10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in California

Millions of students submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form yearly. This document uses information about the applicant and their family to determine the student's financial need. FAFSA is the first step for students considering their financial aid options, including scholarships and school-provided grants.

FAFSA isn't just beneficial to students attending traditional on-campus higher education, online colleges accept FAFSA as well. Learners pursuing online education should still fill out their FAFSA and apply for other types of financial aid programs. Students in California who enroll at online colleges can benefit as well.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in California

Many online colleges in California accept FAFSA for their financial aid programs, but not all of them. California residents can use their FAFSA results to qualify for state-specific programs offered by their online university and state government if they qualify for in-state tuition.

Discover the accredited online colleges and programs in California that accept FAFSA so you can start applying for online degree programs.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University offers a diverse selection of online courses to help students in California earn a college degree. SDSU offers 41 total degree and online certificate programs to help students get closer to their career goals with more flexible scheduling opportunities than in-person courses.

SDSU's global campus includes online bachelor's and master's programs, providing options for students earning their first degree or enrolling in continuing education.

California State University-Chico

CSU-Chico is a fully accredited university that offers online classes in over 10 college programs for undergraduate and graduate students. These programs are designed to be full-asynchronous, allowing students to pursue learning at their own pace. CSU-Chico has been recognized for its affordability and its educational programs.

San Jose State University Online

San Jose State University consistently tops rankings from U.S. News and World Report and Forbes for its high-quality online learning programs and affordable tuition rates. SJSU Online has eight degree programs to choose after completing the general SJSU online requirements.

Hope International University

Hope International University Online is a Christian-focused university that offers online programs like criminal justice, liberal studies, and more. HIU has two options for undergraduate students: a traditional four-year plan or an accelerated three-year program. Both programs require the same number of credits, but coursework is structured differently to allow college students to begin their careers sooner.

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University has enrollment opportunities for online bachelor's and master's degree programs. Loma Linda is a Seventh-day Adventist university that focuses on intertwining faith with science and other education. The primary focus of LLU's courses is related to public health, nursing, medicine, and behavioral healthcare.

Jessup University

Jessup University is an accredited school with multiple campuses and a robust selection of online degrees, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Jessup is a Christian school that offers theology and ministry-specific courses and traditional degree paths, such as computer science and accountancy. It also offers limited doctoral degree options, including a Doctor of Ministry.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is a fully online university based in New York, but several programs are tailored specifically to California students. Touro University Worldwide has an articulation agreement with California's community college network to allow easy transfer of credit hours to complete a bachelor's degree. Touro offers online bachelor's degree programs for California residents to finish their education online.

La Verne Online

La Verne Online has eight undergraduate and eight graduate degree programs that allow California students to earn degrees and continue their education in fields like business administration, management, and educational studies. The online programs at La Verne are only offered to residents of select out-of-state students, reflecting their focus on providing higher education to California learners.

Humphreys University

Humphreys University has three campuses in California, but they have Department of Education accreditation for distance learning in multiple states, including Arizona, Florida, and more. For California students looking to move during their education, Humphreys can provide online flexibility to earn your degree through a California school.

Biola University

Biola University has its main campus in southern California, but its online undergraduate can be attended from anywhere in the state. Biola offers business management and psychology-based courses online, allowing students to earn their degrees with flexible scheduling.

Applying for FAFSA in California

The FAFSA form is a gateway to multiple types of financial aid, including federal and state-offered grants and scholarships. Online colleges are often more affordable than their on-campus counterparts, but students can still qualify for financial aid packages which will reduce their costs.

Read more: Understanding Your FAFSA Package

Eligibility

All students in California who are citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens are eligible to fill out the FAFSA. This will help you determine your eligibility for grants and scholarships based on financial need. Not all students will have the same eligibility after submitting their forms, but all students should submit FAFSA to find out what aid they can earn.

Steps To Apply

Applying for FAFSA has several common steps. Students will need to gather relevant financial documents for themselves and their families, even if there is no expected family contribution. Once financial information has been filed, students can input information for their spouse, parents, and other relevant people to find full grant eligibility.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in California

In addition to FAFSA, California residents have several other ways to make online college more affordable. Below are a few key options to explore that can help reduce tuition costs and support flexible learning.

Cal Grant Program

The Cal Grant program provides state-funded financial aid to California residents pursuing undergraduate degrees, including those enrolled online. You can qualify by submitting both the FAFSA and a verified GPA, which allows the state to determine your eligibility automatically.

Online students can receive Cal Grant A, B, or C awards depending on their academic record and income level. These grants never need to be repaid and can be used toward tuition and required fees at participating institutions.

California College Promise Grant

The California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver) waives enrollment fees for eligible students attending California community colleges. To qualify, you must be a state resident or eligible nonresident who demonstrates financial need through FAFSA or the California Dream Act application.

Online learners taking community college courses can also use this grant to save on tuition while completing transfer or associate degree programs. The program helps many students reduce or eliminate costs entirely, especially when paired with other aid sources.

Golden State Education and Training Grant

The Golden State Education and Training Grant supports Californians who recently lost their jobs due to economic changes and want to re-skill through higher education. If you're returning to school online after unemployment, you may qualify for up to $2,500 in one-time funding.

Applicants can submit a short online application through the California Student Aid Commission website, which reviews eligibility based on unemployment history and enrollment status. This funding can cover tuition, books, or technology needed for online learning.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in California

It's common to have questions about FAFSA forms, especially if you're looking into online college. Many students have questions about specifics, such as how to file the forms and what awards they can earn.

How Can I Get Free College in California?

The biggest step to getting free college in California is to fill out your FAFSA. Once you've submitted these documents, many free money programs will automatically be applied to your financial aid transcript. Once you've qualified, you'll want to review the criteria to maintain eligibility such as minimum GPA or enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time).

What Online School Is Tuition-Free in California?

Calbright College was the first online college in California to offer free tuition to residents for certificate programs. Now, the California Community Colleges System offers free community college education to residents who meet financial need requirements. These community colleges also have many transfer agreements allowing you to earn free credits while saving to transfer.

How Many Colleges Can I Put on FAFSA?

Students can add up to 20 schools to their FAFSA document with an online submission. The order you select is important, as schools listed first will be given priority. You also will be able to qualify for different grants if your priority schools are in-state.

What Is Financial Aid for Online Students?

Financial aid is offered as grants and scholarships for students in online undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of these programs have variable amounts based on the total cost of tuition, which means online students often receive a smaller amount based on lower overall tuition rates.

Find an Affordable Online College in California

California offers many opportunities for affordable online education through FAFSA and state-based aid. Explore accredited degree options and connect directly with schools on Learn.org to find the best fit for your goals and budget.