10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Iowa

Iowa is home to many colleges and universities, and several of them offer online degree programs. At most of them, students can use financial aid through FAFSA to make their programs more affordable.

Online programs are a great way for busy students to continue their education. If you want to earn your degree in Iowa, keep reading to discover the best online colleges that accept FAFSA.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Iowa

By filling out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), students can qualify for financial aid and find affordable online colleges in Iowa. Read on to discover 10 of the best online colleges that accept FAFSA in Iowa. Note that all schools listed are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

1. Briar Cliff University

Briar Cliff University is a private, nonprofit Catholic institution in Sioux City, IA. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• nursing and healthcare
• social work

The university accepts federal financial aid and also offers scholarships to students. To qualify for these student aid programs, students will need to enter the school's code, 001846, when filling out their FAFSA online form.

2. Buena Vista University

At Buena Vista University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degree programs online. BVU is a private, nonprofit university in Storm Lake, IA.

Online learning programs at BVU are available in areas of study like education, human services, and psychology. Students who want to use financial aid at the school should use the code 001847.

3. Grand View University

Distance education programs at Grand View University are offered only at the bachelor's degree level. Students can earn an online bachelor's degree in fields such as criminal justice, cybersecurity, human services, and paralegal studies.

Grand View University is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts school in Des Moines, IA. Multiple scholarships are available, and the university's FAFSA code is 001867.

4. Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a public research institution in Ames, IA. It offers bachelor's degree completion programs, graduate degrees, and certificate programs online in areas of study like:

• business administration
• early childcare education
• engineering
• healthcare

The university offers a wide variety of financial aid programs, and since the institution is public, Iowa residents pay a lower in-state tuition rate than out-of-state students. The FAFSA code for Iowa State is 001869.

5. Mount Mercy University

Students at Mount Mercy University can earn online bachelor's degrees and a handful of online master's degrees. Mount Mercy University is a private, nonprofit Catholic liberal arts school in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Online programs at Mount Mercy are available in fields such as business administration, education, healthcare leadership, and nursing. To qualify for financial aid, prospective students should use the code 001880.

6. Simpson College

The online and distance learning programs at Simpson College include undergraduate and graduate programs. These are available in areas of study like computer science, criminal justice, human services, and management.

Simpson College is a private, nonprofit, Christian school in Indianola, IA. College students can use financial aid to make their online education more affordable with the code 001887.

7. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a public research institute in Iowa City, IA. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as:

• business administration
• education
• healthcare and nursing
• social work

The university offers multiple financial aid programs and in-state tuition to Iowa residents. Its FAFSA code is 001892.

8. University of Northern Iowa

At the University of Northern Iowa, distance learners will find online bachelor's and master's programs. The University of Northern Iowa is a public school in Cedar Falls, IA.

Students will find online degrees in areas of study like business administration, criminal justice, education, and human services and can also take online courses that allow them to work at their own pace. The university's FAFSA code is 001890.

9. Upper Iowa University

Online programs at Upper Iowa University are available from the associate degree through the master's degree levels. The institution offers majors in fields such as business, emergency and disaster management, health services, and social sciences.

UIU is a private, nonprofit university in Fayette, IA. It offers numerous financial aid opportunities, which students can apply for with the FAFSA code 001893.

10. William Penn University

William Penn University is a private, nonprofit institution in Oskaloosa, IA. It offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees in areas of study like:

• business administration
• education
• nursing and healthcare
• psychology

The university offers several scholarships and work-study programs to help online students pay for their coursework. Its school code is 001900.

Applying for FAFSA in Iowa

By applying for FAFSA, you may qualify for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid. We've gone over the basics of applying for FAFSA in Iowa below.

Eligibility

There are very few eligibility requirements to apply for the FAFSA. They include:

• you must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• you must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, or be close to completing one
• you're planning to attend an accredited institution of higher education in the coming academic year

All students who have financial need should fill out FAFSA, even if you don't think you'll qualify for much�you might be surprised.

Steps To Apply

Applying for FAFSA can seem like a hassle, but it's not too complicated. To start, you'll need to create an account through the StudentAid.gov website.

Next, you'll gather your family's financial documents, such as tax returns and bank statements. If you're still considered a dependent on your parents, you'll need information from them, such as their social security numbers. If you're married, you'll need this information from your spouse.

You'll also need the school code for any schools you're applying to, even if you haven't been accepted yet. This ensures that those schools receive your FAFSA results.

It should take about an hour to fill out the FAFSA. After you've signed and submitted your application, you can view its status through your account.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Iowa

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about using FAFSA for college in Iowa.

How Much Does an Online Degree Cost?

There are several factors that can influence how much your online degree will cost, including:

• what level of degree you're earning
• if your school is public or private
• whether your school is a two-year or four-year institution
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• if you have any transfer credits and how many credits you have remaining
• what financial aid you qualify for

The average cost of tuition for in-state students at public Iowa universities is $9,670 per year, and the average cost at a private institution in Iowa is $37,623 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Online programs are usually around the same price as in-person programs.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

Making an online degree more affordable starts with choosing an affordable school. Often, the most affordable schools are public, in-state schools. Some students begin their degrees at two-year colleges to save money.

By filling out your FAFSA, you can find a variety of financial aid programs to help cover your tuition costs. These include grants, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Can I Use FAFSA for Online College in Iowa?

As long as the university you choose is accredited, you will almost certainly be able to use FAFSA for your online classes and programs. Almost all regionally accredited institutions accept FAFSA, but if your university is nationally accredited, you should check before enrolling.

Earn Your Online Bachelor's Degree Today

Iowa residents who are ready to earn their online bachelor's degree should check out the accredited programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools today for more information about student support services and online enrollment.