Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Columbus Promise? Who is eligible? 

The Columbus Promise is a scholarship program for Columbus City Schools graduates in the classes of 2022, 2023, 2024. It covers tuition and fees + $500/ semester to support education expenses at Columbus State Community College. The scholarship program also offers special services and support for students.   

To become a Columbus Promise Scholar, students must: 

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
• Complete the Columbus State Community College application for admission
• Complete the Columbus Promise Application (Click here to create your account to apply.)
• Graduate from Columbus City Schools in the 2022-2023 academic year 

There will be workshops in your high school building held over the next few months to help you complete these items.  If you need help, please get in touch with the I Know I Can College Advising Manager or a School Counselor in your high school building. Students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline of May 1, 2023. Application and enrollment confirmation must be completed by July 15, 2023.

To stay a Columbus Promise Scholar once in college, students must: 

• Maintain the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) each semester. Students not meeting the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress will be placed on warning and have an opportunity to raise their grade point average and/or course completion rate.
• Take at least nine credit hours per term
• Complete all mandatory student success programming, including meeting regularly with your Columbus Promise Advisor

What does it cover? 

Being a Columbus Promise Scholar means: 

• The Columbus Promise Scholarship award will cover tuition and fees after the Pell grant (if eligible) and any tuition-restricted scholarship(s), as well as provide an additional $500 per semester for educational expenses, for up to six semesters of consecutive enrollment (summer enrollment optional).
• While all eligible Promise students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year, Pell Grant eligibility is not required to receive the award.
• Additional scholarship dollars to help with educational costs ($500 each semester)
• Access to a Columbus Promise Advisor who will help you plan your educational and career journey and stay on track 
• Special opportunities for enrichment