Attaining a degree can be a transformative accomplishment, but the process of earning one can be quite challenging. For many prospective college students juggling family responsibilities, demanding work schedules, and other time commitments, attending a traditional in-person university with on-campus courses may not be feasible. That’s why online degree programs have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. If you’re looking to attend college without relying solely on private student loans, you’ll want to ensure that any school you consider uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to distribute federal financial aid. In this guide, we will explore the top online schools that accept FAFSA and offer quality education.
- University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is among the top online schools that accept FAFSA, providing both undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields. These include:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business and management
- IT and computer science
- Cybersecurity
- Health care and science
- Liberal arts and communication
- Public safety
- Data Analytics
- Education and teaching
Graduate Programs
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Health Care Administration
- Information Technology Management
- Public Relations
Most classes at UMGC do not have textbook costs. Last year, the school awarded more than $15 million in scholarships, helping students pay less in tuition.
- UF Online
The University of Florida’s online learning program, UF Online, is another top school that accepts FAFSA. Students attending UF Online may be eligible for internal scholarships in addition to federal aid. The school offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Undergraduate Programs
- Biology
- Business administration
- Computer science
- Nursing
- Psychology
Graduate Programs
- Business administration
- Civil engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Mass communication
- Mechanical engineering
- Sustainable design
- ASU Online
Arizona State University’s online program, ASU Online, was ranked among the ten best online bachelor’s degree programs by U.S. News & World Report in 2022. ASU Online offers a variety of programs, including undergraduate degrees and certificates.
Undergraduate Programs
- Accountancy
- Biochemistry
- Business
- Computer information systems
- Data Science
- Electrical engineering
- Graphic design
- Information technology
- Nursing
- Psychology
Graduate Programs
- Business Analytics
- Criminal Justice
- Education Leadership
- Engineering Management
- Global Technology & Development
- Health Informatics
- Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is an online school that not only accepts FAFSA but also prioritizes affordable tuition for students. Their tuition rates have not increased in over a decade, and the university currently waives the $25 application fee for prospective students. Online students can choose from various areas of study, such as:
Undergraduate Programs
- Accounting and finance
- Analytics
- Business
- Criminal justice
- Education
- Health care
- Human resources
- Management and leadership
- Marketing and communications
- Technology
Graduate Programs
- Accounting
- Data Analytics
- Finance
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resource Management
- Information Technology Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Online is another one of the top online schools that accept FAFSA, offering over 200 online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Some of the popular programs include:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Healthcare Administration
- Psychology
- Information Technology
Graduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in Marketing
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Data Analytics
- Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global, an online school that accepts FAFSA, is an extension of the renowned Purdue University. Offering a wide array of degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels, Purdue Global focuses on providing career-focused education for adult learners. Some of their programs include:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Health Science
- Information Technology
- Nursing
Graduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Science in Information Technology
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Psychology
- Western Governors University (WGU)
Western Governors University (WGU) is an online, nonprofit school that accepts FAFSA and offers a competency-based approach to education. WGU provides degree programs in four key areas:
Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
- Business
- IT
- Teacher Education
- Health Professions (including nursing)
- Liberty University Online
Liberty University Online is another top online school that accepts FAFSA. As one of the largest Christian universities globally, it offers a diverse range of degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Some popular programs are:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Information Technology
- Nursing
Graduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education
- Master of Science in Counseling
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Capella University
Capella University, an online school that accepts FAFSA, offers flexible degree programs designed for working professionals. The university provides undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, such as:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business
- Health Care Management
- Information Technology
- Nursing
- Psychology
Graduate Programs
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Education (M.Ed.)
- Information Technology (MSIT)
- Nursing (MSN)
- Psychology (MS)
- Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus, the online division of Pennsylvania State University, accepts FAFSA and offers over 150 online degree and certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Popular program options include:
Undergraduate Programs
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Information Sciences and Technology
Graduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Engineering Management
- Master of Science in Cybersecurity
- Master of Science in Nursing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA is the official federal government form that students must complete to qualify for federal financial assistance. When a school accepts FAFSA, it means you can receive federal financial aid such as student loans, grants, and work-study based on financial need. Students must complete and submit the FAFSA application to the U.S. Department of Education to qualify for federal aid. You must complete the FAFSA before every academic year if you want to receive federal aid.
How is accreditation related to FAFSA eligibility?
Only accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid, which you receive by completing the FAFSA. When a school is accredited, it means it has been reviewed by a governing body to ensure that it meets certain academic standards and eligibility requirements.
How do I find out if an online school accepts FAFSA?
The easiest way to find out if an online school accepts FAFSA is to contact its financial aid department and ask directly. It may also have the information listed on its website. Make sure you verify that the school takes FAFSA. If it says that it offers financial aid, that may refer to payment plans, private student loans, or other types of financial aid. The FAFSA is the only form that will let you qualify for federal financial aid such as federal student loans and Pell Grants.