10 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in South Carolina

An online education lets students earn a degree and prepare for a dream career without attending on-campus classes. This is a great option for learners with busy personal and work schedules or individuals who struggle to commute to campus.

You might be interested in online learning opportunities in South Carolina but are concerned that limited funds could make completing a degree program impossible. Online colleges in South Carolina like Charleston Southern University, Anderson University, and North Greenville University accept FAFSA to lower school costs.

Below, we'll explore accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA in South Carolina. We'll also outline FAFSA eligibility requirements and the steps to apply. Our frequently asked questions explain how to use FAFSA for college in South Carolina.

10 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in South Carolina

Financial aid can significantly improve the affordability of online degree programs. Explore the list below to find low-cost online colleges in South Carolina that accept FAFSA.

1. Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University offers multiple online degree programs in different areas of study. Online bachelor's degrees are available in:

• human resources
• computer science
• cybersecurity
• healthcare administration
• psychology

Students can pursue online master's degrees in business analytics, criminal justice, and nursing (MSN).

The university offers financial aid options like grants, loans, and scholarships. Undergraduate and graduate students will need to fill out the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

2. Columbia College

Columbia College offers 100% online degrees that have earned top rankings from U.S. News & World Report. Undergraduate degrees in the following topics are available:

• business administration
• criminal justice
• cybersecurity
• social work
• special education

Students can also choose from online minors. Students taking online courses can qualify for FAFSA at Columbia College. Award amounts vary from student to student.

3. University of South Carolina Upstate

More than a dozen online bachelor's degrees are available at the University of South Carolina Upstate. Students can pursue four-year degrees in areas of study like communications, criminal justice, health informatics, management, and nursing (BSN).

USC Upstate helps students reduce tuition costs with various financial aid options. Distance learners can apply for grants, loans, work-study jobs, and scholarships.

4. Limestone University

Limestone University offers online programs at several academic levels. Enrollees can pursue associate degrees in business administration, liberal studies, and computer science.

Bachelor's programs in professional studies, liberal studies, and nursing are available. Graduate students can enroll in health informatics, social work, and education teacher leadership programs.

Federal student aid options, including grants, loans, and work-study jobs, can help enrollees cover school costs. Limestone also offers scholarships and military benefits.

5. Coastal Carolina University

Students pursuing an online college degree from Coastal Carolina University can choose from bachelor's programs in professional studies and information technology. Degree completion programs are available in health administration and marketing. Students can choose from graduate degrees in special education, business administration, and instructional technology.

The university accepts FAFSA and helps students secure federal aid. Options include federal grants, loans, and work-study jobs. South Carolina residents could be eligible for the SC Teacher's Loan and SC Need-Based Grant.

6. Palmetto College

Palmetto College is a part of the University of South Carolina system. This school offers accredited in-person and online degree programs. Online bachelor's degree options include organizational leadership, human services, public health, and education programs. Sociology and special education degrees come from USC Beaufort and USC Aiken.

More than 85% of Palmetto College students receive financial assistance. In addition to federal aid options, students can pursue the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and the South Carolina Tuition Tax Credit.

7. Anderson University

Anderson University offers bachelor's and graduate programs with online coursework. Bachelor's are available in business administration, Christian studies, and human services. MBAs and doctoral degrees in leadership, ministry, and preaching are also available.

Students interested in financial assistance can access grants, loans, scholarships, and other financial aid. The university has gained a great reputation for affordability with its U.S. News & World Report ranking as a ''Best Value'' school among regional universities in the south.

8. North Greenville University

North Greenville University offers dozens of online degrees for undergraduate and graduate learners. Bachelor's options include elementary education studies, psychology, and Christian ministries. Students can pursue graduate degrees in biomedical science, divinity, education, and music education.

More than 99% of North Greenville students receive financial aid. Enrollees can pursue competitive scholarships, state and federal grants, teaching fellowships, and more.

9. Southern Wesleyan University

Southern Wesleyan University enrollees can pursue an online associate degree in general studies and bachelor's degrees in business administration, human services, and organizational leadership. Master's and doctoral degrees are also available.

Online learners are eligible for FAFSA aid at Southern Wesleyan University. Enrollees can pursue federal grants, loans, and work-study program funds.

10. Coker University

Coker University offers flexible 100% online bachelor's programs in business management, criminology, sociology, and psychology. Online RN to BSN, RN to MSN Bridge, and MSN programs are also available.

Students with transfer credits from select technical and community colleges can receive a $2,000 per year scholarship. All enrollees can apply for financial aid opportunities via the FAFSA form.

Applying for FAFSA in South Carolina

Applying for FAFSA gives South Carolina students access to federal grants, loans, and work-study jobs. Below are FAFSA eligibility requirements and the steps to apply for federal aid.

Eligibility

Basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid include the following:

• demonstrate financial need
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• have a valid Social Security number
• have a high school diploma or equivalent (ex. GED)
• be enrolled or accepted for an eligible degree or certificate program

Steps To Apply

Once you've determined eligibility, you're set to apply for federal aid. Steps include the following:

• create a StudentAid.gov account and Federal Student Aid ID for all contributors (student, parents, spouse, guardian, etc.)
• gather documents from contributors (Social Security numbers, tax returns, bank account balances, etc.)
• add at least one school to the FAFSA form that will receive financial aid information
• add all contributors' personal and financial information
• sign and submit the FAFSA form

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in South Carolina

Would you like to know more about using FAFSA to pay for college in South Carolina? Explore the following FAQs.

Is an Online Degree Worth It?

Yes, an online degree from an accredited institution of higher education is worth the time, effort, and money. Online degrees typically offer greater flexibility than in-person degrees and let students learn from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Many employers respect online degrees from well-known institutions. Earning a degree can also lead to higher pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals with bachelor's degrees earned more than high school graduates and people with master's degrees earned more than bachelor's degree holders in 2023.

What Other Financial Aid Options Do Online Students Have in South Carolina?

South Carolina residents can choose from several financial aid options alongside federal grants and loans. Some include:

• South Carolina Hope Scholarship
• LIFE Scholarship
• South Carolina Need-Based Grant
• Lottery Tuition Assistance
• Palmetto Fellows Scholarship

How Do I Find an Online College With the Best Financial Aid Program?

A great way to find online colleges with the best financial aid is to research their websites for FAFSA details. Some schools offer federal student aid, and other institutions expand their options to include state-based and institutional scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and more.

Earn Your Degree Online Today

Prepare for a fulfilling career in your chosen field by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to learn how their programs can help you reach your career goals.