How To Get a Grant for Online College

There are a lot of fantastic ways to secure financial aid for online college, whether you're looking for federal grants, private grants, state-based grants, or institutional grants.

The key is to identify the types of grants you want to pursue and determine how to ensure you're eligible to access these free funds.

If you want to attend an online college, there's no better time to learn how to get a grant for online college. Keep reading to find out how to get started.

How To Get a Grant for Online College

The process of securing one or more grants to fund your online education starts with finding them. Let's look at how to get a grant for online college from various sources.

Federal Grants

The U.S. Department of Education delivers federal grants to students attending community colleges, four-year institutions, and career schools. Many online schools provide the following federal grants:

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need who don't have a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. Awards max out at $7,395 for the 2024-2025 school year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is delivered by each school's financial aid office and provides students with the most financial need $100 to $4,000 annually.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

The TEACH Grant is designed for students who participate in the TEACH Grant Program and agree to complete a teaching service obligation. Those who don't meet this obligation must repay the grant.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are for children of U.S. armed forces members who died in Iraq or Afghanistan following 9/11 events. Students must not be eligible for Pell Grants to qualify.

State Grants

It's common for departments of education in individual states to provide students with opportunities to secure grants.

For example, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development administers state grants like Fast Track Incentive Grant and Advanced Placement Incentive Grant.

In Georgia, students can apply for the Georgia College Completion Grant, HOPE Career Grant, Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG), and others from the Georgia Student Finance Commission.

California's Cal Grant Programs deliver three kinds of grants � A, B, and C � for students attending community colleges and four-year universities.

Students interested in finding grants in their state can visit the U.S. Department of Education's state contact map.

College and University Grants

It's common for colleges and universities nationwide to offer their grants alongside the federal and state grants they make available to their campus-based and online learners.

At Miami University in Ohio, students can apply for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) as well as the Pennsylvania State Grant, which is for Pennsylvania students attending Ohio schools.

Purdue Global offers the Returning Student Relief Grant, which provides up to $4,000 to students who once withdrew from the school and meet eligibility requirements to re-enroll.

At Kansas State University, students with financial need might qualify for university grants like the Land-Grant Promise, Freshman Wildcat Grant, and Completion Grant.

The best way to find similar institutional grants is to reach out to your school's financial aid office.

Private Grants

Less common than federal, state, and school grants are private grants from national and local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups.

These grants might be designated for specific genders, ethnicities, academic subjects, or organization affiliations.

For example, P.E.O. International offers the P.E.O Program for Continuing Education (PCE), which gives grants to eligible women whose education has been interrupted.

The Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco offers grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Jewish students in the area.

The AEG Foundation offers more than 20 grants and scholarships to encourage students to study environmental and engineering geology. Awards range from $500 to $5,000 each.

What Types of Grants Are Available for Online College?

As you learn how to get a grant for online college, it's important to gain insight into the different types of grants you'll encounter.

Grants Based on Financial Need

Need-based grants are among the most common financial aid you'll find. Both the Pell and FSEOG grants aim to help students with exceptional financial need.

Grant providers typically give their definition of financial need, so even if you feel that you don't have strong enough financial need, it's a good idea to apply.

Grants Based on Academic Department

At your college or university of choice, you might encounter grants for students in your specific academic department.

Whether you're majoring in journalism, mathematics, engineering, or another field, contact your academic department to see if grants are available for enrollees.

Grants Based on Merit

A merit-based grant recognizes a student for doing a good job whether for academics, athletics, service, a special talent, or other skills or accomplishments.

These grants might be available from private businesses, nonprofits, and your school of choice.

Grants Based on Professional and Social Association

Professional and social organizations as well as employers and military units sometimes offer college grants that are only available to their members or employees.

The best way to find these grants is to contact all organizational affiliations (as well as your parents' affiliations) to see what awards they might offer.

Will FAFSA Pay for Online College?

Yes, in many cases students attending online colleges can qualify for FAFSA funds, accessible after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

However, having your online courses covered via FAFSA is not a guarantee.

All schools interested in offering federal financial aid for their on-campus and online students must meet specific criteria.

At a minimum, they must be accreditedhttps://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Find_the_Accreditation_for_an_Online_University.html] by a nationally recognized accrediting agency and also have the legal authorization to provide students with postsecondary education in their state.

The best way to find out whether your online school of choice accepts federal financial aid via FAFSA is to check their website for details or reach out to their financial aid office.

Can a Pell Grant Be Used for Online Classes?

The U.S. Department of Education states that the Federal Pell Grant is awarded at some online schools as well as career and trade schools and two- and four-year colleges and universities.

The amount received, which can reach as much as $7,395, is used for tuition and other school costs.

Schools typically divide students' annual award amounts in half to pay an equal amount for online courses and beyond each semester.

If students choose to take summer courses, they may receive up to 150% of their annual award. This means a student with a $4,000 award can receive $2,000 in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Apply for an Online College Grant Today

Once you understand how to get a grant for online college, you're all set to begin applying for federal, state, private, and institutional grants based on need, merit, or affiliation. Don't wait any longer to get started.