Scholarships

A scholarship is money awarded to a student to help pay for college. Unlike a loan, which accumulates interest and has to be paid back, scholarships are gifts that don’t need to be paid back. Scholarships are awarded to students based on specific sets of criteria such as financial need, academic performance, program of study, and other unique criteria.  

Students can sign into https://cscc.academicworks.com with their Columbus State email and password and submit a general application. Just one application will allow students to be considered for hundreds of potential scholarship awards. 

Applicants must have applied to and been accepted to the college and have log-in information and a Cougar ID number. Applicants will be asked ten basic questions like their name, Cougar ID number, Columbus State email address, and some demographic data. Additionally, the application asks for a brief essay response discussing the student’s goals. 

No. Students only need to submit one application. The scholarship platform automatically matches applicants with scholarship opportunities they may qualify for. In some cases, students may receive an email to their Columbus State email requesting additional information such as a reference or an additional essay. Essay prompts and guidance on writing your essay are listed under “What will the application ask me?” below. 

Applicants are asked to provide answers to ten quick questions to help us identify you in our system and match your application to your student file.  

Additionally, there is an essay component to our general scholarship application. Clear, honest reflection is more important than writing style. Focus on explaining your experiences, motivations, growth, and goals. Your response should demonstrate thoughtfulness and self-reflection. All essays are scored using the same rubric, no matter which prompt you choose. Reviewers focus on how clearly you connect your ideas to your success as a student. Your essay should be between 250 and 500 words, answering one of the prompts listed below. 

Essay Prompt Options  

• Option 1: Describe a personal or academic accomplishment that you are especially proud of. What strengths, skills, and motivational factors helped you achieve it? How has this accomplishment influenced who you have become and what you hope to do with your life? 
• Option 2: A muse is a source of inspiration that guides us. Describe your muse and explain how it has shaped your character, goals, and path as a student at Columbus State. 
• Option 3: Describe one piece of media (such as a song, book, poem, TV show, or movie) that is meaningful to you. Explain why it matters to you and how it has supported your learning, persistence, or personal growth as a student. 

• To be considered for Autumn semester, applications must be received by June 30th. 
• To be considered for Spring semester, applications must be received by October 30th. 
• To be considered for Summer semester, applications must be received by February 28th. 

Apply anyway! Scholarships can help to reduce the amount students need to borrow in loans or pay out of pocket for educational expenses. This can help lower overall student debt while completing a degree or credential. 

No. While some scholarships require a FAFSA on file, many scholarships do not require FAFSA eligibility or a FAFSA application. 

How funding can be used varies by scholarship, but scholarships may help cover: 

• Tuition and fees 
• Books and supplies 
• Other educational expenses through reimbursement opportunities 

The Writing Center, located in the library in Columbus Hall, offers writing support and feedback for scholarship essays and other assignments. Visit the Writing Center webpage to learn more and schedule an appointment. 

Student Central's computer lab is staffed by knowledgeable employees who can assist with filling out the scholarship application. To view Student Central's location and hours, visit the Student Central webpage.

After submitting your application, keep an eye on your Columbus State email. If more information is needed from you, or you are selected for a scholarship award, you will be notified by email. If selected, you will need to accept your award in the AcademicWorks portal, which you will be prompted to complete in your notification email.  

More often than not, receiving a scholarship does not affect other funding. However, a student’s financial aid package cannot exceed the estimated cost of attendance, and the amount of need-based aid cannot exceed the amount of demonstrated need when a scholarship is received. In most cases, adjustments will be made to federal student loans to reduce the amount students need to borrow and eventually pay back.  Scholarship awards will be adjusted in accordance with applicable policies and federal regulations only as necessary and in the best interest of the student.  

If you have been offered a scholarship and have questions about how it may be impacted by existing funding support, please email scholars@cscc.edu.  

No – Columbus State scholarships are intended for current Columbus State students and cannot be sent to other institutions. If you received an award that is split over several semesters, and you plan to transfer or graduate, you may be eligible to receive the full award in one semester at Columbus State instead. Email scholars@cscc.edu for questions. 

You do not need to be enrolled at the time of your application submission. However, if you are selected as a scholarship recipient, you must be enrolled during its intended semester to receive the funds. For example, if you apply for Autumn scholarships, you must be enrolled for Autumn semester in at least 6 credit hours to receive the funds.  

If you were offered a scholarship from an outside source and wish to have the award applied toward your Columbus State account, please do the following: 

1. Carefully read the scholarship letter from the sponsoring organization or donor to learn the requirements for your scholarship and make a copy of the scholarship letter for your records. 
2. Ensure you are enrolled in courses for the applicable semester. 
3. Ask the scholarship sponsor to send all scholarship checks to: 
   Cashiers and Student Accounting 
   550 E. Spring St.
   Columbus OH, 43215 
   
   They should include your name, cougar ID number, and a description of the expenses (tuition, fees, personal expenses, etc.) for which the funds may be used.