NOTE: This article was originally written and published by Brittany Fillmore on July 25, 2017. It was edited and updated by Jazmin Hill in January 2026.

Figuring out how to pay for school is one of the most common questions for online college students. Each year at Columbia Southern University, we award scholarships to current and future students as one of our various ways to save. With many scholarships available, you will likely find one that meets your needs.

You can apply for military or program-specific scholarships like the CSU Fire Scholarship or CSU Safety Scholarship, or you can opt for general scholarships like the five listed below:

1. Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship

In commemoration of CSU’s founder, the Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship is awarded to one CSU alumnus who is pursuing their online master’s degree with CSU. The annual award is applied for up to three years or until the completion of the online degree program, whichever comes first.  

View the application period here.

2. Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship

Awarded eight times annually, the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship recognizes deserving family members of active-duty military and public safety personnel (firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs and dispatchers).  One scholarship will be awarded to the spouse or child of a National Guard or active-duty military member. One scholarship will be awarded to the spouse or child of a public safety personnel. This scholarship covers tuition up to 60 credit hours, or the first credential obtained (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree), whichever comes first. 

View the quarterly application period here.

3. Learning Partner Scholarship

Numerous companies, associations and organizations across the nation benefit from being a CSU Learning Partner. Benefits include a 10% tuition discount and the opportunity to apply for the Learning Partner Scholarship. This scholarship award will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition for up to three years or until the completion of the selected online degree program, whichever comes first.

View the triannual application period here.  

4. Knight Scholarship

Open to prospective CSU students who are current applicants, the Knight Scholarship will cover up to 60 undergraduate, 18 graduate, or 30 doctoral credit hours toward one undergraduate or graduate online degree program.  This annual scholarship is awarded directly to the recipient’s tuition for up to three years or until the completion of the selected online degree program, whichever comes first. 

View the quarterly application period here. 

5. Community College Transfer Scholarship

Developed for students who are joining the CSU Knight family, this scholarship awards those in good standing who are transferring from a two-year institution. The Community College Transfer Scholarship is directly applied to two recipients’ tuition for up to three years or until the completion of the selected online degree program, whichever comes first.

View the application period here. 

Additional Scholarship Opportunities Available at Columbia Southern University

Students may also submit a Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) to determine additional resources that may be available to help fund their education.

CSU offers many scholarships across programs, affiliation and military status. This includes scholarship opportunities for safety and emergency services, criminal justice, business, education, and health and nursing. Interested in learning more about scholarships at CSU? To see the entire list or to view eligibility requirements and application deadlines, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Scholarships.

NOTE: This article was originally written and published by Brittany Fillmore on July 25, 2017. It was edited and updated by Jazmin Hill in January 2026.