Essential Guide to Financial Aid for Online Educational Programs
Explore comprehensive information about grants available for online students, including types like need-based and merit-based aid, plus top scholarship options to help reduce educational costs. This guide provides key insights into accessing financial support for online learning, making education more affordable and accessible for all students.
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Funding education through online platforms can be a financial challenge for many students. While traditional school grants are well-known, financial assistance opportunities for online learning are equally accessible. These grants significantly lower the overall cost of education for online students. If you're considering pursuing a virtual degree or certification, here's what you need to understand about available financial aid options for online schools.
What are online school grants?
Online school grants are monetary gifts awarded to students based on their financial need and academic profile. Unlike loans, these funds do not require repayment. Grants can be sourced from government agencies, educational institutions, or private organizations.
Common types of grants available for online education include:
State government grants
Institution-specific awards
Federal funding programs
Private organization scholarships
Types of financial aid for online students:
Need-based assistance: Usually provided by federal agencies, these grants cover partial or full tuition costs, determined by evaluating the family's expected contribution versus the total educational expenses. Finding and completing the FAFSA® form is the initial step to qualify for these grants.
Merit-based scholarships: Contrary to popular belief, these are not solely for straight-A students. They reward students with exceptional passion, motivation, or talents in areas like sports or leadership. Maintaining a balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and part-time work can make a student eligible for such scholarships.
Top online school grants and scholarships: Opportunities to study with reduced financial burden include:
Bemidji State University Distance Learning Scholarship
Berklee Online Scholarships
BOLC Distance Learning Grants
Bright Future Scholarship
College Raptor Scholarship
Digital Responsibility Awards
FirstGEN Fellows Program
FIU Online Scholarships
Get Educated Online College Scholarship
