Please note that this page has not been updated for summer 2021. Please visit our COVID-19 Financial Aid Updates page for information on summer aid.
Columbia provides financial aid for the fall and spring semesters, including for students studying abroad. Some funding opportunities do exist outside of financial aid for those students interning, working on research projects, taking classes, or studying abroad over the summer.
Please note that the Student Contribution (summer earnings requirement) is still expected from any students participating in elective summer programs.
Unpaid Internships / Research Projects / Community Service
- Work Exemption Program
- Columbia College Alumni/Parent Internship Fund
- Columbia Engineering Internship Fund
- Columbia Grants and Fellowships
Summer Study Abroad
Summer Classes
Students may borrow loans to cover summer classes that apply toward their degree program. These courses may be taken at Columbia or at another university, pending approval from the Center for Student Advising.
Students enrolled in six credits or more may borrow a Federal Direct Student Loan up to their yearly maximum. Students who borrow in the summer will have reduced or no federal student loan eligibility for the subsequent fall and spring semesters. Parents also may borrow a Federal Parent PLUS Loan to cover summer educational costs. This will have no effect on their eligibility for PLUS during the academic year. See our loan page for additional information about federal loan options.
Students enrolled in less than six credits are only eligible for educational loans secured through private lenders.