6 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Nebraska

All college students should fill out the FAFSA every year. This online form determines what types of financial aid you're eligible for. Once you fill out this form, you can choose from many on-campus and online colleges that accept FAFSA.

Students in Nebraska can stay in-state to earn their online degree and still receive various forms of financial aid. Several online colleges in Nebraska accept FAFSA, helping to make higher education affordable to online students.

6 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Nebraska

By filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students may qualify for financial aid opportunities that significantly reduce their tuition costs. This can allow Nebraska residents to find affordable online colleges in Nebraska.

Keep reading to discover the best online colleges that accept FAFSA in Nebraska. All schools listed hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit institution in Bellevue, NE. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• healthcare administration
• information technology

The university accepts federal financial aid but also offers scholarship programs of its own. To use financial aid at Bellevue, students will need to input the school's FAFSA code, 002538, into the application.

2. Chadron State College

At Chadron State College, students can earn bachelor's and master's degrees online. CSC is a public college in Chardon, NE.

It offers online programs in areas of study that include business, education, geoscience, and psychology. Unlike many public institutions, the college does not charge a higher tuition rate to online out-of-state students. Its FAFSA code is 002539.

3. Peru State College

Online programs at Peru State College include bachelor's degrees, undergraduate minors, and graduate programs. These distance education programs are available in business administration, criminal justice, education, and psychology.

Peru State College is a public institution in Peru, NE. The school charges the same rate for in-state and out-of-state online tuition and offers numerous scholarships. Students should use the code 002559 when filling out their FAFSA.

4. University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public institution in Kearney, NE. It offers online bachelor's and master's programs in areas of study like:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• early childhood education
• social work

UNK offers several financial aid programs, including the Nebraska Promise, which covers any remaining tuition costs for Nebraska residents after the federal Pell Grant and other grants and scholarships are applied. To find out if you qualify, use the code 002551 when filling out the FAFSA.

5. University of Nebraska Omaha

Students at the University of Nebraska Omaha can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates through online learning. UNO is a public research university in Omaha, NE.

It offers online degree programs in fields, such as economics, emergency management, information technology, and sociology. College students can take advantage of multiple financial aid options with the FAFSA code 002554.

6. Wayne State College

The online degree programs at Wayne State College include a handful of bachelor's degrees and various master's programs. Online learners will find these in areas of study like business, criminal justice, early childhood education, and organizational management.

WSC is a public college in Wayne, NE. All students, whether in-state or out-of-state, pay the same tuition rate, and the college's FAFSA code is 002566.

Other Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in the U.S.

Although there are only a few online colleges in Nebraska, students can earn a degree from other schools across the U.S. without having to relocate. Below, we've highlighted a few additional online colleges that accept FAFSA.

1. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private, nonprofit institution based in Columbia, MO. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• English
• healthcare management
• information technology

The college accepts federal financial aid and offers scholarships to students to cover their online courses. The school's FAFSA code is 002456.

2. Herzing University

At Herzing University, students can earn online degrees, from the associate to doctoral levels. Herzing University is a private, nonprofit institution headquartered in Milwaukee, WI.

It offers distance education programs in areas of study like business, criminal justice, healthcare, and information technology. Students can access financial aid with the FAFSA code 009621.

3. UMass Global

Online degrees at UMass Global are available as undergraduate and graduate programs. These are offered in various fields, such as business administration, early childhood education, and information technology.

UMass Global is a private, nonprofit online school affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts System. While it once offered both on-campus and online programs, today all programs are online. Its FAFSA code is 041618.

4. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is the online campus of the University System of Maryland. It does not offer in-person programs, only online programs. These are available in areas of study like:

• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• English
• psychology

UMGC offers numerous scholarship opportunities students can use to pay for their online classes along with federal aid. To receive aid, students will need the school code 011644.

Applying for FAFSA in Nebraska

Applying for FAFSA allows students to access federal and state financial aid. It's required for many other types of financial aid as well. We've broken down the basics of applying for FAFSA below.

Eligibility

Because FAFSA is meant to determine your eligibility for financial aid, there are very few basic requirements to apply. To start, you need to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

You'll also need to have or be close to earning a high school diploma or equivalent. You must also be planning to attend an accredited higher education institution in the upcoming school year.

Even if you don't think you'll receive much aid, you should still fill out your FAFSA. Many independent financial aid programs require this, especially if they're need-based programs.

Steps To Apply

Applying for FAFSA seems daunting, but it's not too complicated. You need to:

• Create an account on the U.S. Department of Education's website, StudentAid.gov.
• Gather your household's financial documents, like tax returns and bank statements. Dependents will need to get information, like Social Security numbers, from their parents, and married students will need this from their spouses.
• Find the FAFSA codes for all schools you're applying to, even if you haven't completed enrollment or been accepted yet.
• Follow the prompts to input all information into the FAFSA form. Then sign and submit your FAFSA; this process takes roughly an hour.

After you've submitted your FAFSA, you can track the status of your application through your account. Schools that you listed will receive your results as well.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Nebraska

Nebraska students can access several state-based financial aid programs that work alongside FAFSA to make college more affordable. These programs help reduce tuition costs and support both traditional and online learners pursuing higher education.

Nebraska Promise Program

The Nebraska Promise Program is a last-dollar scholarship that covers tuition for qualifying students at University of Nebraska campuses. To be eligible, you must complete the FAFSA, qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or meet the program’s income threshold, and maintain a minimum GPA.

Online students enrolled in eligible degree programs at University of Nebraska campuses can also receive this support. The program ensures cost is not a barrier for low- and moderate-income Nebraska residents.

Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship

The Access College Early (ACE) Scholarship helps high school students from low-income families earn college credit through dual-enrollment courses. Applicants must complete the FAFSA or provide equivalent financial documentation to demonstrate need.

Students taking online or in-person dual-credit courses through Nebraska institutions can use ACE funding to cover tuition. This scholarship makes early college opportunities accessible to more students statewide.

Nebraska Opportunity Grant

The Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG) provides need-based aid to undergraduate students attending eligible public or private colleges within the state. Completing the FAFSA automatically determines eligibility for this program.

Online learners can use these funds to pay for tuition and required fees at participating Nebraska institutions. The award amount varies depending on financial need and available state funding.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Nebraska

FAFSA connects Nebraska students to federal and state financial aid opportunities for both online and on-campus education. Below are answers to common questions about eligibility and available programs.

Does FAFSA Cover Online Certificate Programs?

Yes, FAFSA can cover accredited online certificate programs as long as they award college credit and are offered by eligible institutions. Federal grants and loans can be applied toward tuition, books, and related expenses.

Be sure to confirm that your program qualifies for federal aid before applying. This ensures your FAFSA funds can be used to cover your costs effectively.

How Do I Qualify for the Nebraska Promise?

To qualify for the Nebraska Promise, you must complete the FAFSA, be a Nebraska resident, and meet income or Federal Pell Grant requirements. You’ll also need to enroll full-time at a University of Nebraska campus and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

There’s no separate application; eligibility is determined automatically through your FAFSA. The program provides free tuition for qualifying undergraduate students pursuing their degrees.

How Do I Renew My FAFSA for the Next Academic Year?

FAFSA must be completed each academic year to remain eligible for financial aid. You’ll need to log in to fafsa.gov with your FSA ID and submit updated information for the new year.

Most of your details will carry over from your previous application, making renewal faster. Submitting your FAFSA early each year helps you avoid funding delays and secure the maximum amount of aid.

Find an Affordable Online College in Nebraska

Nebraska offers generous financial aid programs to help students afford higher education. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare degree options, discover scholarships, and find the right program for your goals.