Admissions . Financing Your Education . FAQs
What scholarships are available at CIA?
First year, first-time, and transfer students can qualify for CIA Merit Scholarships. The priority deadline for first year applicants is March 1 of every year. Scholarships have historically ranged from $6,500 to full-tuition for up to four years of study at CIA. The scholarship is ba... more
What if I do not win a CIA Merit Scholarship upon entering CIA, will I receive any money at all from CIA?
Students who are not selected to receive a CIA Merit Scholarship may still receive a need-based CIA Grant from the Office of Financial Aid. These grants are based on your demonstrated financial need as determined from the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ... more
Will my financial aid change from year to year?
As the years continue, the student will be eligible to borrow more. Colleges and universities nationwide utilize higher lending levels for students as they continue their education, approach graduation, and increase their earning potential. Eligible students may borrow up to the maximu... more
What other scholarships, if any, are available to me once I become a student at CIA?
Depending on the scholarship or grant amount that you receive upon entering CIA, you may be eligible to compete for more scholarships as early as the next year. For example, the Honorary Scholarship Competition is open to students who did not win the top scholarship awards offered to n... more
Can I be considered an independent student?
The U.S. Department of Education defines "independent" differently than the Internal Revenue Service. To be identified as "independent," the student must meet one or more of the following criteria.
How do I get a student loan?
Visit the loans section of the site for more information.
When will loan funds be applied to the student's account?
Loan funds are typically divided into two equal disbursements since most loans are for the academic year (fall and spring semesters). The first disbursement will be sent directly to the school and applied to the student's account in the fall semester and the second will be sent and app... more
What is Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study is a program that is awarded to students who have demonstrated a specific level of financial need as determined by the data provided on the FAFSA. Students are awarded up to $2,000 each academic year.
The award should be seen as a resource to help ... more
How do I get a Work-Study job?
Throughout the academic year, jobs are posted on College Central, the Career Center’s online job board. You can view jobs by accessing College Central. Most College departments hire federal work-study students each y... more
What special circumstances may affect my financial aid package?
Unexpected changes in income can affect your financial aid package. Some examples of unexpected changes or special circumstances include parental unemployment or loss of other income, death, or serious illness in the family, divorce or separation. In all cases, a Special Circumstance F... more
If I am notified that I will receive a scholarship from an outside source, how will those funds affect the financial aid award?
According to federal regulations, all sources of financial aid must fit within the cost of education or budget. To accomplish this, some colleges subtract the full amount of the outside aid from any need-based college financial aid. The Cleveland Institute of Art, in striving to help s... more
When do I apply for next year's financial aid?
The priority deadline to apply for financial aid is March 15. Applicants failing to meet the March 15 priority deadline will be awarded on a funds available basis. The Office of Financial Aid will send a reminder to financial aid recipients to apply prior to the March 15 priority deadl... more
What aid if any is available to International students?
International students are considered for CIA Merit Scholarships up to $12,000. International students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional need-based aid.
If I have a complaint related to the financial aid process, who should I contact?
Complaints regarding the Cleveland Institute of Art Office of Financial Aid
Complaints regarding the financial aid process at CIA can be sent to the attention of the Director of Financial Aid, at more
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