[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submit the FAFSA to qualify for online college financial aid like federal loans, grants, and work-study opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students in accredited programs can access the same aid as on-campus learners, including Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and institutional scholarships.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FAFSA for the 2025-26 academic year opened on November 18, 2024, and closes on June 30, 2026 — apply early to meet school and state deadlines.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Whether you’re taking classes online or on campus, financial aid can help cover the cost of college. Online students attending accredited schools can qualify for the same types of financial aid — including federal aid — as traditional on-campus students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited colleges and universities offer various financial aid options for online learners, including loans, scholarships, and grants. A good place to start is checking your [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) eligibility[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn how to get financial aid for online school, when you can apply for aid, and how to get the funds needed to earn your degree while minimizing your student debt.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]When Does the FAFSA Open for 2025-26? When Does It Close?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You have to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible to receive federal financial aid for online college. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid” target=”_blank”]FAFSA application cycle[/hen-ui-link] typically follows a 20-month cycle, from October 1 through June 30 (two calendar years away). However, that window can vary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]When the 2025-26 FAFSA period opened: [/hen-ui-text]The application cycle for the 2025-26 FAFSA opened on November 18, 2024.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]When the 2025-26 FAFSA period closes[/hen-ui-text]: The FAFSA [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines” target=”_blank”]deadline for the 2025-26 academic year[/hen-ui-link] is June 30, 2026.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep in mind that the longer you wait to apply, the less likely you are to receive financial aid. Additionally, some states and colleges might have earlier deadlines for their aid programs than the federal deadline. It’s worth noting that the FAFSA deadline is the same for undergraduate and graduate students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base uppercase” tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Do Parents Need to Fill Out the FAFSA for Students Over 18?​[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It ultimately depends on whether you’re considered an[hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/dependency-status.pdf” target=”_blank”] independent or dependent student[/hen-ui-link]. There are various criteria for this. For example, you’re likely independent if you’re 24 or older, so there is no need to include parental information on your FAFSA. But if you’re under 24, you generally can expect to include your parents’ financial details.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]4 Types of Financial Aid for Online School[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students often use multiple financial sources to fund their online classes and degrees, including scholarships, loans, and grants. In the 2022-23 school year, nearly 87% of first-time, full-time undergraduate students at four-year colleges [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/trendgenerator/app/trend-table/8/34?trending=row&valueCode=2&f=2%3D1%3B5%3D1%3B4%3D1%7C2&rid=1&cid=51&cidv=3%7C6%7C7%7C8″ target=”_blank”]received some type of financial aid[/hen-ui-link], according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each type of financial aid can have varying requirements and limitations. We’ll walk you through some of the most popular financial aid options for online college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Scholarships[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Private donors, organizations, state governments, and colleges all provide [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]scholarship aid[/hen-ui-link]. Your grades, major, and/or financial need can qualify you for a scholarship. You can also narrow your pool of school options by looking for scholarships specifically for students in a certain major or demographic, such as [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships-women/”]scholarships for women[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Explore organizations or foundations for private scholarship opportunities that are specific to your program,” advises Raquel Arevalo, assistant director of financial aid at Rice University.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Grants[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The federal and state governments, as well as colleges and nonprofits, offer grants. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. For instance, federal [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell” target=”_blank”]Pell Grants[/hen-ui-link] provide low-income students with funding for college that doesn’t need to be repaid unless they leave college early.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, grants are awarded on the basis of financial need. Scholarships, however, can be granted for a wide variety of factors, including financial need, academic merit, special interests, and achievement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Student Loans[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]Student loans[/hen-ui-link] are funds that students borrow from the government or private lenders. Federal loans from the government typically offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options. In contrast, private loans may have higher interest rates and stricter repayment plans.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing a loan, consider the terms and interest rates. Based on your FAFSA results, you may be able to apply for four types of loans.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Subsidized loans[/hen-ui-text]: Subsidized loans are need-based. The government pays interest on these loans while students are in school and/or during deferment periods.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Unsubsidized loans[/hen-ui-text]: Unsubsidized loans are not based on financial need. Borrowers handle all interest on unsubsidized loans from the start, even while attending school.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Direct PLUS loans[/hen-ui-text]: Direct PLUS loans are for parents and graduate students and require a credit check.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Direct consolidation loans[/hen-ui-text]: Direct consolidation loans allow borrowers to merge multiple federal loans into one, making repayment more straightforward.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Work-Study Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Federal work-study programs allow online students to get paid to work part time on or off campus. Often, these positions allow students to engage in community service while earning money for college.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Online college students are eligible for work-study programs — they just have to complete the FAFSA application, indicate that they have interest in the program, and meet the school’s eligibility,” said Arevalo.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Apply for Financial Aid as an Online Student: 3 Steps[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The financial aid application process is the same for both online and on-campus students. You can qualify for the same type of funding, including grants and loans, as long as you complete the FAFSA application and the school is accredited.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your college’s financial aid office can offer guidance on the aid options available to pay your tuition. The steps below ensure that you apply for all eligible funding.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Check Your Eligibility[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The federal government sets basic eligibility requirements for financial aid. As an online learner, you can qualify for all the loans, scholarships, and grants available to traditional students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your eligibility for aid often hinges on your financial need — what you (and your family, if you’re still a dependent) can contribute to your education. To qualify, you also must hold U.S. citizenship (or be an eligible noncitizen) and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/popular-online-colleges/”]pursue an accredited degree[/hen-ui-link] or certificate program.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Fill Out the FAFSA[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing the FAFSA is the first step to getting federal financial aid as an online student. You’ll fill in basic information about yourself and answer questions about your financial situation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your application will determine your eligibility for financial aid and how much you can receive, so make sure you answer correctly. It’s common for [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]online colleges[/hen-ui-link] to require a completed FAFSA with an admission application. Students need to create a StudentAid.gov account to complete this free form.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Submit Applications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To complete the FAFSA, you must submit your Social Security number (or Alien Registration Number if you do not hold U.S. citizenship). Also, expect to submit federal income tax returns, with the option to transfer your filing directly from the Internal Revenue Service.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The FAFSA also requires bank statements, income dates, and bank account balances. If you qualify as a dependent student, your parents or legal guardian must also submit their financial information.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Can You Get Financial Aid for Online Classes?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, generally speaking, taking classes online doesn’t impact your eligibility for federal financial aid, as long as you’re enrolled in classes at an accredited college or university and the program is eligible for federal funds.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While some programs, such as certificate programs, may not be eligible, most online degree programs at accredited schools offer the same financial aid opportunities as their on-campus counterparts. However, the answer gets more complicated if you intend to take online classes as a non-degree-seeking student.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Financial Aid as a Non-Degree-Seeking Student[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In general, non-degree students are not eligible for federal student aid. Most online schools require you to enroll in a degree program on a full-time or part-time basis to receive certain types of aid. However, there are a few exceptions to this.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The federal government may provide financial aid options if the education you’re seeking leads to a professional credential. This means, even if you’re not pursuing a traditional diploma, there are still ways to pay for your non-degree program:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’re taking online classes that are prerequisites for a degree or certificate program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’re completing online courses to earn or renew a license. This is particularly common for teachers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’re applying to an accredited certificate program designed to train you for a specific career.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Paying for Online Classes as a Non-Degree-Seeking Student[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Your options may be limited if you don’t qualify for federal financial aid as a non-degree student. You can apply for scholarships specifically for non-degree students, pay out of pocket, or take out a private loan from lenders like Sallie Mae, SoFi, or Discover.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Remember that private loans often have significant drawbacks: they don’t include federal protections or borrower benefits, base interest rates on your credit score, and offer no federal subsidies. Consequently, you should only consider private student loans as a last resort.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can a Pell Grant be used for online classes?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pell Grants can be used for any qualified online or on-campus degree program. You do not need to repay these funds. The federal government allows you to receive Pell Grants for up to six years, or 12 school terms.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is online college cheaper than attending in person?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, online degrees cost less, on average, than getting a degree on campus. According to NCES data, online students pay a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/datalab” target=”_blank”]median cost of $7,926[/hen-ui-link] ($9,877 adjusted for 2025 dollars) in tuition and fees yearly, while on-campus students pay $12,250 ($15,265 adjusted).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students can also save on room, board, and related expenses. Many [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/”]online colleges prioritize affordability[/hen-ui-link] to attract and support online students.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Does the FAFSA cover online certificate programs?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, the FAFSA can be used to secure aid for some [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/certificates/”]online certificate programs[/hen-ui-link]. The U.S. Department of Education provides federal financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. These can be used to cover the cost of certificate programs at accredited colleges.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I transfer my financial aid from another institution to an online college?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You cannot always transfer your financial aid from one college to another. Check with your new school to ensure you can receive financial aid, and see if you need to file withdrawals to cancel your payments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll also need to update your FAFSA with your new school. Keep in mind that [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-transfer-guide/”]transferring to another school[/hen-ui-link] could affect the amount of aid you receive. Based on tuition costs and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]where you transfer[/hen-ui-link], you may receive less aid, and doing so could also shift your loans into repayment status.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you get financial aid for online graduate school?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, as long as the institution is accredited. Graduate students — whether studying online or in person — may be eligible for federal financial aid. The difference lies in the type of aid available at the graduate level. Assistance at the graduate level is typically available in the form of federal loans and institutional support, not grants.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common types of aid include federal direct unsubsidized loans, work-study programs, and, in some cases, need-based grants or institutional scholarships. State or school-based aid may also be available to graduate students who meet specific eligibility criteria.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can part-time students get financial aid?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, part-time students can get financial aid if they meet certain credit requirements. As a part-time student, you can qualify for the same type of federal financial aid as full-time students, such as loans and grants, as long as you’re enrolled at least half-time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This usually means at least 6-12 credits per semester for undergraduates. Credit requirements may vary for graduate programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”1127,301,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]