11 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA

If you want to study online with financial aid then you may want to apply to online colleges that accept FAFSA which you can use to pay tuition and get other learning materials.

I’m pretty certain that must have been seeing this “FAFSA” thing around, maybe once or more, and don’t even know what it is or how it works. This post won’t be well understood if you don’t know what FAFSA means first. So, let’s just get right into what it is all about.

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What is FAFSA?

FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form that college students in the United States, whether current or prospective students, complete or fill to determine whether they are eligible for student financial aid. Through this FAFSA, students get to apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans.

The college you’ve applied for or already enrolled in makes use of your data in the FAFSA form to determine your federal aid eligibility. Also, this data may be used by some states and colleges to give their aid to students. To qualify for FAFSA, the typical requirements include that you have financial needs, be enrolled in an accredited institution pursuing a degree or certificate program.

You also have to be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen. There are other eligibility requirements and criteria that will take a whole lot of this page and divert the main subject matter elsewhere if we kept writing about it. So just click here to see all the requirements, criteria, application processes, and how to apply.

Now, how does this FAFSA thing relates to online colleges?

You’ve already understood that FAFSA is a type of financial aid to assist students and it is provided by the US federal government. Online colleges are also schools and some of them qualify to accept FAFSA. Understand that not every school accepts FAFSA, whether it is a traditional or online school. You have to do your research to know which schools accept FAFSA before applying for admission or financial aid.

In the past, it was only traditional schools that accept FAFSA therefore only students that take classes on campus were qualified for the federal student aid. But today, many online colleges now accept FAFSA which makes online students also eligible for federal financial aid and other types of aid just like the traditional students.

Like I mentioned above, the aid can be used to pay for your tuition fees and if it is remaining, you can use it to get school materials such as laptops and textbooks or pay for housing and living expenses. Of course, online learners don’t need to pay for housing, and in some cases, living expenses as they may still be living with their parents who can take care of that.

But if you are an adult living alone and enrolled in an online college you won’t need the money for living expenses if you were working and if you aren’t, then you may need it. One of the pros of online education is that it is flexible and self-paced therefore it won’t disrupt your existing responsibilities. You can easily navigate learning and working to support yourself and your education.

Are There Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA?

Well, just in case you didn’t get it earlier. Yes, there are online colleges that accept FAFSA. However, you need to understand that it is only schools – online or traditional – that are regionally accredited that can accept FAFSA and offer financial aid to students.

Therefore, ensure that the online school you are applying for is an accredited one and accepts the FAFSA. Some of the accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA have been listed and discussed further below.

How to Find Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA

There’s only one way to find online colleges that accept FAFSA and that is by using the internet. Simply make use of your smartphone, computer, or any other digital device that can access the internet and search for online colleges that accept FAFSA.

I’d say you should ask around but that is stressful compared to making use of the internet. You can be sipping a cup of coffee in your living room while browsing through the internet on online colleges that accept FAFSA. You’d get a lot more access to a truckload of information compared to when you ask around.

Since you are already here there is no need to continue looking elsewhere for the online colleges that accept FAFSA. We have compiled a list of these colleges here and they are accredited therefore you’d be getting an accredited degree or certificate after your program. The compiled colleges have also been further discussed and linked to each of the school websites to enable you to learn more about the school of your choice.

Keep reading to get matched with the best online colleges that accept FAFSA and see how you can use the financial aid to support you on your path to success.

Best Online Schools That Accept FAFSA

The following are the online schools that accept FAFSA, read through carefully and follow the provided links to learn more about the online college that piques your interest.

  • John’s University
  • Lewis University
  • Bradley University
  • Walsh University
  • Widener University
  • Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)
  • Seton Hall University
  • Utica College
  • Lasell College
  • Anna Maria College
  • Baker College

1.      St. John’s University

St. John University is one of the best accredited online schools that accept FAFSA and receives its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It was founded in 1870 and provides a wide range of online and on-campus courses leading to undergraduate and graduate degrees. Although the online courses are small you get to learn at your own pace.

St. John accepts FAFSA both from its online and traditional students. Full-time online students will get an IBM laptop and a range of services such as technical support, library resources, career guidance, and more. Aside from federal aid, the Office of Financial Aid at St. John’s University offers state and university aid programs and other privately funded scholarships.

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2.      Lewis University

Lewis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is also a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Lewis is accredited, provides online programs, and accepts FAFSA as well, therefore, qualifies as one of the best online colleges that accept FAFSA. Programs leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees are offered online by Lewis University and any student can apply.

Whether you want to complete a college degree, enroll in graduate coursework, or gain new knowledge with online courses, Lewis University’s online programs provide you with the opportunity to learn in a way that suits your learning style. Some of the online degree programs are Master of Nursing, Masters in Cybersecurity, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accelerated), BA in Organizational Leadership, and many more.

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3.      Bradley University

Bradley University was established in 1897 and is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission therefore accepts FAFSA and provides financial federal aid. It is not only its traditional students that get to enjoy the FAFSA opportunity but also its online students as well. Bradley provides a host of online programs to students in different states and country and many of them can get the FAFSA to support tuition and school materials.

The online programs spread across Nursing, Counseling, Education, and other certificates. Studying online with Bradley University offers the learner a flexible learning environment, collaborative learning, exceptional educators, strong support, practical experience, and an established network. An experience you can get whenever and wherever you have access to the internet.

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4.      Walsh University

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offering a wide range of online degree programs, Walsh University is one of the best online colleges that accept FAFSA. The university offers online degrees for adults who want an edge in the marketplace. There are a variety of online accelerated bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and professional development programs available.

These programs range from business, nursing, and computer science and information technology to interdisciplinary studies, communication, and counseling. Full-time students receive financial aid and the staffs are always available to guide you on the financial application processes.

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5.      Widener University

Widener University is one of the online schools that accept FAFSA and it is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. In addition to its traditional programs, Widener offers nationally recognized degrees that are 100% offered online. The online programs are well suited for people who are already working and seeking to upgrade in their careers or explore a new career path.

The online programs are available at undergraduate, graduate, and continuing studies levels of study. The programs include a Bachelor’s in Organizational Development and Leadership, Med in Allied Health Education, Accelerated RN to BSN to MSN, and many others. Since the school accepts FAFSA and it also works for online students, you should apply as well to support your tuition fees.

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6.      Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)

OLLU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is committed to providing quality and affordable education. It is one of the online universities that accept FAFSA and about 75% of OLLU students receive federal loans. Application for FAFSA can be done through a link to the OLLU website.

The online programs are really few, there’s just a Ph.D. in Social Work, a Bachelor in Social Work, and up to 12 programs leading a master’s degree including an MBA and Cybersecurity. Support staffs are available to guide you through the FAFSA and admissions application as well as provide technical support.

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7.      Seton Hall University

Seton Hall is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers rigorous academic programs to equip students with in-demand skills in whatever area of study they chose to specialize in. It is one of the online colleges that accept FAFSA and grants financial aid t students, as well as access to other student services.

Through Seton Hall’s University online programs, you can earn a degree or certificate and build practical skills and establish networks with top organizations. Programs include MBA, M.A in Counseling, M.A.E in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy, and other certificate programs.

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8.      Utica College

Utica College is one of the accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA. Its accreditation is from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Over 90% of both on-campus and online students receive federal financial aid and staff are available to guide every student through any application process that could be scholarships, student loans, grants, etc.

Utica College provides a wide range of online degree and certificate programs designed to polish your existing skills and help you rise in your career or explore a new career path without interrupting your personal life. There are 10 online bachelor’s degrees programs, 12 master’s, 1 doctorate, and 5 certificate programs. Which are all offered 100% online.

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9.      Lasell College

Lasell College is an accredited private college that accepts FAFSA, provides federal financial aid, and offers a wide range of in-demand courses online. This college has been delivering 100% online courses for the past 15 years and gets better every year. Therefore, it has a lot of experience in delivering quality online education.

The online courses offered are taught by experienced leaders and educators in their fields using an innovative curriculum that also equips learners with hands-on practical skills that are detrimental to their success in their respective career paths.

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10. Anna Maria College

Anna Maria College was established in 1946 and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It is one of the online colleges that accept FAFSA and about 98% of full-time students receive financial aid. Through the school’s website, you can easily apply for a FAFSA and be in line to be considered for a federal grant.

The online programs are few with just a B.S in Fire Science and an MPA or Master of Public Administration. With the skills you will earn from the online programs, you get to advance in your career.

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11. Baker College

On our final list of online colleges that accept FAFSA is Baker College, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor, master’s, and doctorate and professional development programs. Also to accept FAFSA and offer federal financial aid to on-campus and online learners.

The online programs are designed to be flexible and fit easily without disrupting your busy lifestyle and other responsibilities.

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These are the 11 best online colleges that accept FAFSA and provide federal financial aid to online students who are part of the institutions. FAFSA is a US thing, therefore only universities and colleges from the US were discussed here.

FAQs on Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA

Can you pay for college with FAFSA?

Yes, you can use FAFSA to pay for college. That is actually what it is designed for in the first place

Do all colleges accept financial aid?

Most accredited online and traditional colleges accept financial aid and whether they accept or not it will be stated on their website. This is why you need to first research to know the colleges that accept or do not accept the FAFSA.

How much money does FAFSA give per semester?

FAFSA gives a maximum amount of $6000 per semester

What is the age cut-off for FAFSA?

Fortunately, FAFSA has no age limit. You can apply at any age even in your 70s but applicants must be at least 13 years old to apply for FAFSA because they need to obtain an FSA ID to submit the form online.

This brings an end to the 11 best online colleges that accept FASFA and I hope it has been helpful. You can find related helpful articles in the recommendations below.

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