Online colleges are not just more convenient for many students; they are also less expensive, in general, than getting a degree from a typical campus college. Unfortunately, just because they’re less expensive doesn’t mean that they’re free! Getting your degree online can still cost a pretty penny, so financial aid can be crucial for you to afford going back to school.

There are multiple kinds of financial aid available for online students, but one of the best is the scholarship. Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t have to be repaid when you’re finished with school, and unlike grants, they aren’t always based on financial need. Scholarships are given based on merit, such as academic achievement, talents in areas such as music and sports, or essay writing.

As a non-traditional student, it is important first to ensure that you qualify for the scholarships to which you want to apply. At one time, scholarship committees typically didn’t open their funds to online students, but today, this has changed in most cases, as long as your school is accredited. Students in non-accredited programs may also be eligible, depending on the program. Some scholars are still only available to students attending traditional campus colleges, and while this is increasingly rare, it is important to check before spending time to apply. When in doubt, contact the scholarship committee to find out if you qualify for the money.

Scholarships come from three sources. First, you can check out government scholarship resources. Some government scholarships are available to all students regardless of major. Other scholarships, often available through specific government departments, are only available to students in certain programs of study.

Along with the government, private organizations and groups often offer scholarships for students. Again, scholarships are available both for general students and for students in specific fields of study. Many private scholarships are awarded based on an essay you write, turning it into a kind of contest. Therefore, even if you don’t have the best grades or any special talents, you can still qualify for money for your education by writing a strong essay. Some of the private organizations and companies that offer general scholarships include the following:

• Alliant Energy Foundation
• Comcast
• Junior League
• Prudential
• Kohl’s
• Disney
• Women in Service to Appalachia
• Gates Foundation
• Truman Foundation
• Holocaust Remembrance Project
• Oakseed Ministries International
• National WWII Museum
• Coca-Cola Foundation
• Bank of America
• Dell

In addition, you can look to your college for scholarships. Many schools, both online and off, have scholarships available to their students based on standardized test scores, high school grades, entrance essays, community service, and more. You can contact your school’s financial aid department to learn more about all of the opportunities, and don’t forget to also talk to the head of your academic department. They can tell you about scholarships available through alumni and business supporting students in your specific department.

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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