College costs have been rising steadily for decades, making it increasingly difficult for students to afford a higher education. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public college has increased by 150% since 1985, while the cost of tuition and fees at a four-year private college has increased by 129%.
These rising costs have led to a significant increase in student debt. The average student loan debt for the class of 2019 was $30,000, up from $25,000 for the class of 2015. This debt can have a significant impact on students’ financial futures, making it difficult for them to purchase a home, save for retirement, or start a family.
Colorado Christian University (CCU) is committed to making college affordable for all students. CCU offers a variety of financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. These programs can help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
Types of CCU Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are free money that does not have to be repaid. CCU offers a variety of scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. Some of the most popular scholarships include:
- Presidential Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and an ACT score of 29 or higher. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and fees.
- Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees.
- Need-Based Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees.
Grants
Grants are also free money that does not have to be repaid. Unlike scholarships, grants are awarded based on financial need. CCU offers a variety of grants, including:
- Pell Grant: This grant is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The grant amount varies depending on the student’s financial need and the cost of attendance.
- Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): This grant is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. The grant amount varies depending on the student’s financial need and the cost of attendance.
- Colorado Student Grant: This grant is awarded to Colorado residents who demonstrate financial need. The grant amount varies depending on the student’s financial need and the cost of attendance.
Loans
Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. CCU offers a variety of loans, including:
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: This loan is subsidized by the federal government, which means that the government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school. The loan is repaid after the student graduates or leaves school.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: This loan is not subsidized by the federal government, which means that the student is responsible for paying the interest on the loan. The loan is repaid after the student graduates or leaves school.
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan: This loan is available to parents of undergraduate students and to graduate students. The loan is repaid after the student graduates or leaves school.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs allow students to work part-time to earn money to help pay for college. CCU offers a variety of work-study programs, including:
- On-campus jobs: Students can work on campus in a variety of jobs, such as library assistants, tutors, and research assistants.
- Off-campus jobs: Students can work off campus in a variety of jobs, such as retail associates, customer service representatives, and childcare providers.
How to Apply for CCU Financial Aid
To apply for CCU financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a form that collects information about your family’s income and assets. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
You can complete the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. You can also get help completing the FAFSA at your high school or college’s financial aid office.
The FAFSA deadline is June 30th. However, it is recommended that you submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the more likely you are to receive financial aid.
Tips for Maximizing Your CCU Financial Aid
Here are a few tips for maximizing your CCU financial aid:
- Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the more likely you are to receive financial aid.
- Be accurate and complete when completing the FAFSA. Any errors or omissions could delay your financial aid application or result in you receiving less aid.
- Explore all of your financial aid options. There are a variety of financial aid programs available, so be sure to explore all of your options before making a decision.
- Apply for scholarships. Scholarships are free money that does not have to be repaid. There are a variety of scholarships available, so be sure to apply for as many as you qualify for.
- Work with your financial aid counselor. Your financial aid counselor can help you understand your financial aid options and make the best decisions for your situation.