Pell Grant
Awarded based on need, the Pell Grant is available if you have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. A confirmed Federal Pell Grant is credited to your CIA student account in two equal installments.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Also awarded based on need and if you have not yet received a bachelor’s degree, a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is credited to your CIA student account in two equal installments.
Federal Direct Loans
These low-interest loans for students and parents are offered through the U.S. Department of Education. Direct loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized:
- Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need. If you qualify, the federal government pays interest on the loan until you begin repayment. Loan proceeds are disbursed in two equal installments credited to your CIA student account.
- Unsubsidized loans do not require a demonstration of financial need. If you qualify, you will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. You can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accumulate. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized—that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and will increase the amount you have to repay. If you pay the interest as it accumulates, you will repay less in the long run.
Direct Loans—amounts for dependent students:- Degree program freshmen can borrow up to $5,500 (including up to $3,500 Subsidized).
- Degree program sophomores can borrow up to $6,500 (including $4,500 Subsidized).
- Juniors, seniors, and students in the undergraduate certificate program can borrow up to $7,500 (including $5,500 Subsidized).
- Students in the graduate certificate program may borrow up to $20,500 in an Unsubsidized Loan only.
- Dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to borrow a Federal Direct PLUS due to adverse credit can receive an additional $4,000 in Unsubsidized Loan funds.
Direct Loans—amounts for independent students (typically 24 years old or older)- Degree program freshmen can borrow up to $9,500 (including up to $3,500 Subsidized).
- Degree program sophomores can borrow up to $10,500 (including up to $4,500 Subsidized).
- Juniors, seniors, and students in the undergraduate certificate program can borrow up to $12,500 (including $5,500 Subsidized).
- Students in the graduate certificate program may borrow up to $20,500 in an Unsubsidized Loan only.
* If you have a Federal Direct Loan, the loan will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System and be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. For more information, visit
studentaid.gov.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan*
Federal Direct PLUS Loans are loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students (Parent PLUS) or students in a graduate program (Grad PLUS).
Parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for a
Parent PLUS Loan to help with their child’s educational expenses. “Parent” is defined as the student’s biological or adoptive parent or custodial stepparent. To apply:
- The student completes the FAFSA.
- The parent must not have an adverse credit history.
- The parent must complete the Parent PLUS application and sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Parents can apply for a Parent PLUS Loan up to 180 days prior to the student’s entry date. The amount that may be borrowed is limited to the student’s cost of attendance (as determined by CIA), minus financial aid from all other sources.
To obtain more information about the Federal Direct PLUS program, including the current interest and fee rates, students and parents should visit
studentaid.gov.
Students in a graduate certificate program may apply for a
Grad PLUS Loan to help with their educational expenses. To apply:
- The student must complete the FAFSA.
- The student borrower must not have an adverse credit history.
- The student must complete the Grad PLUS application, compete the entrance counseling, and sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Students can apply for a PLUS up to 180 days prior to their entry date. The amount that may be borrowed is limited to the student’s cost of attendance (as determined by CIA), minus financial aid from all other sources.
To obtain more information about the Grad PLUS program, including the current interest and fee rates, students should visit
studentaid.gov.
* If you have a Federal PLUS, it will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) and be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and institutions determined to be authorized users of the data system. For more information, visit
studentaid.gov.
Federal Work-Study
As a Work-Study-approved student, you may find employment by applying for one of the jobs at CIA. You will receive a paycheck every other week and may work up to 20 hours per week. Community service Work-Study positions are also available and may be obtained through CIA
Student Financial and Registration Services. Although preference for on-campus employment is given to Work-Study-approved CIA students, jobs are not guaranteed. As you are receiving a paycheck, money received through this award is not deducted from your bill by CIA.
Veterans’ Benefits
Veterans, spouses, dependents, and surviving family members of veterans whose death or disability was related to their service may be eligible for
educational benefits while attending CIA. Forms and information are available at all Veterans Administration offices. Contact CIA
Student Financial and Registration Services for details.