Frequently Asked Questions: Scholarship Aid and Educational Financing

GENERAL EDUCATIONAL FINANCING QUESTIONS:

1. How do I become eligible for potential educational financing support from Columbia Journalism School? 
a.) Applicants to any of Columbia Journalism School's master's degree programs must complete and submit a Scholarship Aid Application, which is separate from the application for admission, in order to be considered for scholarship funding from Columbia. In the fall, applicants will be notified by email when the Scholarship Aid Application is open and they will be given instructions on how to complete it.  Applicants to the Ph.D. in Communications do not need to submit the Scholarship Application.
2. What percentage of students receive financial aid?

a.) The Journalism School offers several million annually in fellowships and scholarships to domestic and international students who demonstrate high academic achievement, financial need and exceptional promise for leading careers in journalism. Our Office of Admission and Financial Aid works with each student to ease the cost of attendance through a combination of scholarships and need-based programs, including grants and federal and private loans.

About 80 percent of our students utilize some sort of financial aid, including grants, loans or scholarships. Applicants who submit the Journalism School Scholarship Aid Application are automatically considered for merit and need-based scholarships. Admission decisions are need-blind.

3. When will I receive the money from my student loan to cover my living expenses?
Generally, you will receive this money during the first two weeks of the semester. The funds come in the form of a refund, which is based on any credit remaining after the money from your student loan has been applied to tuition, fees and other university charges. Refunds are processed throughout the year when credit balances appear. The university will issue a refund either via direct deposit or a paper check. Click HERE for more information.

SCHOLARSHIP AID APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. What applications are required to apply for scholarship aid?

a.) You must submit the 2024-2025 CSS Profile Application, the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Aid Application, and, if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. How is scholarship eligibility determined?

a.) Merit, as determined by the Admission Committee.

b.) Financial need, as determined by the applicant’s current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Columbia Journalism Scholarship Aid Application, and the CSS Profile Application.

c.) Guidelines specified by individual donors.

3. What is the Columbia Journalism School’s CSS Profile Application code?
a.) The CSS Profile code is 2202.
4. What is the Columbia Journalism School’s FAFSA Application code?
a.) The FAFSA code is 002707.
5. When can I apply for scholarship aid from Columbia Journalism School?
a.) The 2024-2025 CSS Profile Application and the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Aid Application open on October 1, 2023.
6. What is the application fee? 

a.) The CSS Profile Application has a fee, which Columbia Journalism School will pay.

b.) There is no fee for the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Aid Application.

7. When is the application deadline for the CSS Profile, Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Aid, and FAFSA applications?
a.) The deadline is December 15, 2023.
8. Do I have to submit both the CSS Profile Application and the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Aid Application to be considered for funding?
a.) Yes, you must submit both applications.
9. Do I need to provide parental financial information?
a.) Yes, if you are under 35 years of age and not married. You will need to submit parental income statements, including taxes filed.
10. Do I need to provide spousal financial information?
a.) Yes, if you are married. You will need to submit spousal income statements, including taxes filed.
11. Which year's tax return do I need to provide?
a.) You will need to provide the 2022 federal tax return.
12. Do I need to provide any additional forms or documents with my CSS Profile application?
a.) Yes. Students will submit a Verification Worksheet along with all 2022 student and/or parent/spousal income statements and taxes filed as supporting documentation.
13. I’m an international student. Do I need to submit the CSS Profile Application and the Columbia Journalism Scholarship Aid Application?
a.)  Yes. Non-U.S. Citizens will need to complete both forms to be considered for scholarship aid.
14. If my family circumstances change after I submit the CSS Profile, can I update or edit my application?
a.) Once you submit the CSS Profile, you are able to go back in and change limited information.  However, if your family's financial situation changes(ed), and you are not able to make an update in a specific field after you submit the CSS Profile, you may contact the financial aid office for assistance.
15. When will I be notified if I am eligible for scholarship aid?
a.) Scholarship aid decisions will be released the same week as admission decisions.
16. I am a current CJS student and received CJS scholarship aid in the 2023-24 academic year. Do I need to fill out the CSS profile?
a.) No, but you need to submit the Columbia Journalism Scholarship Aid Application, and if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the 2024-25 FAFSA.
17. What if I have additional educational financing questions? 
Questions about educational financing can be directed to the CJS Office of Admission and Financial Aid via email at apply.journalism@columbia.edu, or you can call us at 212-854-8608.