15 Best Scholarships And Grants For Online Students

Now, online students can pursue higher education without any financial burden. This is because numerous scholarships and grants for online students are available that can make it easier to earn a university degree by reducing education expenses.

In the dynamic field of education, online learning has emerged as a flexible and accessible route for knowledge and skill acquisition. Some students are taking advantage of the freedom that comes with online learning, even as the limitations of in-person learning have been reduced. You can also check out our article on Grants for high school diplomas online.

However, even with a digital version the cost of a college education can still be very high. Hence, online students are increasingly in need of financial assistance in their educational journey.

Explore the top 15 scholarships and grants for online students that are offered to help with the education costs of online learners.

Key Takeaways 

• Online students can get scholarships and grants to help pay for college.
• There are many scholarships and grants available, so you need to research to find ones you qualify for.
• To apply for scholarships and grants, you will need to fill out an application and meet the eligibility requirements.
• Scholarships and grants are typically free money that you do not have to pay back.
• In addition to scholarships and grants, there are other types of financial aid available to online students, such as federal student loans and private student loans.

What are Scholarships and Grants?

Scholarships and grants are financial aid options that do not necessitate repayment. Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, such as academic or athletic achievements, and can come from a variety of sources, including universities, organizations, and individuals. In contrast, grants are need-based and are often awarded by government agencies, nonprofits, or institutions to help cover specific educational expenses. 

Both scholarships and grants play an important role in making higher education more affordable by helping students cover tuition, books, and living expenses. Eligibility criteria vary, and applicants often need to meet specific requirements and submit applications, essays, or recommendations to be considered for these awards.

Scholarship Requirements for Online Study

Scholarships designed for online study come with certain conditions that applicants must meet. The most important of these requirements is academic achievement. Scholarships and grants for online students generally mandate a solid academic track record, which may include maintaining a minimum GPA or demonstrating competitive standardized test scores.

The chosen field of study can also play an important role. It is essential to align your program with scholarships related to your academic interests. Additionally, it is important to ensure that your online program is offered by an accredited institution, as many scholarships stipulate this accreditation as a prerequisite.

Financial need is another common factor. A subset of scholarships and grants for online students are need-based, which require demonstration of your financial circumstances. 

To further evaluate applicants, scholarships may call for an essay or interview to assess their qualifications and aspirations. Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, or other individuals who can attest to your abilities may also be required.

Applicants should also take into account their citizenship or residence status, as some scholarships are restricted to specific countries or regions. Additionally, some scholarships and grants for online students value community involvement and engagement in extracurricular activities. 

Some scholarships cater to specific demographics such as minorities, women, or veterans.  

List of the Top 15 Scholarships and Grants for Online Students

1. Federal Pell Grants

Undergraduate students enrolled full or part-time at accredited colleges are eligible for federal Pell Grants. The maximum Federal Pell Grant amount for the 2023-24 award year is $7,395, although the grant amount may vary annually. The amount you receive depends on your academic year and needs.

To be eligible for the scholarships and grants for online students, you must prove the need for financial aid and not have a previously obtained undergraduate or graduate degree. Pell Grants are designed to help economically disadvantaged students achieve their educational objectives while reducing the burden of student loan debt.

2. Study.com Award for Online

Study.com, the leading online education platform, has been honored with a prestigious award for its outstanding contribution to the field of online education. It offers scholarships and grants for online students pursuing undergraduate degree programs in any discipline. 

Students pursuing associate or bachelor’s degrees specifically online are eligible for this award. An award of $1,000 will be awarded to the scholarship recipient.

To be eligible for this grant, you must be a citizen of the United States and enrolled in an online degree program at an approved institution or university. Additionally, you must have 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours remaining toward your online degree.

3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This is another top scholarship and grant for online students. FSEOG awards, ranging from $100 to $4,000 annually, are determined by a student’s financial need, as assessed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The purpose of this grant is to assist students in covering their educational expenses, especially those with significant financial constraints.

To be eligible, candidates must be undergraduate students pursuing online degree programs in any field. They must demonstrate their financial needs through the FAFSA.

4. GetEducated.com Online College Scholarship 

Online college scholarships by GetEducated.com are designed to provide financial aid to online students. The purpose of this program is to reduce the costs associated with tuition for online students. Twice a year, it offers college grants to distance learners enrolled in online degree programs. Financial aid of up to $1,000 is available from GetEducated.com to help recipients cover the cost of their online higher education courses.

To qualify for this scholarship and grant for online students, candidates must be enrolled in an approved online degree program at an accredited institution and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.

5. Professional Master’s Excellence Award

The Professional Master’s Excellence Award honors outstanding students in any discipline enrolled in a professional master’s degree program. The award is given to students who have shown exceptional dedication, leadership, and proficiency in their particular fields of study. This award is open to online students who are attending master’s degree programs.

To be eligible you must maintain a GPA of 3.5 and be enrolled in a professional master’s program offered by the graduate school. Furthermore, you must be in your final year of graduate studies to receive this scholarship and grant for online students.

6. TEACH Grant

Online students pursuing teaching careers can access Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grants. The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to teaching a high-need subject in a low-income school for at least four years after graduation. The grants offer up to $4,000 per year to assist online students with tuition expenses.

To qualify for this scholarship and grant for online students, applicants must submit a FAFSA and enroll in a TEACH-eligible program. They must also maintain a 3.25 GPA. 

7. Penn State World Campus Scholarships

Penn State World Campus offers a range of scholarships designed specifically for online students. The purpose of these scholarships and grants for online students is to provide financial assistance and acknowledge outstanding academic performance, community engagement, and leadership qualities. 

The scholarship provides a maximum of $7,000 per academic year to eligible undergraduate students to pursue online degree programs. To qualify, candidates must submit the FAFSA.

8. University of Edinburgh Online Distance Learning Scholarships

The University of Edinburgh offers its support to online distance learners through a range of scholarships. These scholarships aim to reduce the financial challenges faced by remote students, increasing access to high-quality education. 

These annual scholarships and grants for online students include a wide range of programs with varying eligibility conditions. Twelve master’s scholarships are available from the University of Edinburgh for students enrolled in part-time master’s programs via distance learning.

9. American University Online Program Scholarships

American University offers scholarships for its online programs, which aim to facilitate affordable access to quality education. They provide a valuable opportunity for students to pursue online education while reducing the financial stress of tuition costs. 

Online students who wish to pursue graduate studies can apply for the scholarship and grant for online students. This grant is available for master’s degree programs in economics and arts in US colleges. The value of each scholarship is $10,000.

10. Western Governors University Scholarships

Western Governors University (WGU) offers several scholarships for a wide range of students. These scholarships are designed to assist various groups, such as those facing financial challenges, veterans, and individuals seeking career advancement. You can apply for this scholarship and grant for online students to pursue higher education.

In collaboration with other organizations, several scholarships are offered for online students to pursue undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Scholarships of $2,500 are awarded each semester.

11. K-state global campus scholarships:

A scholarship program designed especially for distance learning students is offered by K-State Online. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply for the K-State Global Campus Scholarships, and although there is just a three-credit minimum requirement for the award term, part-time students are also eligible. The scholarship might be worth $250 to $1,000, depending on the particular award.

12. Liberty University online scholarships:

Students can investigate several Liberty University online scholarships, each of which is intended for a certain demographic. For instance, there is a tuition discount of 25% for students who are also first responders. Students can also look into additional programs, such as those that are tailored to Canadian students, veterans, and students connected to particular businesses or associations.

13. UA online scholarships:

The University of Alabama’s online scholarship programs are worthwhile for students who are considering enrolling. The institution offers several awards, and each has different qualifications. Both full-time and part-time students are welcome at several of them, and some of them pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees. Students must examine their alternatives to determine their eligibility.

14. PSR Rise Above scholarship:

The value of this scholarship is $1,000. Anyone presently enrolled in an authorized undergraduate or graduate program in the United States is eligible to apply. Candidates must have a GPA of at least 2.75 and be in good academic standing. You will be required to provide a 500-word essay explaining how you have overcome hardship in your life. For more precise information, go to the scholarship application. 

15. Superpower scholarship:

Any American citizen, 14 years of age or older, may apply for this $2,500 award to support their educational expenses. You must prepare an essay for this scholarship explaining how, even for a single day, you would employ any superpower of your choosing.

How to Apply for Scholarships to Study Online?

To apply for scholarships to study online, follow these steps:

• Scholarship Research: Start by researching scholarships designed for online education. Take a look at scholarship websites, university portals, or online learning platforms.
• Eligibility Check: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure that you meet the necessary academic and demographic requirements.
• Gathering Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted personal statement.
• Online Program Selection: Find online courses or programs that match your interests and qualify for the scholarships you are interested in.
• Program Application: Apply to online programs of your choice, as admission is often a prerequisite for many scholarships.
• Scholarship Applications: Complete scholarship applications with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and adhering to deadlines.
• Compelling Personal Statement: Prepare a persuasive personal statement that emphasizes your accomplishments, aspirations, and why you are a worthy scholarship candidate.
• Letters of Recommendation: If necessary, request letters of recommendation from teachers or professionals, giving them enough time to write and submit them.
• Submission: Submit your scholarship applications before the specified deadline, and review them carefully for any errors.
• Application Tracking: Keep track of your scholarship applications and follow up if necessary, as some organizations may require additional information.
• Financial Aid Office Contact: Contact the financial aid office of your chosen online institution for guidance and information regarding available scholarships.
• Local Scholarships: Don’t overlook local scholarship opportunities, as some of them may support online education.

What are the other types of financial aid for online students?

1. Scholarships that are not specifically online

A lot of scholarships don’t target online college students particularly. Rather, they are more accommodating, enabling the beneficiaries to use the money for online or in-person attendance at a suitable institution. Generally speaking, this means that distance learners must enroll in an authorized online degree program, while other granting bodies can have a more lenient definition.

2. Pell grants and other federal financial aid:

Pell Grants and other federal financial aid programs are essential in facilitating greater access to higher education for a wide range of students. Pell Grants, the mainstay of federal student aid, are given to undergraduates who show a high level of need for financial assistance. The annual household income and assets of the students and their families play a major role in determining eligibility.

Pell Grants are a fantastic tool for students who want to reduce their debt because they do not require repayment, in contrast to federal student loans. 

3. Private student loans:

For students managing the cost of an online education, private student loans become a viable option, particularly in cases when federal financial aid and scholarship money are insufficient. Private loans provide a different kind of flexibility than federal help, which frequently has some qualifying conditions, and scholarships, which are essentially free money provided based on various criteria. They can close financial gaps in college education by paying for living expenses and extra course materials, for example, that other sources of help might not be able to cover. 

4. Fellowships:

Fellowships provide a special kind of financial support for students who want to go to college and act as a bridge to lower tuition costs. Fellowships can offer a more extensive support system than standard loans or scholarships, which may only pay tuition. They can cover a variety of educational costs, including school supplies and tuition.

What are the challenges that online students have to deal with?

Although it can be difficult, earning a college degree online is completely possible. For pupils learning online, consider these challenges: 

1. Unexpected Expenses

Online fees apply to certain online courses. Please make sure to search for these as they can vary greatly. There are lots of methods to cut costs while in college, like this one.

2. Conflicting Priorities

Many online learners are nontraditional learners who must juggle their education, occupations, and families. These can pose serious obstacles to your performance in an online program, whether you are a full-time or part-time learner. 

3. Managing Time

There are designated hours for you to eat, play, and learn when you’re on campus. However, there are frequently no defined hours when you are an online learner. This can be particularly difficult if you are a first-time student. It can be challenging to manage your time as an online learner because many courses are asynchronous, meaning you are not required to be online at a specific time.

Can part-time students get scholarships?

Part-time students are eligible for a range of scholarships catered to their particular educational pathways, including those who are enrolled in online programs or are seniors in high school hoping to pursue an undergraduate degree.

Many scholarship providers have broadened their criteria to include part-time students in recognition of the increasing diversity in the ways that people seek education, recognizing the needs and efforts of these students. With this inclusive approach, students can still receive financial support to meet their academic objectives even if they have other responsibilities, like work or family.

FAQs.

Conclusion 

Scholarships and grants for online students are important in increasing access and affordability of higher education. They serve as valuable financial resources for individuals pursuing their educational ambitions through online programs, reducing the financial stress associated with tuition expenses.

These opportunities are important to promote inclusivity and ensure that education remains accessible to a broad spectrum of learners. As the demand for online education continues to grow, the presence of scholarships and grants for online students will help shape the landscape of accessible education.