All financial assistance is awarded according to the eligibility requirements for each type of aid program. Eligibility requirements vary from fund to fund and are established by the funding agency or source. All financial assistance can be divided into two broad groups: Gift aid: grants and scholarships or self-help: loans or work. Gift aid are forms of financial assistance that do not have to be repaid, and that are based on need, academic achievement, or other special attributes. Self-help aid must be either repaid with interest or earned through on-campus employment.
Federal Aid Programs
Federal Pell Grant
A need-based grant for undergraduate students. Eligibility is based upon FAFSA results and hours enrolled. There is a lifetime aggregate limit. Federal Pell Grants | Federal Student Aid. The maximum Pell grant for 2026-27 is $7,395.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
A campus-based federal grant with limited funding for full-time students who demonstrate financial need and are Pell eligible.
Federal Direct Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized)
A loan from the Federal government that must be paid back after leaving school or enrolled less than half-time. The amount varies based upon grade level. As of 2026, new regulations from the One Big Beautiful Bill act reduces the amount of a loan the student may borrow for an academic year if the student is enrolled on less than a full-time basis during that academic year. Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans | Federal Student Aid
Federal Work Study
A campus-based, federally funded work program for students who demonstrate need. Earnings can pay on the student’s account only if written authorization from the student is given to the Student Accounts Office. Most work-study jobs are on campus; there are some off campus as well. It is your responsibility to apply for work-study jobs. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information. The average award is $2,000 per year. A W-4 form and I-9 form must be completed and submitted to payroll before working.
Part-Time Employment
Part-time jobs as well as freelance projects are also available. Freelance, internship, summer, and other opportunities are posted on an online site maintained by the Center for Career and Workforce Development.
State Aid Programs
Ohio College Opportunity Grant
For full or part-time undergraduate students who are Ohio residents and demonstrate need. The 2026-27 amount is expected to be $5,000 for full-time enrolled students.
Ohio War Orphans & Severely Disabled Veterans’ Children Scholarship Program
Offers tuition assistance to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio veterans who served in the armed forces during a period of declared war or conflict. Application is made to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, State Grants and Scholarships Department and the deadline is May 15th of every year.
Ohio Second Chance Grant
Provides financial assistance in the form of up to $3,000 grants to eligible students for re-enrolling to obtain a degree. Grants are awarded on a first-come first-serve basis and are limited. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for information.
Governor’s Merit Scholarship
Provides an award of up to $5,000 each academic year for up to four years. This award is for students determined to be within the top 2% of applicants. Refer to the Ohio Department of Higher Education, State Grants and Scholarships website for full details.
**for all State of Ohio grants, male students must be registered for the selective service, as required by state law, if applicable.
PHEAA Grant
For Pennsylvania students, a need-based grant program. A FAFSA and PA State Grant form are required. Apply or Renew.
CIA Need Based Grants
CIA offers grants to undergraduate students who demonstrate need as calculated from their FAFSA results. The funding sources for these grants vary and the funding name can change.
Department Scholarships and Awards
Academic department faculty award scholarships to students currently enrolled at CIA. Some of these awards are both merit and need-based. To be considered for department scholarships which are either merit, or merit- and need-based, students must submit their FAFSA by March 1.