According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 10 million students took at least one college class online in 2022, and it is even more popular today. There is no 'one size fits all' format to online learning. Take a look at Unigo's available scholarships for online learning.
Check out our list of 54 Online College Scholarships and Financial Aid worth $142K.
$1,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
Jun 30
Deadline
NMIF holds an annual competition for scholarships to support students pursuing courses of study and formal degrees in intelligence studies and related disciplines.
The awards for this year’s scholarship will be dependent on the donations received throughout the year. In addition to providing a grant to academic institutions to be applied to the winning applicants’ tuition, each award will be accompanied by an invitation to attend the NMIF Awards Banquet to be held at the McLean Hilton Hotel, McLean, VA on 17 May 2020.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Nov 25
Deadline
Columbia Southern University is an online university in Orange Beach, Alabama. Each year they offer two Safety Scholarships to any current CSU Occupational Safety and Health student, or one who plans to enroll in an OSH degree. Each scholarship covers up to 60 credit hours toward one online degree program.
The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient’s tuition for up to three years or until the completion of the selected online degree program, whichever comes first.
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$2,000
Award Amount
14
Awards
Apr 1
Deadline
Kansas State Global University offers over 100 online programs to students across the US and around the world. Each year they offers scholarships specifically for students earning their undergraduate or graduate degree online. Students only need to submit an application one time per award period, as this determines which one they are eligible for.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 1
Deadline
?”Welcome to Prep For Success! Kamil and I (Samantha) are entrepreneurs from New Jersey that have a passion for education. Thus, we created Prep For Success Tutor. For over ten years, Prep For Success has provided classes and one-on-one tutoring services in a wide array of subjects including standardized exams, college applications, general math, English, and more. Our impact has been continuously growing, and Prep For Success is proud to say that we have over one hundred 5 star reviews on thumbtack and google! One main feature that sets us apart from other tutoring companies is that Kamil and I (the founders of the company) are fully invested in the company and work as tutors as well. This allows us to not have a disconnected experience from what the students need and be fully invested in all the student’s successes. This also gives our company a small mom-and-pop feel! We welcome you to our company, and hope that you will join us in your education venture!”
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$25,200
Award Amount
1
Award
Nov 25
Deadline
Columbia Southern University is an online university in Orange Beach, Alabama. Columbia Southern University recognizes the sacrifices made by the family members of America's military men and women. To honor family members, CSU will provide one scholarship to the spouse of an Active-duty member. The award is available to both future and current CSU students, the scholarship will cover up to $25,200 in one online degree program. The scholarship will be applied directly to the recipient's tuition for up to 36 consecutive months or until the completion of the selected online degree program, whichever comes first.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 31
Deadline
Western Governors University is an accredited online university that offers online bachelors and masters degrees. One of the awards they offer are the WGU leadership scholarships. The program aims to help women who want to jumpstart their careers by earning a bachelor or masters degree online.
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$2,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Feb 5
Deadline
Bemidji State University, located in Minnesota, offers undergraduate, graduate and online degree programs. They offer five scholarships for BSU distance learners. Each online degree scholarship is for $1,000 except for the Niganawenimaanaanig Program Grant which awards $2,000 plus. The Niganawenimaanaanig Program Grant is available only to American Indian nursing students. The Edward Gersich Distance Education Scholarship goes to students in any distance learning degree program. The Michael McKinley Distance Learning Scholarship and the Northern Minnesota Distance Learning Professional Scholarship are for business students while the Gladys McKinley Distance Learning Scholarship is for those who are pursuing teaching degrees.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 1
Deadline
Study.com is a learning platform that offers study help, test prep, information about colleges, careers and college credit. Each year they offer one $500 scholarship to a student who is pursuing an online associate or bachelors degree in one of their approved education majors.
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$25,200
Award Amount
1
Award
May 28
Deadline
The scholarship will cover up to $25,200 in one online degree program. The scholarship will be directly applied to the recipient’s tuition for up to 60 semester hours or 36 consecutive months in the selected online degree program, whichever comes first. This scholarship covers tuition only. Textbooks and fees are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient.
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$2,000
Award Amount
10
Awards
May 28
Deadline
Western Governors University is an accredited online university offering online bachelors and masters degrees. WGU has partnered with the National Military Family Association to offer active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses an opportunity to advance their education. This is a competitive program and scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, financial need, readiness for online study at WGU, and current competency, plus other considerations. It can be used in addition to any tuition discounts you may be eligible for.
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EXPERT INSIGHT
It is important to beware of deadlines. State grant money is often distributed to students on a first-come, first-served basis. You should complete your application as early as possible because all of the available grant money might be gone before the actual deadline
-Dave Moniz (BA)
Online learning is a growing area of the education industry. Sometimes you take classes with your peers at set times using Zoom. And other times, you might log in anytime to progress at your own pace. Either way, there is an access portal which functions like a campus. The online portal is where you may find your courses, submit assignments, and reach out to professors and classmates.
One of the perks of online learning is the ease. You can study from anywhere you have a computer and internet connection. So, many busy adults find it an ideal way to refresh skills without giving up an ongoing career. Online education is becoming so popular that even many traditional-aged college students are opting to study online either fully or in part.
What Can I Study Online?
Many of the top online colleges feature a wide range of majors. They offer certificates, plus degrees at all levels. There are online degrees for associate, bachelors, master’s and even doctoral students!
Whether you are interested in studying business, psychology, education, or even science and engineering, you can complete your program 100% online!
Want a New Career? Upskill By Studying Online
Many individuals are upskilling in emerging technology areas including artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. Drexel University, Arizona State University, and Southern New Hampshire University are just a few of the schools that offer online bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity, a field with over 3.5 million current job openings, according to Cybercrime Magazine.
Artificial Intelligence is another popular program to study completely online, a field where the average worker makes over $ 100,000 a year, according to Glassdoor. If you are looking for a new and exciting career in AI, online certificate programs that can be completed in as few as 6 months, are offered by MIT, Stanford University, and the California Institute of Technology. These programs require no prior experience in AI.
Other well-known schools including Northeastern University, University of Arizona, Full Sail University offer full online degree programs in AI.
Are Online Degrees Legitimate?
Yes! Many of the most highly regarded college and universities offer fully online degree programs including Arizona State University, University of Massachusetts, University of Southern California, Northeastern University, Texas A&M University Ohio State University, and University of Florida are just a handful of the schools you have likely heard of that offer 100% online degree programs.
A 2024 survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that over 87% of employers recently hired an individual who earned an online degree.
Paying for Online College
If earning your degree online sounds appealing, billions of dollars in financial aid including grants and scholarships may be available to you. Whether you are interested in completing your degree 100% online or just taking a few courses online, there is substantial funding available, and it is very easy to see if you qualify.
Types of Financial Aid for Online Students
Financial aid can come in many forms and from varying sources. Grants and scholarships are often based on need and do not require repayment. You can also fund your education through student loans, which do require repayment.
Grants for Online Students
Billions of dollars in government grants are available for online learners! One of the most common is the federal Pell Grant. Depending on your income, the maximum Pell Grant you may be eligible for is $ 7,395 in 2024-25.
Individual states often have their own grant programs you may be eligible for. Examples include the Cal Grant, Texas Educational Opportunity Grant, Illinois MAP Grants, and New York’s TAP Grants. Program eligibility can vary state-to-state. Some state grants require you to attend public institutions in your state, but many programs provide awards even if you enroll in a private college or university including faith-based institutions.
Scholarships for Active Military, Reservists, and Veterans
If you have or currently serve in the Armed Forces, there are many programs you may qualify for including those available under the Montgomery GI and Post 9/11 GI Bills. Additional benefits are available for active military, reservists and veterans for schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Private Scholarships for Online Students
Many students who qualify for grants and scholarships from the government, schools, or for military services find that while these programs make online college a lot more affordable, they may not cover all of a student’s educational expenses. Private scholarships serve as a lifeline for many students in addressing this gap. That’s why it is so important to consider them as you prepare to go back to school.
There are thousands of private scholarships such as ones you can find right here at unigo.com.Scholarships are offered by churches, temples, and mosques as well as labor/trade unions, civic organizations, corporations, and private foundations. You will be surprised how many different types of scholarships are available and how easy it may be to qualify for a scholarship. Certain scholarships like the Colorado Christian University’s K-LOVE Scholarship offer online learners who apply a minimum $ 1,000 award!
While many scholarships require you to complete an application, the application process is usually fairly straightforward.
Do Schools Offer Scholarships and Grants to Students?
Yes. More colleges and universities are recognizing the importance of making online education affordable. To do so, many schools offer generous grants and scholarships to online students. These grants and scholarships can range from $ 500 to $ 25,000 in awards.
What Colleges Offer Scholarships to Online Learners?
Many schools and programs offer various scholarships or grants for online college students. Southern New Hampshire University, Western Governors University, Liberty University, and Arizona State University are just some of the schools that provide scholarships to online learners.
Will I Qualify for College Grants and Scholarships?
Many students will qualify for some type of grant or scholarship awarded by the college or university they attend. Awards are often based on need but can also be based on merit. Many schools will provide a grant or award simply to encourage you to attend their college or university by making it more affordable.
In order to qualify and be considered for most college grants and scholarships. you will need to be admitted to the school and have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Make sure when you complete your FAFSA you ask that any college or university you may be interested in attending receives your FAFSA information.
Why Apply for Scholarships and Grants?
Grants do not need to be repaid and are specifically offered by the federal government, your state, and many schools to make education more affordable and attainable. Since grants do not need to be repaid, there is no downside in applying for them. Depending on your income, program, and school, grants can potentially cover up to the entire cost of your education!
Tips for Applying for Scholarships and Grants
Applying for most federal, state, and school grants is straight-forward and typically starts with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application has been streamlined but you should still be prepared to provide your income information, which may include your spouse’s income if applicable. In order to receive any federal financial aid, state grants, and even school grants and scholarships, you will need to complete the FAFSA.
When you finish completing the FAFSA, make sure and request your information be sent to the colleges and universities you are interested in attending as well as to your state financial aid program. Doing so will help streamline the awarding of all grants you may be eligible for when it comes time to finalize your college plans..
Why Apply for a Private Scholarship?
Unlike a loan, you do not have to pay back scholarship money. You may use the scholarship funds toward tuition and fees. Even if you are eligible to receive a federal or state grant or scholarship from your school, you may still have a gap between what you receive in financial aid and what you owe for tuition and fees. This is why private scholarships can be so important for online college students.
Amounts for online college scholarships vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Some pay only one time, while others renew if you keep good grades.
You should look for scholarships that match your interests, achievements, and future goals. For instance, if you are a medical student, then look for medical scholarships.
Scholarships provide academic, professional and financial benefits. Your chance of earning a scholarship might increase by applying to many awards. Local scholarships or ones from your college might be a good idea to start with. Scholarships might help students earn a degree without breaking the bank.
What About Student Loans for Online Students?
Both federal and private student loans are available for online learners. Unlike grants, student loans do need to be repaid. Federal student loans typically have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options compared to private loans. Before you borrow, you should apply for any grants and private scholarships you may qualify for.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
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Edited by Unigo Staff