Columbia Southern University Scholarships: A Complete Guide

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is an online university that offers affordable and flexible degree programs for working adults. Headquartered in Orange Beach, Alabama, CSU has over 29,000 students worldwide and has been nationally recognized for its exceptional online education.

One of the ways CSU helps students save on the cost of higher education is through scholarships. CSU offers over a dozen different scholarship opportunities for current and prospective students. These scholarships help make earning an online degree more affordable by providing funds that go directly towards tuition.

In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Columbia Southern University scholarships, including:

• Types of CSU scholarships available
• Eligibility requirements
• How to apply
• Application deadlines
• Award amounts
• Selection process

We’ll also provide tips and strategies for putting together a winning scholarship application.

So if you’re looking for ways to help pay for college at CSU, then keep reading to learn all about the scholarship opportunities waiting for you!

CSU Scholarships Overview

Columbia Southern University offers a variety of scholarships tailored to different groups of students. Current CSU students, prospective students, alumni, military members, veterans, and employees of certain companies may all qualify for scholarships.

Here is a quick overview of some of the scholarships offered by CSU:

• Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship: For dependents and spouses of active duty military members and veterans. Offers up to $13,500 toward an online degree program.
• Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship: For CSU alumni pursuing their master’s degree. Provides up to $13,500 over 3 years.
• Learning Partner Scholarship: For employees of CSU’s 3,000+ learning partner organizations. Awards up to $13,500.
• Knight Scholarship: Offered to prospective undergraduate and graduate students. Covers up to $13,500 in tuition.
• Forever a Hero Scholarship: For military veterans pursuing an online degree. Provides up to $13,200 in tuition assistance.
• Fire Scholarship: For current fire science students and prospective students interested in a fire-related program. Offers funding for up to 60 credit hours.
• Safety Scholarship: For students enrolled or planning to enroll in a safety management degree program. Helps cover tuition costs.

And there are many more! Be sure to visit the CSU scholarship page to see all current opportunities.

Now let’s take a more in-depth look at some of Columbia Southern University’s most popular scholarship programs.

Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship

The Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship is one of CSU’s signature scholarship programs. This award recognizes the sacrifices and commitment of military families by providing tuition assistance to dependents and spouses of active duty service members and veterans.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship, applicants must be:

• A dependent (child or sibling) of an active duty, reserve, or National Guard service member OR a dependent or spouse of an honorably discharged veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserves, or National Guard
• Pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at Columbia Southern University
• A U.S. citizen

Applicants will also need to submit additional materials, including an essay detailing how this scholarship would help them achieve their educational and career goals.

Award Details

The Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship is valued at up to $13,500. The funds will be applied directly towards CSU tuition and can cover:

• Up to 60 semester credit hours
• Up to 36 consecutive months

Whichever comes first.

This scholarship is awarded four times per year. One recipient is chosen each award cycle.

How to Apply

Eligible students can apply for the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship by:

1. Visiting the CSU Scholarship page
2. Clicking “Apply Now” under the scholarship description
3. Completing the online application
4. Submitting additional required materials by the deadline

The application period for each cycle opens approximately 6-8 weeks prior to the application deadline. Deadlines are as follows:

• February 15 for the March award
• May 15 for the June award
• August 15 for the September award
• November 15 for the December award

The CSU Scholarship Committee reviews all applications after the deadline and selects one recipient for that cycle. Applicants are notified by email regarding the status of their application.

Putting together a thoughtful and compelling application is key for this highly competitive scholarship. Make sure your essay outlines how becoming a CSU student with the help of this award will assist you in honoring your family member’s service.

Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship

The Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of CSU’s founder by providing financial assistance to alumni. This scholarship is awarded once annually to a CSU graduate pursuing their master’s degree.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have previously earned an undergraduate degree from Columbia Southern University
• Be currently enrolled in a CSU master’s degree program
• Be in good academic standing
• Have completed at least 12 CSU credit hours

Award Details

The Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship covers:

• Up to $13,500 towards CSU tuition
• Can be applied for up to 3 years of study
• Or until the completion of the master’s degree program

This scholarship aims to help CSU alumni advance their education and career by easing the financial burden of earning a graduate degree.

How to Apply

Eligible CSU graduate students can apply by:

1. Visiting the scholarship page on the CSU website
2. Clicking “Apply Now”
3. Submitting the online application by November 15
4. Including an essay explaining how this scholarship would assist with master’s degree completion

The annual recipient is selected by the CSU Scholarship Committee and notified by the end of the year.

Make sure to highlight your academic performance and achievements as a CSU undergraduate in your application essay. Outline your career goals and how earning a CSU master’s degree will help you accomplish them.

Learning Partner Scholarship

Does your employer partner with Columbia Southern University? If so, you may be eligible for the Learning Partner Scholarship.

This award is available exclusively to employees of CSU’s over 3,000 learning partner organizations. Learning partners include companies, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Learning Partner Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be an employee of a current CSU learning partner
• Submit verification of employment from the learning partner organization

Award Details

The Learning Partner Scholarship provides:

• Up to $13,500 in tuition assistance
• Funding can be applied for up to 3 years of study
• Or until completion of the chosen online degree program

This is a competitive scholarship, with only one recipient selected per annual application cycle.

How to Apply

Employees of CSU learning partners can apply by:

1. Visiting the scholarship page on the CSU website
2. Clicking “Apply Now”
3. Completing the online application
4. Submitting employer verification by the deadline

The application window is from August 1 to November 1 each year. The recipient is selected by December 1.

Make sure to get documentation from your employer verifying employment and partnership with CSU. Highlight your professional achievements and educational goals in your application essay.

Knight Scholarship

Looking to begin your college journey at CSU? The Knight Scholarship offers tuition assistance to future CSU students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Knight Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be applying for admission to CSU or have been recently accepted
• Not currently be enrolled at CSU
• Meet CSU admission requirements

Both prospective undergraduate and graduate students may apply.

Award Details

The Knight Scholarship provides:

• Up to $13,500 towards CSU tuition
• Can cover up to 60 credit hours
• Or up to 3 years of study

This scholarship aims to help new students join the CSU community by offering a significant discount on tuition. One recipient is selected each application cycle.

How to Apply

Future CSU students can apply for the Knight Scholarship by:

1. Visiting the CSU Scholarship page
2. Clicking “Apply Now”
3. Submitting the online form by the deadline

Knight Scholarship applications are accepted monthly. Deadlines are as follows:

• January 5 for the February award
• February 5 for the March award
• March 5 for the April award
• April 5 for the May award

Make your application stand out by highlighting your academic achievements and demonstrating your commitment to completing an online degree at CSU.

Forever a Hero Scholarship

Columbia Southern University is proud to support veterans through the **Forever a Hero Scholarship

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Forever a Hero Scholarship

Columbia Southern University is proud to support veterans through the Forever a Hero Scholarship. This award provides tuition assistance to student veterans pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at CSU.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Forever a Hero Scholarship, applicants must:

• Be an active duty, reserve, National Guard, or honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Be accepted or currently enrolled in a degree program at CSU
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Award Details

The Forever a Hero Scholarship offers:

• Up to $13,200 in tuition assistance
• Funds can cover up to 60 semester credit hours
• Or up to 3 years of continuous enrollment

By providing significant tuition help, this scholarship aims to honor veterans for their service and help them succeed in higher education.

How to Apply

Veteran students can apply for this scholarship by:

1. Accessing the scholarship page at CSU
2. Clicking “Apply Now”
3. Submitting the application form and supporting documents by the deadline

The application window is open from July 1 to October 1 each year. One recipient is selected annually and notified by November 1.

Make sure to highlight your military background and service history in your application essay. Discuss your academic goals and how this scholarship would help you achieve them.

Fire Scholarship

Students pursuing a degree related to fire science may qualify for CSU’s Fire Scholarship. This award provides tuition assistance to both current and prospective fire science students.

Eligibility

Applicants must either:

• Currently be enrolled in a CSU fire science program
• Or have plans to enroll in a fire-related undergraduate or graduate degree at CSU

Award Details

The Fire Scholarship covers:

• Up to 60 semester credit hours of tuition
• Funding is applied directly towards the recipient’s CSU tuition
• Can be used for up to 3 years of study

By helping with tuition costs, this scholarship makes earning a fire science degree more affordable and accessible.

How to Apply

Interested students can apply by:

1. Accessing the Fire Scholarship page on the CSU website
2. Clicking “Apply Now”
3. Submitting the online form and supporting documents

Fire Scholarship applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Recipients are selected monthly.

Make sure to demonstrate your passion for the fire service profession in your application essay. Outline your academic and career goals in fire science.

Safety Scholarship

For students enrolled in an occupational health and safety program, CSU offers the Safety Scholarship. This award provides tuition assistance to both current and future safety management students.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be accepted or currently enrolled in a CSU safety management degree program
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply.

Award Details

The Safety Scholarship offers:

• Up to 60 credit hours of tuition funding
• The award amount will be applied directly to the recipient’s CSU tuition
• Can be used for up to 3 years of study

This scholarship makes earning an accredited safety management degree more affordable.

How to Apply

Eligible students can apply by:

1. Visiting the CSU Scholarship page
2. Clicking “Apply Now” under the Safety Scholarship description
3. Submitting the completed web form and supporting documents

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with recipients selected monthly.

Make sure your application essay conveys your passion for the safety profession. Discuss how this scholarship would help you work towards a career improving workplace and community safety.

CSU Scholarship Application Tips

Applying for Columbia Southern University scholarships is a straightforward process. But there are some tips that can help your application stand out from the crowd.

Here are 5 tips for applying for CSU scholarships:

1. Start early

Give yourself plenty of time to put together your scholarship application materials. Most CSU awards have just 1-2 application cycles per year. Deadlines are often many months in advance of the award date. Starting early ensures you can submit a complete, polished application on time.

2. Double check eligibility

Not all CSU scholarships are open to every student. Before applying, carefully review the eligibility requirements for the specific awards you want to apply for. Make sure you meet all criteria in order to qualify.

3. Follow instructions

Pay close attention to the application instructions. Adhere to word counts or page limits for application essays. Submit all required documents and forms. Accurately complete all sections of the web application. Following directions shows attention to detail.

4. Put effort into the essay

The essay is your chance to speak directly to the scholarship committee. Be sure to directly respond to the essay prompt. Take time to outline your thoughts before writing. Check for errors and consistently format citations.

5. Request recommendation letters early

If the scholarship requires recommendation letters, reach out to your references right away. Give them plenty of time to write and submit a strong letter of support.

Following these tips can optimize your CSU scholarship application!

CSU Scholarship Application Requirements

While each CSU scholarship has its own unique application process, most will require similar information from applicants:

• Scholarship-specific web form. This collects basic applicant info like name, contact details, student ID number, etc.
• Proof of eligibility. Documentation that demonstrates you meet scholarship criteria. Examples include enrollment verification, employer verification, DD-214 military discharge papers.
• FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid may be required to confirm financial need.
• Essay. A written response to a specific essay prompt. Word count is usually 500-1000 words.
• Letters of recommendation. Some scholarships require one or more letters from non-related references. These letters highlight positive qualities like work ethic, motivation, and character.
• Transcript. An official or unofficial academic transcript may need to be submitted. This documents your GPA and course history.

Following scholarship guidelines and submitting all required items is key. Incomplete or late applications are often ineligible.

CSU Scholarship Selection Process

Columbia Southern University scholarships are competitive awards. Each program receives many more applications than can be funded.

So how are recipients chosen? Here is an overview of the selection process:

• The CSU Scholarship Committee reviews and evaluates all complete, eligible applications after the deadline passes.
• They score each application based on criteria like academic achievement, financial need, essay quality, and strength of recommendations.
• The top scoring applicant is selected as the scholarship recipient for that award cycle.
• All applicants are notified by email regarding their status. Whether selected for the scholarship or not, every applicant receives notice from the committee.

Simply applying does not guarantee you will receive the scholarship. But with a strong application, you can demonstrate why you are deserving of the award over other applicants.

CSU Scholarships FAQs

Do you still have questions about Columbia Southern University’s scholarship opportunities? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Are CSU scholarships only for tuition?

Yes, CSU scholarship funds can only be applied directly towards tuition costs. The awards cannot be used for other educational expenses like textbooks, fees, or housing.

Can I apply for multiple CSU scholarships?

Absolutely! If you meet the eligibility criteria for multiple scholarships, you are welcome and encouraged to apply for more than one. Submitting multiple applications increases your chances of receiving funding.

When will I receive the scholarship money?

For most CSU awards, the scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the recipient’s student account immediately after selection. This reduces your tuition balance due.

Can scholarships be combined with military tuition assistance?

Yes, CSU scholarship recipients are permitted to use scholarship funds in conjunction with any military tuition assistance they qualify for. The two can be stacked to minimize out-of-pocket tuition costs.

If I’m awarded a scholarship as a new student, will I keep it until I graduate?

Unfortunately, most CSU scholarships are one-time awards. However, recipients are welcome to re-apply for additional scholarships in future semesters or years if they continue to meet eligibility criteria.

We hope these FAQs help provide more insight into how CSU scholarships work!

Applying for CSU Scholarships

Scholarships can make earning your degree more affordable. CSU offers over a dozen scholarship programs tailored to different types of students.

To recap the key steps to apply:

• Review available scholarships and confirm your eligibility
• Mark your calendar with application deadlines
• Start early to allow time to submit required documents
• Follow all application instructions carefully
• Take time to write thoughtful, compelling application essays
• Be sure to highlight qualities and achievements that make you an exceptional candidate

With some preparation and effort, you can submit scholarship applications you can be proud of. Visit the CSU scholarship website to learn more and get started on your applications today!

Conclusion

Columbia Southern University aims to help students fund their online education through extensive

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Conclusion

Columbia Southern University aims to help students fund their online education through extensive scholarship opportunities. By providing tuition assistance, CSU scholarships make earning a degree more accessible.

Current students, future students, alumni, military members, and employees of learning partner organizations may all qualify for awards. CSU offers both broad scholarships, like the Knight Scholarship, as well as specialized scholarships for particular degree programs.

While applying for scholarships does require time and effort, it is a worthwhile endeavor. The payoff is the potential to significantly reduce your educational costs.

CSU scholarships share common application elements like forms, essays, documentation, and deadlines. Following instructions closely and submitting complete applications is key. With preparation and attention to detail, any student can put together a competitive application.

This guide provided an in-depth overview of the best CSU scholarships:

• Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship
• Robert G. Mayes Memorial Scholarship
• Learning Partner Scholarship
• Knight Scholarship
• Forever a Hero Scholarship
• Fire Scholarship
• Safety Scholarship

We covered eligibility criteria, award amounts, application tips, and what makes a strong submission.

The bottom line? Columbia Southern University provides many generous scholarship opportunities to help students succeed. Both current and prospective students are encouraged to apply to these awards which can save thousands on tuition.

Visit CSU’s scholarship website today to explore availability and get started on your applications. With preparation and persistence, you can secure funding to invest in yourself through higher education.