CFSI is deeply committed to increasing access to high-impact experiential learning for students with financial need. We have a limited number of need-based scholarships available, with priority given to Pell-Eligible and high-financial need students.

Fall 2026 applications are due by May 25, 2026; gap students are rolling.

If you would like to be considered for the Changemaker Scholarship, indicate in your application to SITC and the financial aid form will be sent to your email provided when you submit your application.

For more information on our financial aid process, check out our FAQs below.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I apply for financial aid?

• Submit your application to SITC and indicate that you’d like to be considered for financial aid. Once you submit your application, you will receive the financial aid form to the email provided in the application. The financial aid application must be completed by April 22nd for Fall semester applications. Financial aid decisions will be sent in June.

What information do I need to have prepared?

• For documentation, you’ll need one of the following documents: FAFSA / CSS Profile Submission Summary, Financial Aid Award from your university, CFSI Student Aid Profile, or an Explanation of Funding. Your name must be on all documentation otherwise, your application will not be considered.

Where do I find my FAFSA Submission Summary?

• The FAFSA Submission Summary is a document available for download after you submit the government’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This document includes your “Student Aid Index” (SAI) amount which allows us to determine your eligibility for scholarships and aid. Learn more about the FAFSA Submission summary on the Federal Student Aid website.

Can I still apply for CFSI scholarships and financial aid if I didn’t file a FAFSA?

• Yes! If you did not file a FAFSA, you can submit the CFSI Student Aid Profile or upload an Explanation of Funding document. An Explanation of Funding document is a short document, written by you, which explains what the sources are for financially supporting your current college/university enrollment. This document must include details about how much and who is contributing to your funding. 

I am a gap student and have not submitted the FAFSA or CSS Profile. What documentation can I use?

• If you did not submit the FAFSA or CSS Profile, you may fill out a CFSI Gap Student Aid Profile or write an Explanation of Funding. The Explanation of Funding document is a short document, written by you, which explains your plans for funding your Gap Semester. This document should include details about how much and who is contributing to your funding. 

My financial situation is complex. How can I provide more information?

• In the financial aid application, you will be asked to answer in a short response about any financial barriers or existing circumstances that may not be reflected by your Student Aid Index amount. 

How will my scholarship be applied?

• The Changemaker Scholarship is applied directly to housing costs. If you choose to live outside of SITC housing, we will work with you and your university to apply it to tuition. If you are a current college student at one of our partner universities, your financial aid and scholarships apply to tuition. You can find more information on billing at your school via pages. We also recommend that you discuss additional scholarships or funding opportunities with your university representative.

By participating in the Semester in the City program, you will become a quarter-time AmeriCorps service member.

Each student receives a Segal Education Award (or equivalent CFSI Grant for noncitizen students) of roughly ~$2,000.

*pending approval

Similar to a Resident Assistant (RA) position at a university, our Community Leaders (Cl’s) foster a sense of safety, community and belonging for the cohort.

In this role, you’d gain experience in interpersonal communication, problem-solving, event planning and leadership. Community Leaders receive a $2,000 discount on housing; apply here!