Online colleges that accept FAFSA
When you’re exploring your educational options it might be important for you to find online colleges that accept FAFSA, so you can claim financial aid. In this article, we’ll go over a bit about financial aid and explore the online colleges that accept FAFSA applications so you can spend your time focused on the right schools.
Find online colleges that accept FAFSA
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What schools accept FAFSA?
In the not so distant past, only on-campus colleges accepted FASFA but luckily, now online colleges are able to accept it as well. However only schools that are regionally accredited accept FAFSA. Not all online colleges are regionally accredited but the vast majority are.
- The gold standard of college accreditation; highest prestige
- Most widely recognized type of college accreditation
- Credits and degrees widely accepted in transfer
- Eligible for all corporate tuition reimbursement plans
- Usually, provide instructor-led courses
Top online colleges that accept FAFSA
- Utica College
- St John’s University
- Lewis University
- Seton Hall University
- Benedictine University
- Bradley University
- Widener University
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and it is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college.
Each year, there are millions of students who file the FAFSA and get more than $120 billion in grants, work-study, and low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education.
Many states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine which students get financial aid—and how much each student will receive.
The FAFSA asks for information about you and your family’s finances, including tax returns, so you’ll need your parents’ help to complete it.
Is financial aid available for online colleges?
The short answer is yes, scholarships and government grants are available for online colleges but the school needs to be regionally accredited. Online schools that hold a national accreditation don’t usually accept FAFA.
Requirements for financial aid
Both online and traditional on-campus students should seek out federal student financial aid, but they will have to meet some basic requirements first. According to the ED’s Federal Student Aid Office, students must meet the following criteria in order to qualify for federal assistance:
- High school diploma or recognized equivalent.
- Must have a serious financial need.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or hold a green card, or permanent residency.
- Must have a Social Security number.
- Must be registered with Selective Service, if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25.
- Be admitted to or enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program as a regular student.
- Complete and sign the FAFSA.
- Be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for direct loan funds.
To learn more about scholarships, grant options, financial aid and more please check out our article “Grants For College Students”
Getting the most from your financial aid
Financial aid applicants will submit the FAFSA to the ED’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) office. The FSA obtains information about the student’s and families’ finances to determine a students’ eligibility for any of nine federal financial aid programs, including grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. The FSA also determines applicants’ eligibility for more than 600 state aid programs.
The FSA sends your FAFSA information to your selected colleges and universities, as well. These institutions may also require students to complete other, college-specific financial aid forms, using the combined information to award scholarships and other funding. Your federal and institutional aid compose your total financial aid package. Each school awards its own aid package — or none, depending on your eligibility.
Even if you think you or your parents make too much money to qualify for federal financial aid, make sure to submit the FAFSA. You could otherwise be leaving loan dollars on the table, but you won’t know unless you apply.