10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Pennsylvania

It's no secret that college tuition can be expensive, even for online programs. There are several types of financial aid, but most require you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

FAFSA can help you access state and federal grants, as well as institutional and independent scholarships for your online program. Keep reading to discover online colleges that accept financial aid in Pennsylvania.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Pennsylvania

Several colleges and universities in Pennsylvania offer online programs — and many of these online colleges accept FAFSA. We've featured ten online colleges in Pennsylvania below. All universities listed are regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

DeSales University

DeSales University is a nonprofit private Catholic university in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. It offers both in-person and online degree programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• healthcare
• psychology

To use FAFSA at DeSales University, online students should use the FAFSA code 003986. Students may be eligible for the Pennsylvania State Grant, DeSales scholarships, and more.

Drexel University

Drexel University is a private, nonprofit research university with its main campus in Philadelphia. In addition to on-campus programs, the university offers a range of bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees online. Students can study multiple disciplines, including business, education, healthcare, nursing, and technology.

The FAFSA school code for Drexel University is 003256. This will allow college students to pursue financial aid options like grants, scholarships, and loans to fund their enrollment.

Immaculata University

Immaculata University is a private, nonprofit Roman Catholic university in East Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania. It offers in-person programs as well as undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and certificate programs online in fields such as:

• business
• cybersecurity
• education
• healthcare and nursing

All accepted full-time undergraduate students at Immaculata University qualify for an academic scholarship starting at $5,500, with the possibility of covering full tuition costs. To receive these scholarships and other financial aid, students should complete the FAFSA and enter the code 00327600 for Immaculata University.

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a public university in Millersville. It offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business, education, healthcare and nursing, technology, and more.

Online learners can use FAFSA code 003325 for Millersville University. This will allow them to access various financial aid opportunities, including multiple scholarships and federal and state grants.

Misericordia University

Misericordia University is a private, nonprofit, Roman Catholic liberal arts university in Dallas, Pennsylvania. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees with coursework in on-campus, hybrid, and online learning formats. Online programs are available in fields such as:

• business administration
• healthcare and nursing
• information technology
• social work

With the FAFSA code 003247, students can access grants and scholarships to pay for their online education at Misericordia University. This includes the Pennsylvania State Grant, a need-based grant that provides funds for in-state students.

Peirce College

Peirce College is a private nonprofit college in Philadelphia. It primarily offers programs to working adults, meaning many programs are offered online. Associate degrees, bachelor's programs, and graduate degrees and certificates are available online in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• human resource management
• technology

To receive student aid for online courses at Peirce College, you'll need the code 003309 for FAFSA. The college offers numerous scholarships that can make your online education program affordable.

Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is the online branch of Pennsylvania State University, a public research university in University Park, Pennsylvania. It has no on-campus students and offers only online programs. These programs are available in areas of study, including business, education, healthcare and nursing, and human resources.

The FAFSA code for Penn State World Campus is 003329. Using this, you can apply for state or federal grants or one of the many undergraduate and graduate scholarships available through the university.

Penn West Global

Penn West Global is the online school of Pennsylvania Western University, a public school based in California, Pennsylvania. It offers online programs to both undergraduate and graduate students in fields like:

• business
• education
• healthcare and nursing
• technology

Penn West Global's FAFSA code is 003316. As this is a public university, Pennsylvania residents have a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students, but plenty of financial aid options are still available.

Temple University

Temple University is a public research university in Philadelphia. It offers on-campus programs and online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees in fields like business administration, education, public health, and social work.

The FAFSA code for Temple University is 003371. Again, as a public school, in-state tuition is lower than out-of-state tuition, but scholarships and grants are available to students from all states.

Villanova University

Villanova University is a private, nonprofit Catholic research university in Villanova, Pennsylvania. It offers a variety of programs, including online undergraduate and graduate programs in areas of study like:

• business
• engineering and technology
• human resources
• nursing and healthcare

Villanova University's FAFSA code is 003388. Students may be eligible for a variety of need-based grants and merit-based scholarships.

Applying for FAFSA in Pennsylvania

By applying for the FAFSA as a Pennsylvanian resident, you'll have access to state and federal financial aid, as well as scholarships. This is why the U.S. Department of Education recommends that all students, regardless of what they think they may qualify for, fill out the FAFSA.

Eligibility

There is only one basic requirement to be eligible to fill out the FAFSA: you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Aside from that, you must also be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a degree or certificate program through a postsecondary institution.

Steps To Apply

To apply for FAFSA, you'll first need to create an account through StudentAid.gov. Then, you'll need to gather the required information, such as:

• personal information from your parents or spouse (i.e., full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers)
• income and asset information for your family
• school codes for the schools you're applying to

Next, you'll work on filling out your application with this information. This should take about an hour. By inputting your school codes, your applications will be sent to the schools you're applying to.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents have access to several state-based financial aid programs designed to make online education more affordable. These options can help reduce tuition costs and complement the federal aid you receive through FAFSA.

Pennsylvania State Grant Program

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program offers need-based financial assistance to eligible students pursuing undergraduate degrees, including those enrolled online. To qualify, you must complete both the FAFSA and the Pennsylvania State Grant Form, which can be accessed through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Online learners may receive prorated awards depending on the number of credits taken each semester. The grant can be applied toward tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses at approved public or private institutions in the state.

Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program

The Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP) supports students preparing for high-demand fields such as healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Eligible applicants can receive funding for tuition, books, and supplies when enrolled in approved programs, including those offered online.

To apply, you'll need to complete the FAFSA and submit a PA-TIP application through PHEAA. This program helps online students gain valuable career skills in industries with strong job growth across the state.

Ready to Succeed Scholarship

The Ready to Succeed Scholarship (RTSS) rewards Pennsylvania students who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need. Applicants must have at least a 3.25 GPA and a family income below the program's threshold, along with a completed FAFSA and state grant application.

Online students at participating Pennsylvania colleges can use RTSS funds to cover part of their tuition and required fees. It's a great option for motivated learners looking to lower costs while continuing their studies remotely.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Pennsylvania

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about using FAFSA for college in Pennsylvania.

What Qualifies a School for the FAFSA?

Only accredited schools can use the FAFSA. All regionally accredited schools can use FAFSA, but not all nationally accredited schools can use FAFSA.

What Happens After I Submit My FAFSA for Pennsylvania Colleges?

Once you submit your FAFSA, your information will be assessed to determine what state and federal financial aid you qualify for. Your school will also determine if you qualify for institutional aid and scholarships.

Can I Apply for Scholarships in Pennsylvania Through the FAFSA?

Some scholarships require a separate application, while others only require the FAFSA. Check for other specific requirements, such as essays or personal statements.

Find an Affordable Online College in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers generous financial aid opportunities that make earning an online degree more attainable. Explore accredited online colleges and programs on Learn.org to compare costs, scholarships, and financial aid options that fit your goals.