Financial Aid for Online Colleges

Want to invest in your future with an online degree? See how loans, grants, scholarships, and other financial aid options can help you pay for online college.
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Updated December 19, 2023 · 3 Min Read

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

College is often a significant investment. In fact, according to Federal Student Aid data, the average student loan debt in June 2023 exceeded $37,000. And while that number might feel daunting, investing in your future is vital, and there's a direct correlation between college education and earning potential.

If you're considering an online degree, you can rest easy knowing you have access to a solid roster of financial aid options. Keep reading to see how you can make online college more affordable.

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How Can You Make Online College More Affordable?

Even if you attend a public online college that offers in-state tuition, paying for a degree can be a significant investment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the 2020-2021 academic year, the average cost for full-time students at a public institution was nearly $15,000. As an online student, you can access a long list of financial aid options, including those available to campus-based learners.

In addition to the fact that online college is often cheaper than campus-based options, there are many ways to reduce the cost of your education. Federal financial aid programs, scholarships, grants, and employer-based tuition assistance programs are all common options to help students pay for college.

Price Check

For the 2020-2021 school year, undergraduate students nationwide received an average federal student loan of $6,598.

5 Types of Financial Aid for Online College

Pursuing your online college degree involves a serious investment of time and money. Thankfully, there are multiple financial aid options. Keep reading to see how you can cut costs and fund your education.

Federal Aid

The federal government provides grants and loans to students with financial need. Federal grants do not require repayment. However, you must remain in good academic standing. For example, Federal Pell Grants have a maximum award amount for the 2022-23 academic year and may award up to $6,895.

You can also use federal loans to pay for college. Subsidized loans do not incur interest until students graduate. Please note that you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to qualify for federal financial aid.

State Aid

Like the federal government, states offer grants and loans. In addition, states may use lottery revenue to fund merit-based scholarships or provide you with tuition-free community college. Eligibility requirements vary by state.

Scholarships

Scholarships can provide vital financial assistance for college students, helping them mitigate the burden of tuition and other school-related expenses. Check out a few scholarships for online students below.

Loans

Student loans are often a necessity for many students, and these borrowed funds help cover tuition, fees, educational costs, and living expenses. While students must repay loans, and interest accrues over time, this financial aid option can dramatically expand access to higher education for students without the means to pay for school.

Employer Assistance

Employer assistance initiatives offer tuition support benefits to employees working toward a college degree. This employer-based financial aid option can vary, but assistance can include tuition reimbursement programs and scholarships. These programs not only help students pursue their degrees, but employers who prioritize higher education can offer flexible scheduling to ensure students can keep up with academic obligations.

Completing the FAFSA for Online College

Qualifying for financial aid for online colleges begins with completing the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The process determines your financial aid eligibility. You must submit financial information by the federal application deadline each year.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the FAFSA is open to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Those qualifying for federal student aid must demonstrate financial need and hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Additionally, those securing federal aid must maintain satisfactory grades and good standing with prior federal loans.

Application

The FAFSA application determines your eligibility for federal aid, including loans, scholarships, and grants. When filling out the FAFSA, applicants should have their driver's license and social security/alien registration number handy. Additionally, financial documents such as W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and verification of other assets are required.

Deadlines

Students can submit their application for the upcoming school year beginning on October 1st each year. The deadline is on June 30th. Because federal funds are limited, applying closer to the deadline can sometimes limit the financial aid you can receive. Additionally, remember that some schools and states have earlier deadlines, so check with prospective schools to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

Submission

After compiling the necessary documents and completing the application, you're ready to submit the FAFSA. You'll receive your Estimate Family Contribution at the time of submission. After 3-5 days, you'll receive your Student Aid Report, which will outline your aid eligibility. After submitting the FAFSA, it's worth considering seeking private scholarships to secure supplemental funding for your online college degree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Aid


Is financial aid available for online students?

Yes, financial aid is available for online learners. Just like campus-based students, you have access to federal financial aid options such as loans, grants, and scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition and living expenses.

Does the FAFSA cover online certificate programs?

Yes, FAFSA can cover various online certificate programs offered by accredited colleges and universities. Students completing an online certificate program may have access to federal financial aid, including loans and Pell Grants.

Are online colleges accredited?

Yes, many online colleges and universities are accredited. The best online schools hold institutional accreditation because they meet a set of rigorous standards, ensuring that they offer quality academics, financial aid, and other vital student services.

Additionally, the best online programs are often accredited by professional organizations such as the Council on Social Work Education, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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