Scholarships and Grants
Throughout the year, many organizations generously offer scholarship assistance to accepted and attending students at the CIA. Over two million dollars in donated scholarship funds were awarded last year. Criteria and application procedures vary, and are listed on the $HEF site. CIA students are encouraged to check this site often to learn of scholarship opportunities that become available throughout the year.
Additionally, a variety of sources outside the CIA offer private grants and scholarships. The Internet, public libraries, and high school guidance offices are good sources for scholarship information. Students should check the external opportunities section on $HEF for additional sources.
Alternative (Private) Loans
Alternative loans, also known as private loans, are privately funded loans for students and parents to borrow to help fund their education at CIA. Eligibility and interest rates for alternative loans will generally be based on credit history. These loans may require a cosigner if a student does not have a substantial credit history. CIA strongly recommends all students file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and utilize all federal student loan opportunities before applying for alternative loans. Students may borrow an alternative loan up to CIA Cost of Attendance after all federal, state, institutional funds are applied. Students should be aware that final approval of the loan must be received and certified by the CIA before the alternative loan is added to the student's account.
Students should contact their lender when they apply for admission to understand the procedure and time frame required to have a loan in place by the payment deadline. Students should also note that they should not apply for an alternative loan more than 90 days prior to the start of the semester. To help students and their families evaluate multiple different lender options, CIA utilizes ELM Select. This website offers a breakdown of the interest rates, payback terms, fees, etc. of the many different lenders our students use. Students and parents have the right to choose the lender of their choice. If students wish to choose a lender that is not listed on the website, it is their choice to do so.