Scholarships for Online College Students
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Most college students need financial aid to earn their degree, whether they enroll on campus or online. With benefits like flexible schedules and flat tuition rates, online programs are a convenient learning option for students with existing work and family obligations.
Students who complete their education online typically qualify for the same financial aid as on-campus students, plus additional online-specific scholarships and grants.
We’ve rounded up 16 grants and scholarships for online students to help start your search.
Featured Online Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
16 Scholarships for Online Students
Colwell Law Group Single Parent Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be single parents enrolled in or planning to enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or law program in the U.S. Candidates must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: May
Federal Pell Grant
- Eligibility: Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need. Federal Pell Grants are only available to undergraduates.
- Award Amount: Varies each year; 2024-2025 maximum is $7,395
- Deadline: June
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Eligibility: Applicants must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need. This award is applied directly to undergraduate study at a participating college or university.
- Award Amount: $800, on average
- Deadline: June
Foreclosure.com Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate college program.
- Award Amount: $4,000 (top prize) or $1,000 (one award each for second and third place)
- Deadline: December
Fully Bloomed Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be mothers pursuing postsecondary education. Eligible students must have a high school or GED diploma and must be from a household earning a combined income below $45,000 per year.
- Award Amount: $500
- Deadline: June
GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited online degree or certificate program and possess a minimum GPA of 3.0. Awards are based on both merit and financial need.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: October or March
Imagine America Foundation Adult Skills Education Program
- Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are at least 19 years old with plans to enroll in a college that participates in the Imagine America scholarship program. Winners must not have received a previous award from Imagine America.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: December
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
- Eligibility: Applicants must have lost their parent or guardian as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11. At the time of their relative’s death, the applicant must have been younger than 24 or enrolled part time in college. Candidates cannot qualify for a Pell Grant based on their expected family contribution but must meet all other Pell Grant requirements.
- Award Amount: Equal to the Pell Grant maximum each year
- Deadline: June
PEO Program for Continuing Education
- Eligibility: Applicants must be women U.S. or Canadian citizens residing in the U.S. or Canada for their entire certificate or degree program. They must have spent at least 24 months as non-students as adults. They must be recommended by a PEO chapter and have completed their education no more than 18 months ago.
- Award Amount: Up to $3,000
- Deadline: At least eight weeks before the term for which the grant would be used
Return2College Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 17 years old, U.S. citizens, and current or prospective full-time or part-time students in a college program within 12 months of receiving the award. Nontraditional students are encouraged to apply.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: September
Study.com Undergraduate Distance Learning Degrees Academic Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited distance learning program, with plans to continue enrollment through the following year and at least 30 semester or 45 quarter credits yet to be completed.
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: November
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant
- Eligibility: Applicants must submit the FAFSA and qualify for basic federal financial aid. They must be enrolled in a TEACH Grant-eligible bachelor’s, post-baccalaureate, or graduate program. Applicants must undergo TEACH Grant counseling for each year they receive the award and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.
- Award Amount: Up to $4,000
- Deadline: October
The Christian Connector Christian College Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolling for the first time in a full-time Christian college or Bible college program.
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: May
Unigo Education Matters Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be 14 years or older and legal residents of the U.S. who currently reside in one of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia.
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: November
Unigo $10K Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be 14 or older, hold U.S. citizenship, and reside in one of the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia.
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: December
Unigo’s Top 10 List Scholarship
- Eligibility: Applicants must be legal U.S. citizens and submit a written response to the question: “Create a Top Ten List of the top ten reasons you should get this scholarship.”
- Award Amount: $1,500
- Deadline: December
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Online College Students
Yes, you can get a loan for online courses. Students enrolled in online college degree programs are eligible for many financial aid options. You can apply for both federal student loans and private loans.
Weigh your options before agreeing to take on a student loan. Research financial aid alternatives or speak with a financial advisor.
Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 17, 2024.
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