Funding Your Education

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Affording your college education really is possible here at CIA — let’s find out how.

A 2024 graduate is walking down the aisle to accept her president traveling scholarship award.

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At CIA, you'll find a personal approach that makes paying for college easier.

Fall 2025 Facts + Stats

99% of new students received financial aid
$40,150 was the average student aid given by CIA
$15,726,600 awarded in grants and scholarships

Merit Based Scholarships are Just the Beginning

Your financial aid package contains a variety of different types of aid; scholarships, grants, loans and work-study options.

Explore types of aid

Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid

financialaid@cia.edu | 216.421.7425
Fax: 216.754.3634

Schedule an appointment

Office Hours
Mon–Fri
8:30am–4:30pm

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Get an initial estimate

Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket expenses and start planning your budget. Remember, this is just a starting place. It does not take into account an assessment of your portfolio.

Net Price Calculator

1. Obtain a FSA ID
All FAFSA contributors need an FSA ID (student, student’s spouse, if married, and parent(s) for dependent students). Create your FSA ID on the FSA website.

2. Complete the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). CIA’s FAFSA code is 003982. The FAFSA opens October 1 for the following academic year. CIA recommends filing by December 15.

If your FAFSA was selected by the Department of Education for verification, that must be completed with the financial aid office before final eligibility and disbursement of federal aid can be made.

3. Review your financial aid offer
A Financial Aid Offer will be sent to you. It will show the sources and amounts of aid that you are eligible to receive. It will also let you know if there are any documents that you need to complete to process your aid. You will be sent details to set up your Financial Aid Student Portal account to view and accept (or decline) your aid and view the status of your financial aid documents.

4. Complete your loan paperwork
If you accept Federal Direct Student Loans as part of your financial aid package, you’ll need to complete Federal Student Loan entrance counseling and the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). Both should be completed by August 1 to ensure your loan funds are disbursed before the school year starts.

5. Plan for payment
Review your Financial Aid Offer letter for your estimated cost after aid offered. Create your financial plan

Meet Staff

Tricia Pangonis

Director

View profile

Elton Lytle

Assistant Director

Prior to CIA, Elton has been working in college access for over 15 years, helping to attract, retain, and build to a college-going culture in Cleveland, and help students start,…

Funding Your Education

At CIA, you'll find a personal approach that makes paying for college easier.

Merit Based Scholarships are Just the Beginning

Questions? Contact the Office of Financial Aid

Get an initial estimate

Meet Staff

Tricia Pangonis

Elton Lytle

Request More Info

Assemble Your Portfolio

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