10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Arkansas

Higher education can be expensive, but students can find ways to earn a high-quality degree without going deep into student loan debt. That's where FAFSA comes in — an application that determines your eligibility for need-based financial aid.

Students can apply at affordable online colleges in Arkansas and use FAFSA, just like on-campus students can. If you're a student in Arkansas, keep reading to learn more about online colleges that accept FAFSA.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Arkansas

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form by the U.S. Department of Education that gives students access to federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Most accredited colleges and universities accept FAFSA.

Arkansas is home to several online schools that allow students to use FAFSA. Discover the top ten online colleges that accept FAFSA in Arkansas below, all of which hold regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

1. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public research institution in Jonesboro, AR. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees, and certificate programs, online in areas of study like:

• agricultural studies
• business administration
• healthcare and nursing
• special education

The university offers the A-State Promise Plus program, which provides free tuition to eligible students, as well as many other financial aid options. A-State's FAFSA code is 001090.

2. Arkansas Tech University

At Arkansas Tech University, students can participate in online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Arkansas Tech is a public university in Russellville, AR.

Online degrees are available in fields such as criminal justice, education, English, and general studies. The institution offers multiple scholarship opportunities to students and its FAFSA code is 001089.

3. Harding University

The online programs at Harding University are available as bachelor's and master's degrees and graduate certificates. Areas of study for online students include education, ministry, and nursing.

Harding University is a private, nonprofit, Christian liberal arts institution in Searcy, AR. By using the school's FAFSA code, 001097, students can apply for one of the many need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants the school offers.

4. John Brown University

John Brown University is a private, nonprofit, Christian school in Siloam Springs, AR. It offers online undergraduate programs and graduate programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• cybersecurity
• education
• psychology

The institution offers a variety of scholarship opportunities, some specifically for online and distance education students. Students should use the FAFSA code 001100.

5. Southern Arkansas University

Online students at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. SAU is a public university in Magnolia, AR.

Online degree programs are available in areas of study like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. Students looking for financial aid should use the FAFSA code 001107.

6. University of Arkansas

The Fayetteville campus of the University of Arkansas System is the flagship campus and the largest university by enrollment in the state. It offers online undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as agriculture, family sciences, human resources, and nursing.

The university offers numerous scholarships and grants to increase the affordability of its college degrees. Its FAFSA code is 001108.

7. University of Arkansas Fort Smith

The University of Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS) is a public institution in Fort Smith. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees through distance learning in areas of study like:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• early childhood education
• healthcare administration

College students at UAFS may qualify for scholarships, grants, or work-study programs to pay for their online education. The school's FAFSA code is 001110.

8. University of Arkansas Grantham

At the University of Arkansas Grantham, all degrees are online degrees. This school is a public online institution based in Little Rock, AR, and does not offer on-campus programs.

Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available at the university in fields such as business administration, computer science, engineering, and healthcare administration. The school offers the same tuition rate to in-state and out-of-state students, and those who want to use financial aid should use the FAFSA code 041223.

9. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Online learners at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees. These programs are available in areas of study like communication, criminal justice, education, and social sciences.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is a public research institution in Little Rock, AR. It offers multiple scholarships to help students pay for online learning, and its FAFSA code is 001101.

10. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public institution in Conway, AR. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in fields such as:

• business administration
• general studies
• healthcare and nursing
• social science

UCA offers financial aid opportunities and in-state tuition rates to all online students regardless of residency. The university's code is 001092.

Applying for FAFSA in Arkansas

All students, whether they're studying in-person or online, at a private or public school, should fill out the FAFSA. We've broken down what you need to know about applying for FAFSA in Arkansas.

Eligibility

The eligibility for applying for FAFSA is pretty basic. You must:

• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• have or be about to graduate with a high school diploma or equivalent
• be planning to enroll in an accredited college or university for the upcoming school year

If you need assistance paying for school, even if you don't think you'll qualify for much aid, you should still fill out the FAFSA. You could be surprised!

Steps To Apply

Applying for FAFSA can feel daunting, but it's actually pretty simple. The first step is to create an account at StudentAid.gov. You'll then need to gather all the necessary information and documents, which can sometimes be the hardest part.

You'll need tax returns and bank statements for your family. If you're a dependent, you'll need your parents' information, like their Social Security numbers. If you're married, you'll need this from your spouse.

You'll also be asked to enter the school codes for the colleges you've applied to, even if you haven't been accepted yet. Filling out the FAFSA takes about an hour. Once you've signed and submitted your FAFSA, you can track its status through your StudentAid.gov account.

Learn more: Understanding Your FAFSA Package

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Arkansas

Arkansas residents can take advantage of several state-based financial aid programs in addition to FAFSA. These programs help students reduce tuition costs and make earning an online degree more accessible.

Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship offers financial support to Arkansas residents pursuing undergraduate degrees, including those earned online. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA and meet GPA and enrollment requirements.

This scholarship provides renewable funding for students attending public or private institutions. It’s designed to reward academic achievement and help residents afford higher education without taking on unnecessary debt.

Arkansas Future Grant

The Arkansas Future (ArFuture) Grant provides last-dollar funding for students pursuing high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and education. To apply, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA and agree to work in Arkansas for at least three years after graduation.

Online learners in qualifying programs can use ArFuture funds to cover tuition and mandatory fees. The grant supports students preparing for careers that strengthen the state’s workforce.

Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship

The Arkansas Workforce Challenge Scholarship supports students enrolled in certificate and technical programs that lead directly to employment. Completing the FAFSA and submitting a Workforce Challenge application are required to determine eligibility.

Funding can be applied toward tuition and fees at participating public institutions offering online or on-campus workforce programs. This scholarship is ideal for students pursuing short-term credentials or career-specific training.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Arkansas

Completing the FAFSA is an important step toward unlocking financial aid opportunities for Arkansas students. Below are answers to common questions about using FAFSA and finding additional aid for online education.

Can You Use FAFSA for Online Colleges in Arkansas?

Yes, FAFSA can be used for accredited online colleges in Arkansas. Most regionally accredited schools participate in federal financial aid programs, making it easy to apply funds toward online degrees.

If your school is nationally accredited, verify its FAFSA eligibility before enrolling. Confirming this ensures that your aid application will be accepted and processed properly.

How Can I Get Financial Aid Without FAFSA?

If you’re unable to complete the FAFSA, you can explore private scholarships, state programs, or employer tuition reimbursement. Many community organizations and foundations in Arkansas offer merit- or need-based scholarships that don’t require federal applications.

Private student loans are another option, though they often have higher interest rates than federal loans. Researching multiple sources of aid can help you build a complete financial plan for your education.

What Happens After I Submit My FAFSA for Arkansas Colleges?

After submitting your FAFSA, your information is reviewed by both federal and state aid offices. They use this data to determine eligibility for programs like the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship or ArFuture Grant.

You’ll then receive a financial aid award letter outlining the grants, scholarships, and loans you qualify for. Reviewing this carefully helps you plan your budget and understand what costs remain out of pocket.

Find an Affordable Online College in Arkansas

Arkansas students can lower college costs by combining FAFSA with state grants and scholarships. Explore accredited online programs on Learn.org to compare degree options and find schools that fit your financial and academic goals.