Paying for a college education can be a major challenge, especially if you’re studying online.
As more students turn to distance learning programs for their flexibility and convenience, the demand for scholarships that cater specifically to online students has increased. How can you find the financial support you need to complete your online degree?
There are numerous scholarships available that aim to ease the financial burden for online college students.
Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, finding the right scholarship can make a significant difference in managing your education expenses.
1) Pell Grants
Pell Grants are a type of federal financial aid given by the U.S. Department of Education.
These grants are need-based, meaning they are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
You can use Pell Grants to cover expenses like tuition, fees, and room and board.
They are available to students attending accredited two- or four-year colleges, community colleges, and some online schools.
For the 2024-25 award year, the maximum Pell Grant amount is $7,395.
This amount varies based on your financial need, cost of attendance, and whether you are a full-time or part-time student.
You can receive Pell Grants for up to 12 full-time terms, which is about six years.
States do not provide these grants; they come directly from the federal government.
Check out more details on the Federal Pell Grant Program.
Pell Grants can be a crucial resource if you need financial assistance for your online college education.
Eligibility requires completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
After applying, you’ll find out how much aid you are eligible for.
Understanding the requirements and benefits of Pell Grants can significantly help in planning your education expenses.
For more insights, visit Federal Pell Grants – Scholarships.com.
2) Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are available to undergraduate students with significant financial need.
To qualify for these grants, you must first complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
FSEOG awards range from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on your financial need and the availability of funds at your school.
FSEOG is funded by the federal government but administered by individual colleges and universities.
Each participating school gets a specific amount of FSEOG funds each year.
Once the funds run out, no more awards can be given for that year.
Your eligibility is based on your FAFSA application, and funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applying early increases your chances of receiving an FSEOG grant.
The CARES Act allows schools to use their FSEOG allocation to provide emergency financial aid grants for unexpected expenses.
This provision helps students facing emergencies, such as sudden financial hardship.
FSEOG is a need-based grant, meaning it is free money that does not need to be repaid.
It is specifically designed to assist low-income students who require additional financial aid to attend college.
For more details on the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, visit the Federal Student Aid website or check out this information on Sallie Mae.
3) Online Learning Scholarships by eLearners
eLearners offers several scholarships for those pursuing online studies.
These scholarships cater to students enrolled in online, for-credit degree programs at accredited institutions.
One notable scholarship from eLearners is for U.S. residents aged 18 or older.
To qualify, you must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an online college.
This scholarship emphasizes ease of application.
There are no lengthy forms.
As long as you meet the basic criteria, you’re eligible to apply.
The winner receives a $1,000 scholarship, which can significantly help with tuition costs.
Another advantage is the inclusiveness of part-time students.
Whether you study part-time or full-time, you still qualify.
For more details, you can visit their scholarship page.
This page provides thorough information about deadlines, eligibility, and application procedures.
4) The University of the People Scholarships
The University of the People (UoPeople) offers several scholarships for those who need financial assistance.
Scholarships are available for both new and continuing students.
UoPeople scholarships can cover full or partial assessment fees.
This makes it easier for you to pursue an online degree without worrying about the costs.
There are a variety of scholarships available at UoPeople.
Some are based on financial need, while others may consider your academic achievements or personal circumstances.
When applying, make sure to start early.
Scholarships at UoPeople are often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
You don’t want to miss out due to a delayed application.
Even if you have already started your classes, you can still apply for a scholarship.
UoPeople aims to help as many students as possible.
Some scholarships may require a written submission or personal statement.
It’s a good idea to begin working on these documents as soon as you decide to apply.
If denied due to lack of funds, you may reapply later.
Keep checking for new opportunities and don’t lose hope if you don’t get one immediately.
For detailed information, UoPeople Online Scholarships provides answers and guides on how to apply effectively.
Make sure to read through all the available options to find the best fit for your needs.
5) Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program
The Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program provides financial support to students enrolled in online degree programs.
The scholarship is open to students pursuing either undergraduate or graduate degrees through distance learning.
The program awards $1,000 to selected recipients twice a year, making it easier for online students to manage tuition costs.
The deadlines for application submissions are March 15th and October 15th each year.
This scholarship specifically targets online learners, including adult students and women.
The goal is to make education more accessible to those who are balancing multiple responsibilities, such as work and family.
To apply, you’ll need to be enrolled in an accredited online degree program in the USA.
The application process involves submitting an essay that explains how the scholarship will help you achieve your educational and career goals.
Learn more about the Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program and how you can apply for this financial aid opportunity.
6) Sherry Murray Online College Scholarship
The Sherry Murray Online College Scholarship is designed for students with a close family member diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
This scholarship aims to support those who wish to pursue a degree in the medical profession.
Eligibility for this scholarship includes being a legal resident of Florida.
You must also have a family connection to someone affected by ALS, such as a spouse, parent, or grandparent.
This scholarship encourages students to enter the medical field due to their experiences with ALS.
The scholarship amount can help cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
For more details, you can learn more about the Sherry Murray Online College Scholarship and how to apply.
To apply, you need to submit an application form, along with a personal essay explaining your relationship with the ALS patient and your motivation for entering the medical field.
Selection is based on your essay, academic achievements, and financial need.
If you have questions, you can contact the ALS Association through their website for more information.
This scholarship offers a meaningful way to support your educational goals while honoring the experiences of your loved ones with ALS.
7) The Great Lakes National Scholarship Program
The Great Lakes National Scholarship Program offers financial aid to students seeking both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
This program is funded by Great Lakes Educational Loan Services.
High school seniors, high school graduates, and current postsecondary students are eligible to apply.
The scholarship awards up to 825 students with $2,500 each.
You must act quickly as the application process closes once 20,000 applications are submitted or by 11:59 p.m. Central Time, April 6 each year, whichever comes first.
For more information, visit the Great Lakes National Scholarship Program.
Understanding Online College Scholarships
When you explore online college scholarships, you’ll find different types and eligibility criteria to consider.
This section breaks down the essentials so you can make the best decisions for your education.
Definition and Types of Scholarships
Online college scholarships are financial awards given to students enrolled in online degree programs.
These scholarships aim to help reduce the cost of tuition and other related expenses, making education more affordable.
There are primarily three types of scholarships:
- Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded to students based on academic, athletic, or artistic achievements.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Granted to students based on financial need.
- Specialized Scholarships: Target specific groups, such as scholarships exclusively for online students, students in certain fields of study, or those with unique personal backgrounds.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility for online college scholarships varies widely.
Here are common criteria:
- Academic Performance: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores.
- Enrollment Status: Often, you must be enrolled in an accredited online program.
- Field of Study: Some scholarships are limited to students in specific majors.
- Personal Background: Scholarships may also consider factors like race, gender, or financial need.
For example, the Study.com Online Undergraduate Degree Scholarship requires students to be in a distance learning program.
Other scholarships may have additional requirements, such as community service or extracurricular activities.
Always carefully read the eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify before applying.
Benefits of Scholarships for Online College Students
Scholarships for online college students offer more than just financial aid; they also increase access to educational opportunities, making higher education more attainable for many people.
Financial Relief
One of the major benefits of scholarships is the financial relief they provide.
Tuition for online courses can be expensive, and scholarships help alleviate this burden.
In addition to covering tuition, some scholarships also pay for books, supplies, and other educational expenses.
This financial support allows you to focus more on your studies and less on how to pay for them.
By reducing the need for student loans, scholarships can also lessen long-term debt.
This means you can start your career without the stress of large loan repayments hanging over you.
Increased Access to Education
Scholarships also play a key role in increasing access to education.
They make it possible for students from various backgrounds to pursue their academic goals.
This is especially important for non-traditional students, such as working adults, who might not have the same financial resources as younger students.
With scholarships, you can enroll in programs that you might not otherwise afford.
This accessibility empowers you to advance your career, improve your skills, and achieve personal growth.
Scholarships designed specifically for online learning also recognize the unique needs and challenges faced by online students, providing tailored support.