10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Kansas

Kansas residents don't have to break the bank to earn an online degree; many online colleges and universities in Kansas accept financial aid from FAFSA.

Online education can be convenient, and sometimes less expensive than in-person programs, but it's often still too much for students to pay out-of-pocket. Many online colleges accept FAFSA, allowing students to cover higher education expenses. Students who complete the FAFSA can use federal, state, and institutional financial aid to cover the cost of their coursework.

Residents looking to study in-state have multiple options to find affordable online colleges in Kansas. Keep reading to discover online colleges that accept FAFSA in Kansas.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Kansas

By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students can access government and institutional financial aid options to help them pay for their online and distance education. Combined with attending a low-cost online college in Kansas, students may pay very little in tuition costs.

Several colleges and universities in Kansas offer online programs and accept FAFSA. Read on to discover our top picks, all of which hold accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1. Baker University

Baker University is a private, nonprofit institution in Baldwin City, KS. It offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas of study like:

  • business administration
  • criminal justice
  • nursing
  • psychology

Students completing online degree programs at Baker can use financial aid to help cover their tuition costs. To do this, enter the school's FAFSA code, 001903, into the FAFSA when prompted.

2. Central Christian College of Kansas

At Central Christian College of Kansas, students will primarily find bachelor's degrees online, although the school does offer a few associate degrees and an online master's program. CCCK is a private, nonprofit Christian college in McPherson, KS.

Undergraduate online students can earn degrees in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, and health and human services, while the master's program is in strategic leadership. To apply for one of the school's many scholarships, students will need the code 001908.

3. Fort Hays State University

Over 200 online programs at Fort Hays State University are available as undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs. Online learners will find majors in areas of study like computer science, education, healthcare, and humanities.

FHSU is a public university in Hays, KS. All students pay an in-state tuition rate for online programs, even if they live out-of-state. The university also offers multiple scholarships, and the FAFSA code is 001915.

4. Kansas State University

Kansas State University is a public research school in Manhattan, KS. It offers various online degrees from the associate to the doctoral level, as well as certificate programs, in fields such as:

  • business administration
  • education
  • health services
  • organizational leadership

K-State offers multiple scholarships and grants that could potentially eliminate tuition costs for Kansas residents. Students should use the code 001928 when they fill out their FAFSA.

5. Ottowa University

Students at Ottowa University can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. Ottowa University is a nonprofit Baptist institution in Ottowa, KS.

Distance learning programs are available in many areas of study, including business, communication, education, and healthcare management. To take advantage of the private university's scholarship opportunities, students will need the code 001937.

6. Southwestern College

The online education programs at Southwestern College include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as certificate programs. Students can find online programs in fields such as business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and education.

Southwestern College is a private, nonprofit, Christian college in Winfield, KS. Its FAFSA code is 001940 for students who want to pay for their online learning with financial aid.

7. Sterling College

Sterling College is a private, nonprofit, Christian school in Sterlin, KS. It primarily offers individual online courses as well as online bachelor's degrees in areas of study like:

  • business administration
  • Christian thought
  • history
  • sports management

One master's degree is available online with a major in sports ministry. Online students can use financial aid to pay for their degree programs and courses, and the college's FAFSA code is 014991.

8. University of Kansas

At the University of Kansas, students can pursue online undergraduate and graduate programs. The University of Kansas is a public research institution in Lawrence, KS.

Online students will find degrees available in fields such as anthropology, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and psychology. With the FAFSA code 001948, KU students can use financial aid to pay for their higher education.

9. Washburn University

Online programs at Washburn University include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificate programs. These include disciplines like communication, health services, nursing, and psychology.

Washburn University is a public institution in Topeka, KS. It offers multiple scholarship and work-study programs, and its FAFSA code is 001949.

10. Wichita State University

Wichita State University is a public research school in Wichita, KS. It offers several undergraduate and graduate programs online in fields such as:

  • business administration
  • criminal justice
  • healthcare administration
  • organizational leadership

The school offers several scholarships, including the Shocker Promise Scholarship, a last-dollar scholarship for students with financial need. Students are automatically considered for this scholarship when they fill out their FAFSA with the school's code, 001950.

Applying for FAFSA in Kansas

By applying for FAFSA, you could qualify for financial aid that could significantly reduce your tuition fees. We've outlined the basics of what you need to know about applying for FAFSA below.

Eligibility

The eligibility requirements to file the FAFSA are very basic. To be eligible you must:

  • be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • have or be in the process of earning a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED)
  • be planning to attend an accredited college or university, either in-person or online, for the next school year

All prospective students who have financial need should fill out the FAFSA, even if you don't think you'll qualify for much aid.

Steps To Apply

To apply for FAFSA, you'll start by creating an account on StudentAid.gov. Then you'll need to gather your family's financial information, such as tax returns and bank statements.

If you're considered a dependent on your parents, you'll also need their Social Security numbers and birth dates. If you're married, you'll need this from your spouse.

Filling out the application takes about an hour. Partway through you'll be asked to input the Federal School Codes of any institutions you're applying to, even if you haven't been accepted and started the enrollment process yet.

After you've signed and submitted your FAFSA, you can track its status through your account. When your FAFSA has been processed, all the schools you listed will receive a copy.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Kansas

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about using FAFSA for college in Kansas.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?

The cost of an online degree depends on many factors, including:

  • whether you're earning an undergraduate or graduate degree
  • whether your school is a private or public institution
  • whether your school is a two-year college (i.e., community college) or a four-year college
  • if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
  • whether you study full-time or part-time
  • how many credit hours you need
  • what financial aid you qualify for

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of an undergraduate degree at a public Kansas institution is $9,274 per year for in-state students and $31,116 for private institutions. Online degrees are usually around the same price as in-person tuition.

Can I Use Scholarships With FAFSA?

Yes, you can use scholarships with the aid you receive from FAFSA. Many need-based scholarships and institutional scholarships require you to have completed the FAFSA.

What Other Financial Aid Options Do I Have?

If you are unable to fill out the FAFSA or don't qualify for the amount of aid you need, look into private financial aid options. These include outside scholarships and private student loans.

Earn Your Online Bachelor's Degree Today

If you're ready to start your online degree, check out the accredited online schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools for more information about their online programs and financial aid today.