American College of Education Financial Aid Guide 2026

Many online colleges use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help students access federal grants and student loans. However, not all online colleges accept FAFSA; some schools take a different approach. American College of Education (ACE) does not participate in federal financial aid programs and instead focuses on offering lower tuition rates and alternative ways for students to pay for their education.

If you're considering ACE, it's important to understand what financial aid options are and are not available. Below, we'll explain whether American College of Education accepts FAFSA, what funding alternatives students can use, and how to estimate your costs before enrolling.

Does American College of Education Accept FAFSA?

ACE does not participate in federal financial aid programs and does not accept FAFSA.

Although the university is eligible to participate in Title IV federal financial aid programs, it has chosen not to do so. According to ACE, this decision helps keep operating costs lower and allows the university to offer more affordable tuition rates to students.

Because ACE does not participate in federal financial aid programs, students cannot use Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, Federal Work-Study, or other FAFSA-based aid to pay for their education. Students must instead rely on other funding sources, such as employer tuition assistance, military benefits, scholarships, payment plans, personal savings, or private education loans.

For many students, the tradeoff is lower tuition costs compared to some colleges that participate in federal financial aid programs. However, whether this approach makes sense depends on your financial situation, employer benefits, and educational goals.

Types of Financial Aid Available at American College of Education

Although ACE does not participate in FAFSA or federal financial aid programs, the university offers several alternative ways for students to reduce costs and finance their education. These options include institutional grants, scholarships, private financing, employer partnerships, and military discounts.

ACE Grants and Scholarships

ACE awards more than $1.2 million annually through institutional grants and scholarships. Available opportunities include:

• Partnership Grant for employees of participating school districts, hospitals, and businesses.
• Educator Grant, which provides a 15% tuition reduction for eligible teacher preparation programs.
• Military Support Grant, which provides a 5% tuition reduction for eligible service members, veterans, and military spouses.
• Alumni Continuing Education Grant, which offers a 5% tuition reduction for graduates who enroll in another ACE program.
• Admiral Thomas B. Hayward Memorial Scholarship, which provides a 50% tuition reduction toward an eligible doctoral degree for a selected ACE graduate each year.

Students can apply for scholarships and grants through the MyACE Portal after completing their application.

Private Student Loans and Financing

Because ACE does not participate in federal student loan programs, students who need to borrow money must use private financing options. The university provides information about several financing partners, including Climb Credit, Sallie Mae, TuitionFlex, and TFC Tuition.

Private loans and financing plans vary by provider and may include different interest rates, repayment terms, credit requirements, and down payment obligations. Students should carefully review all loan terms before borrowing.

Flexible Payment Plans

ACE allows students to spread tuition costs over time instead of paying their entire balance upfront.

Students may choose to:

• Pay by course as classes begin.
• Make monthly payments through an approved payment plan.
• Pay the full program cost in one lump sum.
• Use private financing to cover educational expenses.

These options can make it easier for working adults to fit education costs into their monthly budgets.

Employer Tuition Assistance

Many ACE students work in education, health care, business, and leadership roles where employers may offer tuition reimbursement or professional development funding.

Students should check with their employer's human resources department to determine whether tuition assistance benefits are available. In some cases, employer funding can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Military Benefits and Discounts

Eligible active-duty military members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for ACE's Military Support Grant, which provides a tuition reduction. Students may also be able to use certain military education benefits depending on their eligibility and program.

Military-affiliated students should contact ACE directly to discuss available funding opportunities and documentation requirements.

External Scholarships

In addition to ACE's institutional awards, students can apply for scholarships offered by professional associations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, employers, and community groups. ACE also provides links to external scholarship resources for students pursuing careers in education, health care, nursing, and business.

How to Apply for Financial Aid at American College of Education

Because American College of Education does not participate in FAFSA or federal financial aid programs, the funding process looks different than it does at many colleges. Instead of applying for federal grants and loans, students can explore ACE grants and scholarships, employer assistance, military discounts, private financing, and payment plans.

1. Submit Your Application to American College of Education

The first step is completing your application for admission. Once your application is submitted, you will gain access to the MyACE Portal, where you can manage enrollment tasks, review funding options, and apply for available scholarships and grants.

2. Review Available ACE Grants and Scholarships

After accessing the MyACE Portal, review the grants and scholarships that may be available for your program and circumstances. ACE offers several funding opportunities for educators, military members, alumni, and employees of partner organizations.

Some awards require an application, while others may require documentation to verify eligibility.

3. Apply for Eligible Scholarships and Grants

Complete any scholarship or grant applications for which you qualify. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation if requested.

Applying early may increase your chances of receiving available institutional funding before your program begins.

4. Explore Employer Tuition Assistance

If you are currently employed, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement or professional development funding. Many school districts, health care organizations, and businesses provide educational assistance that can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

You may need approval from your employer before classes begin.

5. Consider Military Benefits and Discounts

Eligible active-duty military members, veterans, and military spouses should ask about ACE's Military Support Grant and any additional military education benefits that may be available.

Providing proof of military status may be required to receive military-related tuition reductions.

6. Compare Private Financing Options

Students who need additional funding can explore private financing options offered through lenders such as Climb Credit, Sallie Mae, TuitionFlex, or other providers of their choice.

Before applying, compare interest rates, repayment terms, fees, and borrowing limits to determine which option best fits your budget and long-term financial goals.

7. Choose a Payment Plan

ACE offers multiple ways to pay tuition, including paying by course, making monthly payments, financing through a private lender, or paying the full program cost upfront.

Selecting a payment option before your first course begins can help ensure a smooth enrollment process.

8. Monitor Your MyACE Portal

After completing your funding applications and enrollment requirements, continue checking the MyACE Portal for updates, scholarship decisions, payment information, and important deadlines.

Keeping your account current can help prevent delays when your courses begin.

How Much Does American College of Education Cost After Financial Aid?

Because American College of Education does not participate in FAFSA or federal financial aid programs, students cannot use Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, or other forms of federal aid to reduce their costs. Instead, students typically pay through a combination of employer tuition assistance, ACE grants and scholarships, military discounts, payment plans, private financing, and personal funds.

One advantage of ACE's model is that tuition is generally lower than many traditional colleges and universities. According to College Navigator, undergraduate tuition averages about $5,160 per year, with fees averaging approximately $1,080 annually before any grants, scholarships, or tuition reductions are applied.

Tuition is charged primarily on a per-credit basis. Current rates include:

• $215 per credit for most bachelor's-level coursework
• $380 per credit for the RN to BSN program
• $235 per credit for master's degrees and graduate certificates
• $306 per credit for doctoral programs

These rates do not include application fees, technology and library fees, program conferral fees, student teaching fees, dissertation fees, or other program-specific charges.

Total program costs vary significantly by degree level. For example, bachelor's degree programs generally range from about $8,000 to $12,000 total, many master's degrees fall between $9,000 and $11,000, and doctoral programs may cost $12,000 to $25,000 or more depending on the program and pathway selected.

Other Ways to Pay for Tuition at American College of Education

Although American College of Education does not participate in federal financial aid programs, many students can combine multiple funding sources to make their education more affordable. These include:

• Apply for ACE grants and scholarships. The university awards more than $1.2 million annually through institutional grants and scholarships for eligible students.
• Take advantage of partnership discounts. Employees of participating school districts, hospitals, and businesses may qualify for reduced tuition rates through ACE partnership agreements.
• Use employer tuition reimbursement. Many educators, health care professionals, and business employees receive tuition assistance through their employers.
• Claim military discounts. Eligible active-duty military members, veterans, and military spouses may qualify for the Military Support Grant and other education benefits.
• Pay by course. Instead of paying for an entire program upfront, students can pay for individual courses as they begin.
• Enroll in a monthly payment plan. ACE offers installment options that allow students to spread tuition costs over time.
• Explore private financing options. Students may apply for private education financing through lenders such as Climb Credit, Sallie Mae, TuitionFlex, or other providers of their choice.
• Use payroll deduction if available. Employees of certain participating school systems may be able to have tuition payments deducted directly from their paychecks.
• Transfer eligible credits. Bringing in previously earned credits can reduce the number of courses needed to complete a degree and lower overall costs.
• Search for outside scholarships. Professional associations, nonprofit organizations, employers, and community groups may offer scholarships that can help reduce educational expenses.

Using a combination of grants, discounts, employer benefits, and payment plans can help lower your out-of-pocket costs and reduce the need for borrowing.

Financial Aid Deadlines for American College of Education

Because American College of Education does not participate in FAFSA or federal financial aid programs, students do not need to worry about federal financial aid deadlines. However, there are still important dates to keep in mind when applying for grants, scholarships, financing, and enrollment.

Students interested in ACE scholarships or grants should apply as early as possible, as some awards have specific application windows or limited funding. For example, the Admiral Thomas B. Hayward Memorial Scholarship has an annual application period and deadline that must be met for consideration.

Students using private financing should allow enough time for credit reviews, approval processes, and loan documentation before their program begins. Those planning to use employer tuition assistance or military benefits should also confirm approval requirements and timelines with their employer or benefit provider.

Because scholarship opportunities, grant programs, and enrollment deadlines can change, it is a good idea to monitor your MyACE Portal and stay in contact with your Enrollment Counselor throughout the admissions process. Applying early can provide more time to explore funding options and avoid delays when classes begin.

Compare Financial Aid at Other Online Schools

American College of Education takes a different approach to affordability than many online universities. Instead of participating in FAFSA and federal student aid programs, ACE focuses on keeping tuition relatively low while offering institutional grants, partnership discounts, employer reimbursement opportunities, and flexible payment options. As you compare schools, consider not only tuition costs but also whether access to federal grants, federal student loans, military benefits, scholarships, and payment plans is important for your financial situation:

• WGU financial aid
• SNHU financial aid
• Liberty University financial aid
• University of Phoenix financial aid
• University of the People financial aid
• GCU financial aid
• Purdue Global financial aid
• National University financial aid

FAQs About FAFSA and Financial Aid at American College of Education

Since American College of Education does not participate in federal financial aid programs, prospective students often have questions about how to pay for school and what alternatives are available. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about ACE's approach to affordability and student funding.

Does American College of Education Accept FAFSA?

American College of Education does not participate in federal financial aid programs and does not accept FAFSA.

Students cannot use Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, or other FAFSA-based aid at ACE. Instead, the university offers institutional grants, scholarships, payment plans, private financing options, employer reimbursement opportunities, and military discounts.

Why Doesn't American College of Education Participate in FAFSA?

ACE states that it chooses not to participate in Title IV federal funding programs in order to help keep operating costs and tuition rates lower for students.

The university's model focuses on affordability through lower tuition, institutional financial awards, and flexible payment options rather than federal financial aid programs. Whether this approach is a good fit depends on your budget, funding options, and educational goals.

Can I Use Employer Tuition Reimbursement at American College of Education?

In some cases, you can use tuition reimbursement at ACE. ACE serves a large number of working professionals in education, health care, business, and leadership fields, and many students use employer tuition assistance programs to help pay for their education.

Students should check with their employer's human resources department to determine whether tuition reimbursement or professional development funding is available.

Is American College of Education Accredited?

American College of Education is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

When evaluating colleges, it can be helpful to research how accreditation may affect transfer credits, professional licensure, graduate school admissions, and employer recognition. Understanding the differences between various accrediting agencies can help you choose a school that aligns with your long-term education and career goals.

Is American College of Education a For-Profit School?

American College of Education operates as a for-profit institution.

Being a for-profit school does not prevent students from earning respected degrees or advancing their careers. When comparing colleges, it is often more helpful to focus on factors such as accreditation, program quality, student outcomes, total cost, employer recognition, and whether the school's funding model fits your financial needs.

Find Online Schools That Accept FAFSA

Start your journey toward a college degree by exploring colleges and financial aid options featured on Learn.org. To find out more about ACE’s finance options, contact the school directly.

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