Financing Your Education
There are a number of different financial aid resources that you can explore to help fund your studies at IU Columbus. A financial aid 'package' is a combination of several types of aid, and we encourage you to consider every resource to help make your education as affordable as possible.
Grants
Grants are funds awarded to students that don't require repayment. Eligibility is based on your FAFSA and Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Grants you may be eligible for include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- Indiana State Grants
Scholarships
Like grants, scholarships are funds that don't require repayment. They are available from the University, academic departments, and private organizations, and the amounts vary. The Office of Student Financial Services (Scholarships) Links to an external site. has information, but we encourage you to consider other sources such as online scholarship search engines. Remember that scholarships are free; never pay to apply for or receive a scholarship.
Loans
Loans can be a valuable investment in your education. Undergraduates may be able to participate in the Federal Direct Loan Links to an external site. or other Federal Loan programs. The amount of loan funding you can borrow through the Federal Direct Loan program varies based on your grade level and dependency status Links to an external site.. Parents of dependent undergraduate students may be eligible to borrow additional loan funds Links to an external site. for the student. Private loans from banks and other lenders may also be available to creditworthy borrowers.
Employment
Working while in school can allow you to earn money to help pay your tuition and fees or other expenses. You may be offered a Work-Study award as part of your financial aid offer. These jobs may be located on campus or in the community. IU Columbus has many other opportunities for students to work on campus. Check with the Career Services Links to an external site. office to find out about opportunities for part-time work. Consider how you’ll balance the demands of work and school as you explore employment opportunities.