How To Get Financial Aid for Online College in 2025

If you're wondering how to get financial aid for online college, you'll be happy to know grants, loans, work-study, and other resources are available for online learners.

To get started, you'll fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which grants eligibility.

Keep reading to learn what else is required to secure financial aid for online study.

How To Get Financial Aid for Online College

Find out how to get financial aid for online college by exploring the following types of financial aid available to online learners.

Federal Grants for Online Learners

Online learners who fill out the FAFSA form might be eligible for Pell, FSEOG, TEACH, or Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants that don't have to be repaid.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are typically granted to undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell amounts depend on factors like Expected Family Contribution, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

FSEOG Grants are generally given to students with the most financial need and range from $100 to $4,000 annually. FSEOG funds are credited to student accounts, paid directly to students, or both.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are designated for students who don't qualify for Pell Grants and are children of U.S. armed forces members who died in Iraq or Afghanistan following 9/11 events.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants

A TEACH Grant requires recipients to agree to complete a teaching service obligation to avoid repayment. Students must meet other program and GPA requirements to receive up to $4,000 annually.

Federal Student Loans for Online Learners

Students who fill out the FAFSA form might also qualify for federal student loans; however, keep in mind that loans must be repaid.

Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Subsidized loans are granted to students with financial need, while Direct Unsubsidized loans don't have this requirement. Amounts for undergraduates can reach as much as $12,500 annually.

Direct PLUS Loans

Parents of undergraduate students can apply for Direct PLUS Loans and receive up to the cost of attendance. Parents must meet federal student aid eligibility and must not have adverse credit.

Federal Work-Study Program for Online Learners

You might be surprised to learn that the Federal Work-Study Program could be available for online learners.

The Federal Work-Study Program offers part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students based on the funds allotted via their financial aid award package.

Typically, students who take advantage of the Federal Work-Study Program work on campus. However, students can sometimes work for nonprofits or public agencies.

This could open opportunities for online learners who live near the school to work on campus, even if they don't have time to attend in-person courses.

Students might be able to earn money via work-study positions by working remotely.

Are Online Students Eligible for FAFSA?

The school an online student attends plays a huge role in their ability to qualify for funds after filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

The U.S. Department of Education states that schools must meet basic criteria to participate in the Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs.

This criteria includes being accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency and being legally authorized to offer postsecondary education in its state.

Most online schools clearly state on their websites whether or not their online programs qualify for federal financial aid.

You can also reach out to the financial aid office at your school of choice to find out whether you can use financial aid dollars to fund your online education.

Can a Pell Grant Pay for Online College?

Yes, according to the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Pell Grant award is accepted at some online schools, two- and four-year colleges and universities, trade schools, and career schools.

The maximum dollar amount granted to students changes each year. For the 2024-2025 award year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395.

Students can use these funds to cover tuition and other school-related expenses.

Pell Grant eligibility is reserved for undergraduate students with financial need who have not yet earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.

Awards are typically divided into two semesters. For instance, if you receive a $5,000 Pell award, you're likely to receive $2,500 in the fall and $2,500 in the spring.

How Can I Get College Money Without FAFSA?

While taking advantage of Federal Student Aid options is great for funding your online degree, there are ways to get money for college without FAFSA.

Apply for Scholarships

A scholarship is a financial gift to help students cover some or all tuition costs. These awards are often based on academic achievement, talent, or financial need.

Students can apply for scholarships with their school of choice as well as nonprofits, private businesses, social organizations, religious groups, and other entities.

Scholarships are typically delivered directly to schools to cover school costs. The remaining funds are given to award recipients.

Consider Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is a benefit many employers offer students who enroll in college courses or programs while employed.

Generally, companies reimburse their workers for a portion or all of the cost of completing coursework.

Most businesses will reimburse students for a pre-determined amount that averages about $5,000 per employee, per year.

Some employers limit reimbursement to coursework associated with the employee's current job.

Look Into Military Support

Individuals who currently or previously served in the military might qualify for various forms of financial support.

Tuition Assistance (TA) Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program enables eligible active duty service members to pay just $250 per credit (or semester hour).

GI Bill

Veterans might qualify for one or more GI Bill benefits, which can help them or their family members pay for a portion of or all tuition and school costs.

Additional Military Assistance

Spouses and children of active military as well as the children of service members who have died or are seriously injured can find military scholarships to cover some or all tuition costs.

Get Online College Financial Aid and Enroll Today

After learning how to get financial aid for online college, your next step is to fund your online education. Once you've secured financial assistance, you're all set to enroll at your school of choice.