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.