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 Supplement, which is separate from the application for admission, in order to be considered for scholarship funding from Columbia. A CSS Profile with related financial documentation to College Board is also required of all applicants (see additional information in questions below). In the fall, applicants will be notified by email when the Scholarship Supplement 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 Supplement and all other required documentation 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?
a.) 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 SUPPLEMENT and CSS PROFILE QUESTIONS:

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

a.) You must submit the 2025-2026 CSS Profile Application, the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Supplement, 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 Supplement, 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 2025-2026 CSS Profile Application and the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Aid Supplement open on October 11, 2024.
6. What is the application fee? 

a.) The CSS Profile Application has a fee, which Columbia Journalism School will pay.  CJS will provide you with a waiver code.

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

7. When are the application deadlines for the CSS Profile, Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Supplement, and FAFSA applications?
a.) You must complete and submit the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Aid Supplement in advance of submitting the CSS Profile. The submission deadline for the CSS Profile has passed, but applicants are currently still able to submit it - please do so as soon as possible.  The deadline to submit the FAFSA, as well as all supporting documents, is January 15, 2025.
8. Do I have to submit both the CSS Profile Application and the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Supplement 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 2023 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 2023 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 Supplement?
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 Office of Admission and Financial Aid. 
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 2024-25 academic year. Do I need to fill out the CSS profile?
a.) No, but you need to submit the Columbia Journalism School Scholarship Supplement, and if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the 2025-26 FAFSA.
17. How do I contact a representative at the College Board if I have any questions about completing the CSS Profile?
a.) Chat live or speak by phone with a CSS Representative if you have any questions about completing the CSS Profile or have any other customer service needs.
18. Where do I go if I have more questions about the CSS Profile?

a.) Review the step-by-step guide for the CSS Profile to assist you in its completion.

19. I still have questions about how to complete the CSS Profile.  Where can I look for answers to my questions?

a.) College Board has also created its own FAQs in assisting with completing the CSS Profile.
20. Do my parents have to submit financial information?
a.) Financial information may be required from your parents. Parental information has its own dedicated section.
21. Do I have to pay to complete and submit the CSS Profile?
a.) Columbia Journalism will supply each applicant with a fee waiver in order to submit the CSS Profile at no cost to the applicant.
22. How do I upload my financial documentation?
a.) You can upload all of your documents in the scholarship application.  Your parent/spouse will receive a link to upload all of their documents.  All documents must be fully submitted; otherwise, your application will be incomplete.  Foreign documents must be submitted in their original form along with an English translation. 
23. 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.