Online Colleges Accepting FAFSA

For many Americans, earning a college degree is a vital step towards achieving their career goals.

However, the rising cost of tuition can be a problem.

Fortunately, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you out by providing financial assistance for qualified students, including those enrolled in online degree programs.

List of Online Colleges Accepting FAFSA

The vast majority of accredited online colleges participate in the federal student aid program. Here are some notable examples:

  1. Public Universities:
    • Arizona State University Online
    • University of Florida Online
    • Penn State World Campus
    • Purdue University Global
    • University of Maryland Global Campus
    • Colorado State University Global
  2. Private Universities:
    • Southern New Hampshire University
    • Capella University
    • Grand Canyon University
    • Saint Leo University
    • American Public University

Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

It is always best to check a specific college’s financial aid website or contact their financial aid office directly to confirm FAFSA eligibility.

How FAFSA Works with Online Colleges

The FAFSA application process for online colleges is largely identical to the process for traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.

These are the main steps:

  1. Apply for your FSA ID: This serves as your electronic signature for accessing federal student aid resources. Both students and parents (if applicable) will need an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA form.
  2. Complete the FAFSA form: The FAFSA form gathers information about your financial situation, including income, assets, and household size. This information is used to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is an estimate of how much your family can afford to contribute towards your college education.
  3. FAFSA Processing: Once submitted, the Department of Education processes your FAFSA application and generates a Student Aid Report (SAR). This report summarizes the information you provided and your EFC.
  4. College Selection:  After receiving your SAR, you can list the colleges you are interested in attending on the FAFSA form. This allows the colleges to access your federal student aid data electronically.
  5. Financial Aid Award Letter: Each college you listed will send you a financial aid award letter. This letter details the types and amounts of federal and institutional aid you are eligible for, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

What to consider when choosing online colleges

You should make sure the online college you choose holds a regional accreditation, which is the same standard used for traditional colleges.

This is important for both financial aid eligibility and the transferability of credits.

Not all online programs may be eligible for federal student aid so check with the college’s financial aid office to confirm the eligibility of your specific program.

The disbursement process for financial aid may differ slightly for online colleges.

Be sure to understand the college’s policies regarding tuition payments and disbursement of aid funds.

Remember that completing the FAFSA is free, regardless of your income level.

Even if you think you may not qualify for any aid, it’s always worth submitting the application.

You might be surprised at the amount of financial assistance you are eligible for.