The following criteria must be met for a student to be eligible to participate in Federal Student Aid (FSA):

  • Be a regularly admitted student enrolled in an eligible program of study for the purpose of obtaining a degree
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, or an eligible non-citizen (verification of eligible non-citizen status may be required)
  • Be qualified to study at the postsecondary level
  • Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe an overpayment on a FSA grant or loan
  • Not have borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate loan limits for FSA
  • Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
  • Not be enrolled solely in remedial coursework
  • Not be currently enrolled in secondary school
  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Be enrolled at least half-time if applying to receive Federal Direct Loans
  • Not be incarcerated
  • Certify that FSA will only be used for educational purposes
  • Demonstrate financial need to be eligible to receive need based funding
  • Be prepared to submit any requested documentation that supports information reported on the application

Eligible/Ineligible Programs

Columbia Southern University (CSU) participates in various state and federal funding programs. All funding programs require specific qualification criteria for program funding eligibility.

Federal Student Aid Eligible Programs

Term Enrollment Programs

  • All College of Business Programs
  • All College of Arts and Sciences Programs Except Associate of Arts in General Studies
  • All College of Safety and Emergency Services Programs

Term Enrollment Funding Options

  • Title IV Federal Student Aid (FSA)
  • Veterans Affairs Benefits
  • DoD Military Tuition Assistance
  • Self-Pay (Out of Pocket)
  • Corporate Direct Billing