10 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 checkout our article on Grants for high school diploma 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 10 scholarships and grants for online students that are offered to help with the education costs of online learners.

List of the Top 10 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.

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.  

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.

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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.