Financial Resources

We want to make sure that the cost of your continuing education and professional studies do not stand in the way of your goals.

Most students at the School of Professional Studies use a combination of savings, scholarships, loans, outside grants, sponsors, or employer tuition benefits to cover the cost of attendance. However you choose to finance your education, consider it an investment in your future, and know that we, in conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Planning, are here to help and advise you along the way.

Please sfp [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (contact us) with any questions.

Outside Funding Sources

We strongly encourage you to research and apply for scholarship funds from outside sources to help supplement the cost of your education, including those that may be available from philanthropic, fraternal, or nonprofit organizations, or corporations. While not intended to be comprehensive, the list below will give you an idea of the types of funding opportunities available.

We encourage you to research potential scholarship opportunities early in your decision-making process to apply at the School of Professional Studies. Scholarship applications are often taken a year before the date they’re awarded.

Federal Loans

To be considered for federal loans, you must be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. and plan to enroll on at least a half-time basis (a minimum of 6 credits each term) in program-related coursework. This coursework must span the entire length of the semester. Other requirements apply for loan eligibility. If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may apply for private/alternate educational loans or find outside funding sources.

Private Loan Programs

All School of Professional Studies students may arrange a private loan to help cover their educational expenses. For information on alternative education loans, please visit Student Financial Services’ Graduate Private Loans webpage. 

U.S. Military Veterans

The School of Professional Studies participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, an initiative authorized by the Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (the Post-9/11 GI Bill®*) in which educational institutions provide eligible student veterans with a tuition waiver or grant matched by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This program supplements the base educational benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as state and local government, offers additional educational assistance programs for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents.

Contact Us

Student Financial Planning
202 Kent
212-854-7040
sfp [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (sfp[at]columbia[dot]edu)
Walk-In Hours: Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

External websites listed on this page are provided as possible resources. The School of Professional Studies is not responsible for content on external websites and does not endorse products or services. Please note that while the University has suggested lenders, students have the right to borrow from any lender they choose.

*GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).