Top 5 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in 2025
Access thousands of exclusive scholarships
for free
Getting a college degree might feel more challenging than ever, especially with rising tuition costs and the time commitments of traditional on-campus programs. Thankfully, online colleges that accept FAFSA make earning your degree more accessible by offering flexibility and financial aid opportunities.
Online education is designed to fit your lifestyle, making it easier to balance family responsibilities, pursue your career goals, or dedicate time to passion projects. For many students, online colleges provide the ideal path to achieving higher education without sacrificing their other commitments.
With years of experience in college admissions and finance, here at Bold.org, we can help you iron out the fine details of how to get a degree online. Keep reading for specifics on how financial aid works for online students. In particular, we're going to walk you through which online colleges accept the FAFSA, give a brief overview of how FAFSA and federal student aid programs work, and leave you with some of the top online colleges across the country that accept FAFSA.
Sign up for a FREE Bold profile and apply for scholarships today!
Get Matched to Thousands of Scholarships
Create your Bold.org profile to access thousands of exclusive scholarships, available only on Bold.org.
Create Free ProfileTop Online Colleges that Accept FAFSA
With the many colleges and universities out there, finding the online programs you're looking for can be overwhelming—which is why I've compiled a list of the top online colleges that accept FAFSA. Check them out!
1. Harvard University Online
Yes, even elite schools like Harvard offer online learners a chance to receive a quality education with the help of FAFSA! Harvard offers both undergraduate and graduate online degrees in various fields:
- Biology
- Engineering
- English
- International studies
- Mathematics for teaching
- Journalism
- Software Engineering
Check out these graduate student scholarships to help you pay for school!
2. University of Florida Online
Coming in second is the University of Florida. As one of the top universities in the Sunshine State and the #1 online college in Florida, UF offers online bachelor's and master’s degrees in various fields, including:
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Education Sciences
- Early Childhood Education
- Health Education
- Journalism
- Art Education
- Sports Management
Students attending UF online may be eligible for internal scholarships in addition to federal aid.
3. Kansas State University
Located in Manhattan, Kansas, KSU's online program was ranked one of the best online bachelor’s degree programs by U.S. News & World Report. KSU offers bachelor's degree programs in:
- Animal Sciences
- Business Administration (different variations)
- Digital Innovation in Media
- Educational Studies
- Hospitality Management
- Nutrition and Health
- Social Science
4. Purdue University Global
As one of the only online colleges in the U.S., Purdue University Global offers students the chance to receive a top education with federal aid assistance. With 171 online degree programs, students can receive a bachelor's and/or master's degree in:
- Business
- Education
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Legal Studies
Purdue Global has been known to be generous with funding and offers students private scholarships. As always, visit their site for more information.
5. Western Governors University
As another fully online college, WGU is a private online university that offers both undergraduate and graduate level programs in:
- Business
- Accounting
- Digital Marketing
- Nursing
- Human Resource Management
- Healthcare Administration
- Computer Sciences
Bold.org offers unique scholarships created for students of all educational interests. Check these scholarships out!
Other Notable Online Colleges
The best online colleges don't just end at #5. Below are more online programs that offer quality education with the help of government assistance:
- Arizona State University Global (ASU)
- Penn State World Campus (PSU)
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Capella University
- American Public University (APU Online)
- Florida Technical University (FIT Online)
- Grand Canyon University (GCU)
- Saint Leo University (SLU)
- Columbia College (CCIS)
These colleges and universities offer online learning programs for students with versatile interests, both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Create Your Free Profile to Apply for Scholarships Today!
Understanding FAFSA and Federal Student Aid
Federal financial aid programs consist of work-study, Pell grants, federal student loans, and more. According to College Consensus, the US Board of Education releases $112 billion in funds for work-study, grants, and federal student loans a year to colleges and universities, including online programs. But, what's the purpose of FAFSA?
Purpose of the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application form students must fill out in order to know what kind of and how much financial aid they are eligible for.
Unless you have the means to afford your college education without taking out private student loans, filling out the FAFSA is considered the most crucial part of the financial aid process since it is the only way to determine what kind of federal financial aid from colleges/universities and the federal government you may qualify for.
NOTE: Each year, the FAFSA is available starting October 1. The deadline is June 30.
Types of Aid Available Through FAFSA
While there are many forms of aid out there, only a few forms of federal aid are available to students. Let’s break down the different types of federal aid available through FAFSA:
- Grants: offered by the federal or state government to students attending college
- Loans: awarded to students based on financial need that must be paid back, almost always with interest
- Work-study: a program available through your institution that allows students to work part-time to earn money for college expenses
Be sure to mark your calendars to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to apply for financial aid!
Accreditation and FAFSA Eligibility
While filling out the FAFSA is important, knowing your school’s accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education is just as important. Accreditation means that a school meets specific academic standards and eligibility requirements.
Why Accreditation Is Important for FAFSA
You need to make sure your school has accreditation in order to receive federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Though you can consider applying to any schools you like, keep in mind that getting financial aid will be much easier if you're attending an accredited institution.
If a school loses its accreditation after a student has already received federal aid, the student may still receive aid while enrolled at the institution. However, students would lose their aid if they transfer to another school that is not accredited.
Keep in mind: Only accredited schools are eligible for federal financial aid. For a student to be eligible for grants, loans, and/or work-study programs, they must be enrolled in an accredited online school. If the school is not accredited, a student will not qualify for most types of aid.
Main Accreditation Types
When it comes to accreditation, the two most common forms are:
- Institutional Accreditation: This applies to an entire institution, that is, all parts of the institution is contributing to the success of the school.
- Specialized/Programmatic Accreditation: This type of accreditation applies to certain programs, departments, or specific schools within your institution.
Other Types of Accreditation
- Regional Accreditation: This applies to schools within a specific region and tends to be more accepted when transferring credits.
- National Accreditation: This applies to trade/vocational schools. For-profit schools may be nationally accredited, as well.
Accreditation is crucial because it determines whether a school can offer students financial assistance through the FAFSA or not. Be sure to check with your school's registrar or financial aid department to verify its type of accreditation.
Strategies for Reducing Student Debt
At this point, we all know how expensive a college education can be, which can lead us to take on student loans. At Bold.org, we pride ourselves on offering students scholarships and grants to help them reach their educational goals.
Here are some ways to help reduce your risk of accruing serious student debt with the help of other financial aid options:
- Apply for scholarships and grants
- Consider a part-time job or work-study program
- Borrow only what is necessary
- Enroll in community college
- Be wise about what you borrow
- Create a budget to estimate college costs
- Limit living expenses by creating a personal budget
- Understand loan details, like interests, fees, and repayment plans
- Research your institution's financial options
Tips for Choosing the Best Online College
With some online colleges offering over 160 online undergraduate and graduate programs, how do you know which is best for you? Here are some tips that can help you figure it out.
- Accreditation! We spoke about this, but it's at the top of the list! Your school's certification will determine if you are eligible for federal financial aid and if you are able to transfer credits. Start there.
- Find your major/field of study. The best online program for you should always support your academic interests and goals.
- Tuition costs. Knowing the kind of financial responsibility you will be taking on is essential. Budget for how many years you anticipate spending in school. Apply for financial aid through your school and third-party organizations, like scholarship platforms.
- Make sure your program is fully online! Some programs may need some on-campus time, which may not work with your schedule. Be sure to verify the program details to ensure you will be online 100% of the time.
- Think about your future. The degree program for you should make you feel confident about your future. This means knowing what is at the end of the line for you. Ask yourself questions like:
- Where can this degree take me?
- Does this program offer internships?
- Will I be able to network throughout the course of the program?
- What can I get at the end of this journey?
Remember: the right online program will make you feel confident, supported, and excited to start your future.
Additional Resources for Online Students
I will say this over and over again until you hear it: use every resource at hand that can lead you to success, especially when it comes to post-graduate opportunities. If you're in need or have questions regarding your next steps, these sources can help:
- Career counseling services
- Career fairs
- Job placement services
- Alumni networks
Getting a college degree can be one of the most fulfilling moments in your life. Start your online college journey today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges that Accept FAFSA
Do online students get the same financial aid as on-campus students?
Yes, students enrolled in eligible online programs can typically access the same types of federal financial aid as on-campus students. However, the availability of certain types of aid, such as work-study, may depend on the online program and the institution's policies. Make sure to speak with your school's financial aid office for more information on their financial aid packages.
How do I know which online school is best for me?
The best online school for you will align with your goals, interests, and career aspirations. Take time to research each college, ensuring they offer programs that match your passions and provide the resources you need to succeed.
What if my online school is not accredited?
If your school is not accredited, unfortunately, you will not be able to receive federal aid through them. For a school to qualify for federal financial assistance, it must be accredited. Always check the school’s website for information on accreditation before including them on your FAFSA application. Don't underestimate the power of research!
Need more help on choosing colleges or finding ways to cut costs? Check out our scholarship blog for more guides.
About Chanelle
Chanelle is a dedicated and seasoned writer, editor, and researcher. She’s familiar with college admissions, finding and applying for scholarships, and the financial aid process.
She graduated from the University of South Florida with a major in English, Creative Writing with a specialization in Technical Writing.
Experience
Chanelle has over a decade of experience in the writing industry, specializing in blog writing, SEO writing, editing, translations, corporate writing, and various forms of creative writing. She founded and operated Femme Feature Magazine, an online and print publication dedicated to celebrating women in all corners of the creative field. An avid reader, Chanelle is constantly seeking refined and innovative ways to tell her stories. Writing is her foremost passion, and she is always on the lookout for her next narrative adventure.
Since joining the Bold.org team in 2023, Chanelle has brought her enthusiasm for merging the writing and digital worlds. She is dedicated to assisting students and young adults in navigating their educational and professional journeys.
Chanelle's unwavering commitment to her craft and her dedication to helping others shine through in her work. Leveraging her personal and professional experiences, she provides invaluable support to students, empowering them to achieve their goals and realize their potential.
Quote from Chanelle
“There is always a way to say the same thing over and over again. You just have to be creative and think outside the box.”