College is expensive, even if you go to school online, with prices that are traditionally lower than you’ll find with programs at campus colleges. So how can you afford school? One of the best sources of money for your college education is the grant. Like scholarships, grants don’t have to be repaid after you graduate, so this is essentially free money for college.

Qualifying for Grants

Students who go to college online often don’t even search for grant opportunities because they assume that they don’t qualify. While at one time, many grants were closed to non-traditional students, this is no longer the case. As long as your college program is accredited (and most are if you’re going to a respected online school), you’ll qualify for almost all grants that are open to students.

The overriding factor with grants is financial need. Scholarships are typically based on merit, but grant programs recognize that not everyone has a 4.0 GPA or can write an award-winning essay. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be given money for college! Grant programs for students are typically heavily based on how much money you or your parents make and how much money you’ll need for your education.

Who Gives Grants

Grants are found from three main sources. First, the United States government is a great source for grants for students. The Federal Pell Grant should be your first application, as this grant is given to all students who financially qualify. Other government departments also have grants, often for students in specific fields of study.

You can also look toward private organizations for grants. Smaller, local organizations, like community groups, often have modest grants available for students living in their neighborhood, and while these grants may not pay for an entire online education, there is less competition for these funds. On the other end of the spectrum, many state and national organizations give grants to students. Remember to look both for general college grants, as well as grants that are specific to your field of study.

Lastly, you can look toward your school for grants. Online colleges, just like traditional colleges, usually have financial aid specifically for their students. All you have to do to get the money is apply annually. Sometimes, departments also have more specialized grants, and your online college may also have alumni groups that sponsor grants for students. Make sure you take advantage of all of these resources.

Applying for Grants

Before you apply to any grant, make sure you confirm that you qualify even if you’re going to school online. While most just ask that the college be accredited, some are only available to traditional students. You should also read the other guidelines for the grants fully. Many students are turned down for grants every year simply because they don’t follow directions or they miss the deadline. When applying for grants, turn in an application that is as perfect as possible so you have a good chance at getting the money you need to pay for your online education.