10 Grants for Online College Students in 2025

A grant is a form of financial aid for college that doesn't require repayment. Schools often combine grants with college scholarships, loans, and other financial assistance to reduce tuition and additional school costs.

Grants pay for on-campus degrees and can also cover online programs. Below, we'll explore online colleges that accept Pell Grants and discuss other types of grants that cover distance education expenses. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about financial aid for online classes.

Grants for Online Students With Financial Needs

Online degrees are flexible alternatives to in-person programs. Explore the list below to discover grants that can cover the cost of a degree program at an online school.

1. Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant offers college funding from the federal government, which doesn't have to be repaid. Eligible applicants are undergraduate students with exceptional financial needs who haven't earned a bachelor's, professional, or graduate degree.

The amount students receive depends on factors such as their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Student Aid Index, cost of attendance, and full-time/part-time status. The maximum 2024-25 award amount is $7,395.

2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers student financial aid to undergraduates with exceptional financial needs who don't have bachelor's, graduate, or professional degrees. Students must submit the FAFSA to qualify.

Eligible online learners can receive up to $4,000 per year; however, the amount awarded depends on financial need, how much you receive from other financial aid programs, and fund availability at your school.

3. TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant is a federal grant that requires students to complete a teaching service obligation. Students who don't meet this obligation have money converted to a loan requiring repayment with interest.

Undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, or graduate students preparing to teach in a high-need field at the secondary or elementary level qualify. Awardees receive up to $4,000 annually.

4. Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program

The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) helps residents attending accredited private, nonprofit institutions in Virginia cover school costs. Eligibility is open to Virginia students receiving a full-time on-campus or online education at a qualifying school.

Over two dozen Virginia schools participate in the VTAG Program. At Liberty University, for instance, online undergraduate and graduate students can receive a $2,560 VTAG grant annually.

5. Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant provides eligible students with funds to cover college, job training, certificates, or apprenticeships. The amount of grant money received varies by family income, family size, and the cost of the school or program.

Washington residents who recently graduated from high school or are working-age adults from low- to middle-income families can apply.

6. Missouri's Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant

The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a Missouri program helping educated and skilled adults enter high-demand fields. The award amount varies but generally covers full tuition and fees at a two- or four-year institution alongside state and federal financial aid.

Students applying for this grant must be Missouri residents. They should also submit the FAFSA form and meet income and age requirements.

7. Cal Grant

The Cal Grant helps students cover the cost of an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training. Qualifying institutions include the Universities of California and California Community Colleges.

Eligibility criteria include being a California resident for one year, having financial need, and submitting a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application. Students should also meet high school graduate and GPA requirements.

8. Arkansas Future Grant

Arkansas Future is a state grant program helping to strengthen skills and education in the Arkansas workforce. Applicants should be Arkansas high school graduates enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) or regional high-demand areas of study.

The grant covers tuition and fees for qualifying programs at Arkansas' public institutions. For instance, University of Arkansas students can use the grant to pay for an online degree.

9. University of Arizona Global Campus' Full Tuition Grant

The Full Tuition Grant at the University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) works with employer tuition assistance to pay 100% of eligible student tuition. The grant covers the remaining costs after tuition assistance is applied.

Awardees pay their own fees, books, and other course materials. UAGC learners enrolled in doctoral programs don't qualify.

10. University of Alabama's Online Military Tuition Grant

The University of Alabama offers the UA Online Military Tuition Grant for active-duty military service and National Guard and Reserve members. This grant pays for tuition not covered by the Tuition Assistance (TA) program.

Students can receive up to six credit hours in funds each term (or up to 18 credit hours each academic year). Eligibility is open to undergraduate students admitted to a UA Online program.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team selected the grants in the above list using a rigorous vetting process. Each one has met the following criteria for supporting high-quality education:

• Reputable: The grants are associated with the federal or state government or accredited institutions with quality academic reputations.
• Diverse Funding Options: Awards cover programs such as academic degrees, job training, apprenticeships, and certificates.
• High Award Amounts: Grant programs in this list cover thousands, or as much as full tuition plus educational expenses.

How a Grant Program Works

Grants offer funds to college students without requiring repayment. The application process generally starts with submitting the FAFSA form or a state-based application.

Once approved, schools often include grants in financial aid packages that cover tuition and fees. Eligible students are typically high school graduates planning to enroll in an undergraduate or other educational program.

Types of Grants

Need-based and merit-based are two common college grant types. Learn more about them below:

• Need-based grants are awarded based on family finances. The FAFSA Student Aid Index is commonly used to calculate the award amount.
• Merit-based grants are given to students demonstrating high academic achievement or meeting other eligibility requirements such as strong leadership skills.

Understanding FAFSA

The U.S. Department of Education offers the FAFSA application free of charge at StudentAid.gov to help students qualify for need-based college aid such as federal grants, student loans, and work-study funds. FAFSA is also used to determine funding eligibility for school or institutional grants and scholarships.

How To Find Grants for Online Degree Programs

Online colleges with grants are found nationwide. You can also find grants for online degree programs using tools like the Scholarship Finder from CareerOneStop.org or conducting independent research for online colleges that accept FAFSA.

FAQs About Applying Grants for Online Degrees and Eligibility

Are you interested in using grants to reduce the cost of an online degree? Review the following FAQs for more information.

Can I Get a Pell Grant for Online Classes?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly one in three undergraduate students received a federal Pell Grant in the 2022-23 academic year. The good news is these grants help undergraduates cover on-campus and online classes. However, you must submit the FAFSA form to confirm your financial eligibility.

Can You Get Financial Aid for Online Classes?

Yes, financial aid can pay for online classes at some institutions. You should contact your school's financial aid office to confirm that it covers online learning. Also, consider other ways to save like applying to accredited online colleges that accept transfer credits.

Does FAFSA Cover Online Classes?

Some schools cover online classes using financial aid through FAFSA. Eligible students must complete the FAFSA online form to qualify for federal grants, state grants, student loans, and scholarships for online colleges.

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