3 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Delaware

Online courses provide flexibility that learning on-campus doesn't. It allows students who can't make it to campus to take an alternative approach to still earn a degree. Unfortunately, online programs can still be expensive, but there are various forms of financial aid that can help.

Many students use financial aid to pay for their online degrees, and much of this aid comes from FAFSA. If you're a student in Delaware, keep reading to discover online colleges that accept FAFSA.

3 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Delaware

Delaware is a small state, so it's no surprise that it has only a few online colleges that accept FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form that students fill out to determine if they qualify for federal and state financial aid programs.

With FAFSA, students can choose from a few affordable online colleges in Delaware. Read on to learn more about these programs. All schools listed hold regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

1. Delaware State University

Delaware State University (DSU) is a public, historically Black research institution in Dover, DE. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in areas of study like:

• business administration
• psychology
• public health
• social work

DSU offers scholarship programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. Students planning to study at DSU should enter the code 001428 when they fill out their FAFSA.

2. Widener University

At Widener University, students can earn online undergraduate and graduate degrees. Widener University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Pennsylvania but with a campus in Wilmington, DE.

Online degrees are available in fields such as criminal justice, healthcare, information systems, and psychology. To use financial aid at Widener, the FAFSA code is 003313.

3. Wilmington University

Various online programs at Wilmington University offer degrees at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The programs are available in areas of study like business administration, communication, education, and nursing and healthcare.

Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution in New Castle, DE. It offers numerous scholarships to help students pay for their online learning, and its FAFSA code is 007948.

Other Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in the U.S.

One thing that makes online education a great option is the ability for students to earn degrees from institutions across the country. While Delaware only has a few online colleges that accept FAFSA, there are many more throughout the U.S. We've listed some excellent online colleges below, all of which are regionally accredited.

Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is a public online college in New Britain, CT. It offers exclusively distance education programs and does not offer programs on campus. Associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are available in fields such as:

• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• healthcare administration
• social work

Scholarships and other forms of financial aid are available to online students at Charter Oak. The college's FAFSA code is 032343.

Colorado State University Global

Students at Colorado State University Global can complete undergraduate and graduate programs online. CSU Global is the online campus of the public Colorado State University System.

Online degrees are available in areas of study like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and healthcare administration. All students pay the in-state tuition rate, regardless of their state of residency, and the FAFSA code is 042087.

Columbia College

Columbia College offers distance learning and online degrees from the associate to the master's degree levels. These degrees are available in fields such as business, history, human services, and math.

Columbia College is a private, nonprofit institution based in Columbia, MO. Online students can take advantage of one of the school's many scholarship opportunities with the FAFSA code 002456.

Excelsior University

Excelsior University is a private, online school in Albany, NY. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs, in areas of study like:

• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• engineering
• nursing and healthcare

The online school offers numerous scholarships to students. Prospective students should use the code 014251 when filling out FAFSA.

National University

At National University, students can earn online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. National University is a private, nonprofit institution based in San Diego.

Its online programs are available in various fields, such as business administration, healthcare, psychology, and technology. To use FAFSA at National University, input code 011460.

Southern New Hampshire University

Online programs at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These degrees cover areas of study, such as business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and English.

SNHU is a private, nonprofit university in Manchester, NH. Online learners can use financial aid to pay for their degree programs, and the school's FAFSA code is 002580.

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is the online campus of the public University System of Maryland. It offers online associate through doctoral degree programs in fields such as:

• cybersecurity
• education
• management
• public safety

UMGC offers several scholarship programs to students. The online school's FAFSA code is 011644.

Applying for FAFSA in Delaware

Applying for FAFSA can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Below, we'll break down the basics of what to know before applying for FAFSA in Delaware.

Eligibility

There are very few eligibility requirements to apply for FAFSA. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, you must have or be nearly completing a high school diploma or equivalent, and you must be planning to attend an accredited college or university.

FAFSA is meant to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Your eligibility will depend on things like your state, your income, and your dependency status.

Steps To Apply

All students who have financial needs should apply for aid through the FAFSA, even if they don't think they'll receive much. To apply for FAFSA, you'll need to:

• Create an account on the U.S. Department of Education's StudentAid.gov website.
• Gather your family's financial information, including tax returns and bank statements.
• If you're a dependent, you'll need your parents' information, such as their Social Security numbers. If you're married, you'll need this from your spouse.

• You'll also need the FAFSA code for any colleges you're applying to, even if you haven't been accepted or completed your enrollment yet.
• Once you have all your documents, you'll fill out the FAFSA, sign it, and submit it.

You can check your FAFSA status through your StudentAid.gov account. Once your FAFSA is processed, all the schools that you listed will receive a copy.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Delaware

Delaware residents can access multiple financial aid programs in addition to FAFSA to make earning a college degree more affordable. These programs help reduce tuition costs and expand educational opportunities for online and traditional learners.

Delaware Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship

The Delaware SEED Scholarship provides last-dollar funding for students attending Delaware Technical Community College or the University of Delaware’s Associate in Arts Program. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA and meet GPA and residency requirements.

This scholarship can cover tuition for full- or part-time students, including those enrolled in eligible online courses. SEED aims to make higher education accessible to Delaware residents who demonstrate academic commitment.

Inspire Scholarship

The Inspire Scholarship supports Delaware high school graduates who enroll full time at Delaware State University. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and maintain at least a 2.75 GPA to qualify.

Students can use the scholarship to cover tuition costs for both in-person and approved online degree programs. This award encourages students to pursue higher education while staying in-state.

Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program

The Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP) provides need-based financial aid to state residents attending Delaware colleges or select out-of-state institutions. To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.

Online students attending approved institutions can use ScIP funds toward tuition and required fees. The program helps ensure that students from all financial backgrounds can afford a college education.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Delaware

FAFSA opens the door to federal, state, and institutional aid for Delaware students pursuing online or traditional college programs. Below are answers to some common questions about affordability and finding the right program.

How Can I Go to College for Free in Delaware?

While Delaware doesn’t have universal free college, many residents can attend at little or no cost through financial aid programs. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to unlocking grants and scholarships such as the SEED and Inspire programs.

Students can also apply for private or local scholarships to supplement federal and state aid. Combining these resources can significantly reduce or even eliminate tuition expenses.

How Can I Find the Online Program Options at Delaware Colleges?

Most Delaware colleges feature their online degree and certificate programs on their official websites. Look for a section dedicated to “Online Learning” or “Distance Education” to explore available options.

You can also contact the admissions or academic advising office for details about eligibility, program formats, and start dates. Some schools may offer hybrid learning options that combine online and on-campus courses.

What Types of Financial Aid Are Available to Delaware Students?

Delaware students can qualify for several types of financial aid, including federal Pell Grants, state-funded scholarships, and work-study programs. State options like the SEED Scholarship and Delaware Scholarship Incentive Program provide additional financial relief.

Each program has its own eligibility requirements and application steps. Completing the FAFSA ensures that your information is shared with both federal and state aid offices to determine the full amount of funding available.

Find an Affordable Online College in Delaware

Delaware offers a variety of financial aid programs to help make college more affordable for residents. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare programs, discover scholarship opportunities, and find the best fit for your goals.