With more students choosing online education, knowing which online colleges accept financial aid is essential. If you plan to receive federal aid or other types of assistance from the government or the school, you currently attend, knowing your options can help you decide what’s best for your financial situation and personal goals.
Fortunately, there are many online colleges that accept financial aid, making it possible to complete your education without having to pay exorbitant tuition fees costs every semester.
Before you start your search on online colleges that take FAFSA. Know that the colleges must be regionally accredited before accepting the FAFSA and offering students federal financial aid. As a result, you must ensure that any online school you apply to is accredited and agrees with the FAFSA.
What is Student Financial Aid
Financial aid is a form of assistance a student uses to help pay for school expenses. Most colleges and universities offer financial aid options to qualified students, including grants and scholarships, work-study programs, student loans and on-campus jobs. When comparing colleges to find the best fit for your unique needs, it is essential to consider whether they offer these options and if they are accepting applications or have an application deadline.
Step in Finding Online Colleges That Accept Financial Aid Like FAFSA
Step 1: Find out Your Eligibility Status for FAFSA
Before receiving financial assistance from the government, several factors are taken into account. The eligibility conditions for participating in the financial aid offered by each school may vary.
But generally, you must:
- Be a citizen, national, or permanent resident of the United States
- Have acquired a high school diploma or a GED
- Be enrolled at least halfway into a degree program
- You must register with the Selective Service Administration if necessary
- It would be best if you did not owe a repayment on a prior financial aid, be in default on a loan,
- State your financial situation.
Step 2: Determine Your Online Enrollment Status
It would be best to choose whether you will enrol in school full- or part-time. You have the chance to work while you are a part-time student and make money to pay your rent, food, and other daily expenditures.
However, you might not be able to take advantage of this opportunity if you’re a full-time student.
Before completing your FAFSA, it’s essential to know your enrollment status, as this will impact the types of aid you are eligible for and the number of funds you will get.
Step 3: Start Your FAFSA School Code Search
You can submit your FAFSA information to up to ten colleges or universities, both traditional and online. For student federal aid programs, there is a unique Federal School Code that identifies each college – which you can find using the Federal School Code Search tool on the FAFSA application site.
Make sure to include the school’s code when listing the schools you want to attend on your FAFSA.
Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA Application
To submit your FAFSA application, go to https://fafsa.ed.gov, fill out the forms and submit all necessary documents.
Step 5: Choose Your FAFSA-Accepted Online College
The colleges and universities you choose will receive your FAFSA information after applying. Once accepted, the schools will send you a notice of your eligibility for financial aid. You might receive a different package from each school, depending on your eligibility.
List of Online Colleges That Accept Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Here are the top 10 best online colleges that accept Financial Aid you should consider to see if you qualify for federal loans, grants, or scholarships:
- Lewis UniversitySeton Hall University
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- Utica College
- Benedictine University
- Anna Maria College
- Walsh University
- Lasell college
- Widener University
- Concordia University-Portland
The Top Best Online Colleges That Accept Financial Aid
Lewis University
Lewis University is a private, not-for-profit university that has been around since 1932. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various disciplines. Undergraduate students can choose from business, psychology, communications and criminal justice majors.
Lewis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC). The school offer one of the best online colleges that accept financial aid.
As for graduate programs, students can choose from MBA and MPA degrees. Students in these programs can expect to take core courses like research methods and behavioural science, as well as more focused classes on accounting or management information systems.
Some Notable Programs at Lewis University
- Master in Computer Science
- Masters in Criminal Justice
- Master in Organizational leadership
Seton Hall University
Founded in 1856, Seton Hall University is a private catholic University in South Orange, New Jersey. If you’re planning on enrolling in one of the best online colleges that accept financial aid, look no further than Seton Hall University.
Seton Hall admission is selective, with an acceptance rate of 78%. The student-faculty ratio is 14:1, with 45.7% of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
Seton Hall offers students associate‘s and bachelor’s degrees and is one of the most expensive private universities in the country. Tuition for undergraduate degree programs starts at $46,880 per year.
Students can take advantage of student financial aid in the form of student loans through the university for up to $25,000 annually with an interest rate of 7%.
Some Notable Programs at Seton Hall University:
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master in Business Administration
Our Lady of the Lake University
Best known for its criminal justice and emergency management programs, Our Lady of the Lake University is a well-respected online college that accepts financial aid from sources like FAFSA and grants.
Founded in 1895, Our Lady of the Lake University is a private institution in San Antonio, Texas. The school has an acceptance rate of 98%, making admissions less selective.
The university offers traditional undergraduate degrees in liberal arts and sciences and law enforcement. Best Accredited Online Colleges That Accept Financial Aid: Our Lady of the Lake University is one of the most diverse colleges in America, with over 3,000 students representing over 100 countries.
The school is nationally recognized by U.S News & World Report as one of the Best in National Universities and Graduate Entrepreneurship Programs.
Top Programs at Our Lady of the Lake University:
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Education in School Counselling
- B.Sc. in criminal justice
- Graduate Certificate in emergency management programs
Utica College
Founded in 1946, Utica College is a private university in Utica, New York. The school has an acceptance rate of 86% making admission less selective. However, the school provides top-quality higher education.
Utica College is one of the best online colleges that accept financial aid. Utica offers online undergraduate degrees, graduate and professional degrees in several fields, and certificate programs for professionals seeking career advancement.
You can complete courses on your schedule from anywhere with an internet connection. Their online programs allow students to pursue other endeavors and still receive a good education. Isn‘t that lovely?
Prominent Programs at Utica College:
- Masters in Cyber Security
- Master in Data Science
- Master of Science in Nursing
St. John’s University
Founded in 1870, St. John’s University is a private institution in Queens, New York. The school has an acceptance rate of 75% making admissions more selective.
St. John’s University is one of the best online colleges that accept financial aid. More than 70% of full-time undergraduates at St. John’s University can receive financial support – scholarships or grant awards up to $10,528.
Full-time students undertaking online programs are given laptops and access to numerous student services such as financial aid management and career guidance.
The school has a wide variety of majors, has an excellent college essay and application process, and is one of the best accredited online colleges that take FAFSA.
Prominent Programs at St. Johns University:
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Science in Library and Information Science
- Ph.D. in Literacy
Benedictine University
Founded in 1887, Benedictine University is a private institution in Lisle, Illinois. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Benedictine University is an online college that accepts FAFSA for aid. The Online school is accredited and offers numerous concentrations and a criminal justice program.
You can also add a master’s degree in school counselling or clinical psychology. With over 40% of all undergraduate students taking at least one course online, Benedictine University has highly qualified professors who will go out of their way to help you succeed.
Famous Programs At Benedictine University:
- Masters of Public Health
- Graduate Certificate in Health Education and Promotion
- MBA in International Business
Anna Maria College
Anna Maria College is a private, Catholic, co-educational college. Founded in 1946 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Paxton.
This Massachusetts-based school offers two undergraduate degrees – Liberal Arts and Management – and two graduate degrees: An M.S. in Computer Science and a M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching). The Bachelor’s degree programs all have online options, so it’s possible to pursue a degree online with Anna Maria College!
The school offer students a high-quality education at a relatively affordable cost. And ranked among the top regional universities by U.S. News & World Report. Anna Maria College is also one of the best online colleges that accept financial aid.
Walsh University
Walsh University is one of the many online colleges that accept financial aid. A private Catholic university located in Ohio and was founded in 1960.
It prides itself on offering personalized support and low student-to-faculty ratios. Low-income students are even eligible for grants or scholarships to help them pay for school. Best of all, through their website, you can apply for federal financial aid such as Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and PLUS loans.
Top Programs at Walsh University:
- Master of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Organizational Development and Leadership
- Master of Arts in Education
- Master of Science in Nursing
Lasell College
Founded in 1851, Lasell University is a private institution in Newton, Massachusetts. The school has an acceptance rate of 84% making admissions selective.
Lasell College is one of the best online colleges that accept financial aid. They have flexible scheduling and offer internships and real-world, hands-on opportunities to give you a more well-rounded education. Plenty of scholarships are available for qualified students to help alleviate the cost of a college education.
Top Programs at Lasell College:
- Master of Science in Project Management
- Master of Science in Project Management- Human Resources
- Master in Business Administration
Widener University
Founded in 1821, Widener university is a private, co-educational university with campuses in Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Middle States Commission accredits the school for Higher Education.
Widener University’s acceptance rate is 75% making admissions selective. The University provides students with high education and is one of the best value schools in Delaware.
Widener University is one of the most affordable online colleges that accept FAFSA. The University makes it possible for students who need to finish a degree on a budget. Widener was founded in 1821 and operates today as a private non-profit university with more than 8,000 students enrolled annually.
Concordia University-Portland
Are you interested in pursuing your Bachelor’s degree online? Concordia University-Portland is one of the best online colleges that accept financial aid. You can complete your degree entirely online in as little as five years.
Established in 1950, Concordia University offers fully online programs with 6 and 18 students to promote a close bond, friendship and teamwork. These programs are as rigorous and thorough as their on-campus counterparts.
Top Programs at Concordia University – Portland:
- MEd in Educational Leadership
- MEd in Career and Technical Education
- EdD in Professional Leadership, Inquiry, and Transformation
Final Words
There are many online colleges that accept financial aid. And you will be able to continue your education with the help of grants, scholarships and Student loans. A few of these schools include Lewis University, Seton Hall University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Utica College, etc.
So start your application Now!
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