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.

In today's competitive job market, having a college degree makes all the difference. For those individuals who are too busy with jobs or family life to attend college classes at a physical campus location, online learning at accredited universities can be a good alternative. Below are the best online colleges in the United States where degrees can be earned entirely online, without ever having to set foot inside a classroom.

Top Online Universities

	University of Phoenix — Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs. The University of Phoenix is America's largest institution of higher learning. The student body of over 420,000 study one of 100 degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral levels at more than 200 campuses worldwide. The University of Phoenix has an open enrollment policy, and only requires proof of a high-school diploma, GED, or its equivalent.
	Liberty University — Associates, Bachelors, and Masters. The mission of Liberty University is to promote both the intellectual and spiritual development of its students. Located in Virginia, the university boosts over 12,000 residential students and more than 45,000 online students, making it one of the largest Christian universities in the world.
	Boston University — Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs. Founded in 1839, Boston University is one of the nation's largest private universities. Through its many colleges, Boston University confers the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree, including medical and dental degrees. Boston University has a large study abroad program, with campuses in London and Dubai.
	Walden University — Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs. Through its online program, Walden University confers the Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), Education Specialist (Ed.S.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), and Ph.D.
	Ashford University — Associates, Bachelors, and Masters. Located in Clinton, Iowa, Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees both on campus and online. The university, founded in 1918, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Student Government Association produces a variety of activities on campus, including intramurals, homecoming, and a host of extracurricular activities.
	Kaplan University — Associates, Bachelors, and Masters. Getting its name from the founder of the popular test prep books, Kaplan University offers degrees at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's level. In addition, students may pursue certificates in education, business, information technology, arts and sciences, healthcare, nursing, criminal justice, and law.
	Capella University — Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Capella University's online programs confer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in business, information technology, education, psychology, public health, public safety, and human services. Composed of mostly graduate students, Capella's student body hail from all 50 states and 55 countries.
	Strayer University — Associates, Bachelors, and Masters. Strayer University is known for its programs aimed at working adults seeking career advancement. At its more than 75 campuses, Strayer provides instruction leading to degrees in accounting, business, criminal justice, information systems, management, public administration, health services administration, and education.
	DeVry University — Associates, Bachelors, and Masters. A leader in its field, DeVry University offers courses in business administration, computer information systems, engineering, network and communications management, and health information technology, to name a few. The university operates on a trimester schedule which allows students to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in as little as three years.
	Argosy University — Bachelors, Masters, and PhDs. Geared toward the busy professional, Argosy University offers flexible online learning programs that can be taken conveniently from home or work. Subjects offered from this Chicago-based university include business, psychology, medical, liberal arts, and education.
	Grand Canyon University — Bachelors and Masters. Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university located in Phoenix, Arizona. Grand Canyon University offers its student body of more than 25,000 online and campus-based courses at the bachelor's and master's level. The university emphasizes individual attention for both the traditional and working professional student.
	American InterContinental University — Associates, Bachelors, and Masters. American InterContinental University features both in class and online courses leading to associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The university offers programs in business administration, criminal justice, education, healthcare management, information technology, marketing, and visual communication. The university also features an extensive study abroad program, which allows students to expand their global mindset.
	Westwood College — Associates and Bachelors. Westwood College offers degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's level in such fields as business administration, criminal justice, game art and design, medical assistance, and computer network management. The university is regarded for its free tutoring program and computer support network.
	Everest University — Associates, Bachelors, and Masters. Everest University is a system of universities located throughout the United States and Canada. The university offers career specific programs as well as the Master of Business Administration and Master of Criminal Justice. Courses are taught in a variety of formats, including daytime, night, weekend, and online.
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