10 Scholarships for Online Students in 2025

Students interested in earning a degree without attending on-campus classes can benefit from online programs. Flexible scheduling and the option to study from home are just a few benefits of online learning.

Do you want to pursue a virtual degree but don't know how to cover the cost? Consider online colleges with scholarships to lower tuition. Below, we'll highlight scholarships you can use for online programs. We'll also explore schools offering distance learning scholarships and other college financial aid for virtual students.

Best Scholarships for Online College Students

Scholarships can cover some or all school expenses associated with online programs. Explore the following list to discover scholarship opportunities for virtual learners.

1. Get Educated Online Scholarship Program

The Get Education Online Scholarship fund is a $1,000 merit-based and need-based award. Undergraduate and graduate students taking online courses or pursuing online degrees at accredited online schools can apply.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. They should also submit a recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and write a 500-word essay titled ''What an Online College Degree Means to Me.''

2. AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Online undergraduate students can pursue four STEM major scholarships from AFCEA International:

• STEM Major Scholarship ($2,500)
• Undergraduate Diversity Scholarship ($3,000)
• Cyber Security Scholarship ($5,000)
• Student Member Scholarship ($2,500)

Eligibility is open to students in STEM majors with full-time enrollment as sophomores or juniors and a 3.0 or higher GPA. Students use one application to gain consideration for all awards.

3. FoS Student Scholarship Program

The FoS Student Scholarship Program awards graduating high school seniors funds to continue their education in post-secondary institutions. Candidates must have completed at least five blended or online classes in their last two years in high school.

Out of the many candidates, 10 awardees matriculating to four-year schools will receive up to $10,000 annually for two years. On top of that, 20 scholars will receive up to $5,000 for their post-secondary experience in any program.

4. University of Massachusetts Lowell

If you're looking for online colleges with grants and scholarship opportunities, the University of Massachusetts Lowell is a great choice. Three of four online learners at the university receive federal financial assistance.

Scholarship opportunities for virtual learners include the Community College SuCCess Scholarship and ASL Adult Education Foundation Scholarships. Online students can find and apply for additional scholarship opportunities in the River Hawk Scholarship Portal.

5. Liberty University Online Scholarships

Liberty University offers scholarship awards for students who meet membership, academic, or other requirements. Scholarships open to online learners include the Heroes Fund Scholarship and Southern Baptist Seminary Scholarships.

Most Liberty University aid requires having a FAFSA on file. Examples of scholarship qualifiers include family heritage, club associations, and military service.

6. Kansas State University Online Scholarships

Kansas State University online students can pursue scholarships by submitting one K-State Online Scholarship Application per fall, spring, or summer award period. Awards include the K-State Online Scholarship and the Sue C. Maes and Vanier Family Scholarship.

Students must complete a FAFSA for scholarships with a financial need requirement. Most scholarships have GPA requirements and some are renewable.

7. The University of Alabama Online Scholarships

The University of Alabama offers dozens of UA Online scholarships for undergraduate and graduate online learners. Eligibility is also granted to New College LifeTrack students.

Students submit one application online each year through the myBama portal. Awards include the Campbell-Ellis Endowed Scholarship, James A. Hood Endowed Scholarship, and New College LifeTrack Society Scholarship.

8. Southern New Hampshire University Online Scholarships

Are you looking for online colleges that take transfer credits and offer other ways to save on tuition? Southern New Hampshire University is a top choice. Online learners transfer up to 90 credits for a bachelor's degree and use military tuition assistance and grants to pay for school.

SNHU also offers scholarships created for online learners. The Online and Continuing Education Scholarship and New Hampshire Governor's Scholarship are great options.

9. University of Arkansas Online Scholarships

The University of Arkansas offers online scholarships based on factors such as financial need and academic performance. Some awards require students to complete the FAFSA form and maintain a minimum grade point average.

The Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship is for nontraditional and high school students residing in Arkansas. The W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship grants up to $2,000 annually to students in undergraduate and graduate programs.

10. Florida International University

Florida International University Online offers the Academic Merit Scholarship awards for new attendees with a minimum 3.25 GPA enrolled in specific fully online and hybrid master's degree programs. Florida high school graduates can pursue the Bright Futures Scholarship.

Additional awards include the GET STARTED Scholarship and Distance Learning Scholarship. Each award has unique submission instructions and application deadlines.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team used a thorough vetting process to select the scholarships in the above list. Each scholarship met the following criteria for supporting high-quality education:

• Reputable: The scholarships above are associated with reputable organizations and accredited institutions of higher education.
• Online degree funding: These awards are designed for online learners or let students pursuing online degrees apply.
• Multiple recipients: Scholarships in this list choose more than one recipient to help multiple learners.

Application Process for Online Scholarships

Applying for an online scholarship is similar to applying for its on-campus counterpart. First, ensure you meet eligibility requirements such as:

• earning a minimum cumulative GPA and meeting other requirements (ex. community service, ethnicity, field of study)
• completing an essay (usually for merit scholarships)
• meeting income requirements (typically for need-based scholarships)
• proving U.S. citizenship
• submitting a FAFSA form (if required)

After meeting all requirements, students commonly submit their scholarship application online.

Tips for Scholarship Applications

When applying for scholarships, you want to give yourself the best chance to score funds for college. Consider these tips before starting the application process:

• Look for scholarships from as many sources as possible.
• Keep a calendar of all application deadlines.
• Gather submission materials early (ex. transcripts, essays, etc.) and read instructions thoroughly.
• Ask for recommendations as early as possible.
• Highlight all achievements in your essay to stand out from the competition (ex. awards, community service, personal challenges).

If you want additional ways to save on tuition, consider applying to online colleges that accept Pell grants and other aid. Also, look for schools with lower tuition rates.

FAQs About Online Scholarships and Eligibility

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), full-time, first-time undergraduate students in the 2022-23 academic year received an average of $12,997 in scholarship or grant aid. If you want to pursue scholarships and other aid for an online degree program, explore the following FAQs.

Where Can I Find College Scholarships?

The U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.org website offers the Scholarship Finder. This online scholarship search tool lists over 9,500 scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. You can also search for scholarships directly with schools.

Does FAFSA Cover Online Classes?

Yes, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) covers online classes at some institutions. Students fill out the FAFSA form to qualify for federal financial aid such as the federal Pell Grant and student loans. If you're interested in financial aid for your virtual program, look for accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA.

What Is the Easiest Type of Scholarship To Get?

The easiest type of scholarship to get depends on your qualifications. For instance, a need-based scholarship might be easier for students who meet financial eligibility. Learners who meet GPA requirements could find merit-based scholarships easier to attain.

Explore Online Programs and Financial Aid Options Today

Begin your journey toward a rewarding career by exploring the degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to find out how you can take the first step toward the career of your dreams.