Key Takeaways
Most college students — including those attending online — receive some type of financial aid to help put their education within reach.
Without grants, scholarships, and other aid, you might need to pay more out-of-pocket for your online degree program.
Online students can qualify for federal grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships by filing the FAFSA.
Online college might be more affordable than you think. In 2024-25, over 85% of full-time, first-time students received some type of financial aid, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Students at most accredited online colleges are eligible for federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can lower your online college costs even further through state and institutional programs, employer tuition assistance, and loans.
With the right combination of financial aid, an online degree can be well within reach. This guide covers your financial aid options and how you can qualify.
Find the Right Online Program for You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Can You Get Financial Aid for Online College?
Online college students at accredited, participating institutions qualify for federal, state, institutional, and private student aid.
Does the Online College Participate in Federal Financial Aid?
Confirm that the college you'd like to attend participates in federal financial aid by:
Checking the U.S. Department of Education's federal school code list
Searching for the school in the FAFSA School Search tool
Asking the school's financial aid office
Unaccredited online colleges do not qualify for federal financial aid, and others might opt out entirely to forgo government regulations.
Is Your Program Eligible?
Before enrolling, verify that your program qualifies for financial aid. Even at online colleges that participate in federal financial aid, some non-degree, certificate, or continuing education programs might not be eligible.
Are You Eligible?
Federal student aid also has personal eligibility requirements, including:
Demonstrating financial need
Being a citizen or an eligible noncitizen
Having a high school diploma or equivalent
Having a valid SSN (with some exceptions)
How to Get Financial Aid for Online College
There are several paths you can follow to get help paying for school, and most start with filling out the FAFSA.
File Your FAFSA
Filing the FAFSA is required to access federal aid, but many states and schools also use information provided in the FAFSA to determine whether you're eligible to receive additional financial assistance. By submitting the FAFSA, you gain access to:
Federal Pell Grants: These needs-based awards provide undergraduates with financial assistance that typically does not have to be repaid. The maximum amount for 2026-27 is $7,395.
Federal student loans: You can borrow money from the federal government to pay for college through direct subsidized or unsubsidized loans. Borrowing limits and eligibility depend on whether you're an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student.
Federal Work-Study: Schools that participate in the Work-Study Program provide part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. The total amount you can earn depends on the financial award the school has determined for you.
State and institutional aid: Many states, schools, private institutions, and foundations use the information you submit in the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their own awards.
Apply for Online-Specific Scholarships (and General Ones)
There's also a multitude of scholarships and grants available from private companies, non-profits, industry-specific organizations, and other institutions. These awards can be merit-based, needs-based, or open to specific groups, including women and historically underrepresented students.
The U.S. Department of Labor sponsors a scholarship finder tool to help you search and filter most financial aid award opportunities.
See if Your Employer Will Pay for Tuition
More and more companies are offering educational benefits to their employees through tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
It might not cover the full amount of your education, but these educational assistance programs can help defray:
Tuition costs
School fees
Books
Course materials
Check with your employer's HR department to see the types of programs they offer and how much they cover (companies can receive tax-free benefits of up to $5,250 per employee for tuition assistance).
Apply for Private Student Loans
Private student loans can also help you pay for college, but should only be considered as a last resort if you've exhausted all other options, including grants, scholarships, and federal loans.
Private loans carry considerably greater risk than federal loans because they are generally more expensive (with higher interest rates) and offer fewer protections for borrowers (such as forbearance, deferment, and repayment options).
FAFSA Deadlines and Requirements
The FAFSA usually opens on or around October 1. For 2026-27, you'll need to file the FAFSA before the June 30, 2027, deadline. For 2027-28, the deadline is June 30, 2028. However, check your state's financial aid deadline because it could be much sooner.
Once you receive financial aid, you'll need to maintain your eligibility, which includes:
Staying enrolled in an eligible program
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress
In some cases, maintaining at least half-time enrollment
Other Ways to Save Money on Online College
Federal financial aid might not cover all of your costs, but there are other ways to save more on online college.
Apply In-State
The College Board reports that, in 2025-26, tuition for in-state undergraduate students at public, four-year institutions was $11,950, while tuition for out-of-state students was $31,880. The difference is significant and applies to online colleges as well.
However, some online institutions use a flat-rate tuition structure, meaning students pay the same regardless of where they reside.
Attend an Affordable — Or Free — Online College
Some states and schools offer tuition-free online programs for eligible students.
Eligibility varies, but free online college is typically available to in-state residents who meet specific income thresholds. Even though tuition is free, you still might need to cover the costs of books, materials, or additional college fees.
Financial Aid Appeal
If the financial aid package a school presents does not meet your current needs, you can request a review or appeal. Most schools have processes for adjusting awards due to changes in a student's financial situation, such as medical expenses or job loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financial Aid for Online Colleges
Yes, online students can generally receive the same types of financial aid as on-campus students. By completing the FAFSA, eligible learners may receive federal grants, loans, work-study opportunities, state aid, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance.
