10 FAFSA-Approved Online Certificate Programs 2025

Getting an online certificate can help you qualify for top careers without spending extra time and money on a college degree program. Perhaps you're planning to pursue a certificate, but you want to make sure it's covered by FAFSA. So, you're wondering, which schools offer the best online certificate programs covered by federal financial aid.

Keep reading as we explore some top options for you to consider. We'll also answer some questions you may have about completing online courses toward a certificate.

Online Certificate Programs That Accept Financial Aid With FAFSA

Online students have many FAFSA-funded certificate program options. Let's take a closer look at a few top programs.

1. Wetland Science and Conservation Graduate Certificate

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you can pursue many graduate certificates online through the University of Illinois. One of these is for college students interested in studying wetland science and conservation.

The program consists of 12 credit hours and costs $9,060. Students gain a fundamental understanding of wetland ecosystems, conservation, and policy through flexible online coursework.

2. Homeland Security Graduate Certificate

This certificate is available online through Texas A&M University. Various other public service-related online programs are also available.

The graduate certificate program features one required and four elective courses. Students can take additional courses if desired, but only the five required for the degree are eligible for federal aid coverage.

3. Paralegal Studies Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

This certificate comes from the University of California Los Angeles via the UCLA Extension. It is one of only a few certificate programs available through the Extension eligible for federal aid.

Students can complete this program in either five months or 11 months. All class sessions are live online and delivered via Zoom. Various types of student loans are the only financial aid options for this online program.

4. Special Education Graduate Certificate

Students attending the University of Central Florida online can earn several FAFSA-approved certificates. One of these is a graduate certificate in special education.

The program consists of 18 credit hours and is designed for teachers and aspiring teachers who have a bachelor's degree. Students take online courses that teach various advanced skills to help them pursue career advancement in education.

5. Accounting Undergraduate Certificate

This certificate comes from Southern New Hampshire University, a private school providing many online degree and certificate programs. Though a graduate certificate in accounting is also available, only the undergraduate certificate is FAFSA-eligible.

Students in this program earn 18 credits and typically graduate within one to two years. The school offers low tuition rates and various financial aid options like student loans, grants, and work-study programs. This certificate provides credentials for those aspiring to work or already working in accounting who want to give themselves an edge over the competition.

6. Aromatherapy Undergraduate Certificate

The American College of Healthcare Sciences is an online school providing various health sciences degrees and certificates. One of the programs is an undergraduate certificate in aromatherapy.

The program provides evidence-based training on holistic clinical aromatherapy, or the safe and effective use of essential oils. Since this online certificate does not require a degree, students with a high school diploma or equivalent are welcome to apply to this program, which can prepare them for careers as registered aromatherapists.

7. Strategic Financial Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Drexel University offers a wide range of FAFSA-eligible certificate programs, some of which are available online. One of these is a post-baccalaureate certificate in strategic financial management.

This 11-credit-hour program can be completed in one year or less and is available for those who hold a bachelor's degree. The program is flexible, enabling students to take courses on a schedule that works for them.

8. Business Management-Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Certificate

Houston Community College offers certificate programs and associate degrees online. One of the FAFSA-eligible certificate programs is a business management-entrepreneurship undergraduate certificate.

This program teaches students the essential skills necessary to start their own businesses. These essentials include time management, negotiation, critical thinking, and more.

9. Educational Technology Graduate Certificate

The University of Illinois Springfield provides several online certificates. One of these is a graduate certificate in educational technology.

The program contains 24 credit hours and is typically completed within a year. The program is designed for teachers and other education professionals who want to learn more about integrating digital technology into classroom activities.

10. Arts Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate

The University of Memphis is another top school providing various online programs, including certificates. Graduate students can earn a FAFSA-approved certificate in arts entrepreneurship.

The 12-credit-hour program helps aspiring creative professionals learn to turn their artistic ventures into successful businesses. Courses are delivered in seven-week online courses, enabling students to earn the credential in a year or less.

Our Selection Criteria

We use a rigorous vetting process when choosing schools for our rank lists. The following criteria were used when selecting the programs above:

• Accreditation: Each program comes from an accredited institution, ensuring employers will recognize and respect your certificate.
• Financial aid eligibility: Each certificate is eligible for federal financial aid through the FAFSA.
• Online availability: All of the certificate programs are available 100% online.

How To Find Online Certificates Eligible for Financial Aid

Though many online certificate programs are eligible for FAFSA funds, others are not. It's important to find out if your specific program of interest can receive the FAFSA before you enroll.

Some schools provide lists of which programs are covered by FAFSA on their website. Other times, you can find out whether specific programs are covered by researching program pages on school websites. However, the best way to do this is to contact the school's financial aid office and inquire directly about any program that interests you.

Top Online Schools That Accept FAFSA

Many well-known colleges and universities accept FAFSA funds for students with demonstrated financial need. These include:

• Arizona State University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Colorado State University Global
• Pennsylvania State University
• University of Florida

Many of these accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA offer online certificates in addition to degree programs, but not all of these programs will be covered by federal financial aid. Again, you can find out which specific programs are covered by contacting your school's financial aid office.

FAQs About Online Certification Programs Approved by FAFSA

If you still have questions about online programs that lead to certification, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer some frequently asked questions you may be curious about.

What Are the Best Online Certificates To Get?

You can earn college certificates on almost any topic. Some certificates that can lead to high-paying careers include:

• cybersecurity
• information technology
• project management
• surgical technologist
• licensed practical nurse

How Do You Qualify for Financial Aid?

To qualify for financial aid through the FAFSA, you must meet basic eligibility requirements. These include:

• U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen with a social security number
• demonstrated financial need
• enrolled or accepted into an accredited academic program
• no defaults on federal student loans
• willing to submit tax information
• maintain satisfactory academic progress

Which FAFSA-Approved Online Certificate Programs Offer the Fastest Completion Times?

Online certificate programs that accept FAFSA typically come from schools that also grant degrees. These types of certificate programs typically take at least one year to complete. Shorter online certificates that take three to six months are available in some areas of study, but these programs may or may not be FAFSA-approved. Check with your financial aid office to find out for sure.

Explore Online Certificates and Start Learning Today

If you're ready to begin or continue your higher education journey, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their certificate programs and to find the right one for you.