to award students throughout the year, but some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. I WON’T QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL AID. SHOULD I STILL COMPLETE THE FAFSA? CCU recommends that all students complete the FAFSA annually. This allows for the full range of aid, including federal loans, CCU need-based grants, and federal work-study. CAN I GET ENOUGH AID TO COVER THE COST OF ATTENDING CCU THIS YEAR? Federal, state, and institutional financial aid are just three resources available to help pay for college. You can also utilize private scholarships, student income, assets, work income — or a PLUS loan. WHEN WILL I KNOW THE AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL AID THAT I AM ELIGIBLE FOR? Award packages are mailed beginning in December to students whose applications are complete (which means we have your application, all letters of recommendation, transcripts, test scores, and FAFSA report). If you complete your application later in the year, allow a minimum of three weeks of processing. We don’t estimate aid based on incomplete applications. WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS DO I HAVE? In addition to the PLUS loan that the parents of a dependent student may take out, we offer the CCU FACTS Payment Plan. This allows you to spread your anticipated costs over 12 months without accruing interest.
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FINANCIAL AID CHECKLIST Complete the admission process early in your senior year. Submit your application, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores to CCU. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible beginning October 1 of your senior year. File online at www.fafsa. ed.gov for accurate and quick results. Include CCU’s Title IV Code (009401) to ensure we receive your FAFSA report. Scholarships from outside sources are a great way to help finance your education. Be sure to verify renewability options. CCU begins to notify students of financial aid awards in December. However, your admission file must be complete and we must have your FAFSA report in-hand before we can determine your financial aid award.
HIGHER EDUCATION IS A LASTING INVESTMENT THAT WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR YOUR FUTURE.
AT COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, YOU GET… A learning environment where Christ is invited into the classroom A campus small enough for you to spend time with professors Transparent friendships with classmates Life next to the Rocky Mountains and Denver Endless opportunities to explore, grow, and launch into a career Student-led ministries where you can serve locally and around the world
RESOURCES For general information and resources about financing your college education, check out: studentaid.ed.gov. Search for additional non-CCU-sponsored scholarships at these sites:
www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com www.college-scholarships.com www.salliemae.com www.collegeanswer.com
VISIT OUR ONLINE SCHOLARSHIP ESTIMATOR AT: CCU.EDU/FINAID/CALCULATOR
GO BEYOND.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more ... –Eph. 3:20