Are you interested in pursuing higher education but worried about the cost? Fortunately, there are many online colleges that accept FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and offer affordable tuition rates. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing a shift towards online learning, it’s the perfect time to consider these options. In this article, we will explore some of the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA.
One of the best options for those seeking affordable online education is Excelsior College. Founded in 1971, Excelsior offers a range of degree programs, including business, nursing, and liberal arts. Tuition for undergraduate programs is just $510 per credit hour, making them one of the most affordable online colleges around. In addition, Excelsior offers a wealth of resources for online students, including career planning services, academic support, and an online library with access to thousands of e-books and journals.
Another great option for prospective students on a budget is the University of the People. This fully online university was founded in 2009 with the mission of providing accessible education to students from all over the world. Tuition at the University of the People is completely free, although students are required to pay fees for exams and other materials. Despite its low cost, the University of the People is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and offers a range of degree programs, including business administration, computer science, and health science. With its focus on accessibility and affordability, the University of the People is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality online education at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities.
Cheapest Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA
There are various online colleges that are affordable and accept FAFSA.
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Top 3 Cheapest Online Colleges that Accept FAFSA
1. Rio Salado College, 2. Great Basin College, 3. Thomas Edison State University.
The Cheapest Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA
1. Introduction:
It is a well-known fact that college education costs a lot, and for some people, it may get too expensive to afford. However, there is good news for those who don’t want to break the bank to get a college degree – online education. With the advent of technology, online education has become increasingly popular, and many colleges and universities have started offering their programs online.
2. What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is an application that students fill out to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid programs. These programs include grants, loans, and work-study offerings and help students pay for the cost of their education. FAFSA is accepted by most colleges and universities in the United States, which makes it an essential tool for anyone seeking to fund their college education.
3. The Cheapest Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA:
3.1 University of the People
The University of the People is an accredited online university that offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. The university doesn’t charge any tuition fees, and students only have to pay an application fee of $60 and an assessment fee of $100 to $200 per course. In addition, the University of the People accepts FAFSA, making it an excellent option for those who need financial assistance to pay for their education.
3.2 Rio Salado College
Rio Salado College is a community college in Tempe, Arizona, that offers a variety of online associate degree programs in areas such as healthcare, business, education, and humanities. The college charges a tuition fee of $85 per credit hour, which is significantly lower than many other colleges. Rio Salado College also accepts FAFSA, making it an affordable option for students who need financial aid to pay for their education.
3.3 Western Governors University
Western Governors University is an online university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in areas such as healthcare, education, business, and information technology. The university charges a flat-rate tuition fee of $3,225 for a six-month term, which means students can take as many courses as they want during that term without incurring extra costs. Western Governors University is also approved for participation in federal student aid programs, including FAFSA.
3.4 Excelsior College
Excelsior College is a private, non-profit online college that offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in areas such as nursing, education, business, and criminal justice. The college charges a flat tuition fee of $510 per credit hour, which is considerably lower than many other online colleges. Excelsior College is also a participant in federal student aid programs and accepts FAFSA as a means of payment for tuition fees.
3.5 Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University is a public university based in Trenton, New Jersey, that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various areas such as healthcare, business, and technology. The university charges a tuition fee of $3,336 for a 12-credit undergraduate term and $4,392 for a 9-credit graduate term. Thomas Edison State University accepts FAFSA, making it an affordable option for those who need financial aid to pay for their online education.
4. Conclusion
Online education is becoming increasingly popular. It offers a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional college education. The colleges and universities listed above are some of the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA. They offer high-quality education at an affordable price and provide students with the necessary resources to achieve their academic goals. If you’re looking for an affordable online college education, then consider applying to one of these institutions.
FAQ
1. What are the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA?
There are many affordable online colleges that accept FAFSA. Some of the most affordable include the University of the People, Western Governors University, and Rio Salado College. These colleges offer online degree programs at a fraction of the cost of traditional universities, and they also accept federal financial aid in the form of FAFSA. Additionally, many state universities offer online programs that are much less expensive than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, so it’s worth checking those out as well.
2. Can I get financial aid if I attend an online college?
Yes, you can still receive federal financial aid if you attend an online college. The government offers Pell Grants, student loans, and other forms of aid to eligible students regardless of whether they attend a traditional or online college. However, each school has its own policies and procedures for administering financial aid, so you will need to check with the specific schools you are interested in attending to learn more about their process for awarding aid.
While most affordable online colleges are upfront about their costs, there may be additional fees beyond tuition that you should be aware of before enrolling. Some online colleges may charge technology fees, lab fees, or other supplementary charges depending on the program you are pursuing. It is important to read the fine print and ask questions to ensure you understand the total cost of attendance before enrolling in any program.
4. Will my degree from an online college be valued the same as a traditional degree?
Yes, as long as the online college is accredited, your degree will be seen as just as valuable as a degree earned from a traditional brick-and-mortar school. Accreditation ensures that the institution meets certain academic standards, regardless of whether the school is online or traditional. In fact, many employers are increasingly interested in hiring candidates with online degrees because it shows they have the self-motivation and discipline to complete a degree in a non-traditional format.
5. How do I know if an online college is accredited?
Before enrolling in any online program, it is important to ensure that the school is accredited. This means that the school has been reviewed by an external organization to ensure that it meets certain academic standards. To check if a school is accredited, you can visit the website of the Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These websites maintain lists of all accredited institutions in the United States.
6. Can I transfer credits from another college to an online college?
Yes, most online colleges will accept credits transferred from another accredited institution. However, the specific requirements for transferring credits may vary from school to school, so it is important to check with your prospective program to learn more about their policies and procedures regarding credit transfers. Additionally, some programs may require that you complete a certain number of credits at their school before being eligible for graduation.
7. How long will it take to earn a degree from an online college?
The amount of time it takes to earn a degree from an online college will depend on a number of factors, including the specific program you are enrolled in, the number of credits you transfer in, and whether you attend part-time or full-time. Most programs require somewhere between 120 and 180 credits to graduate, which can take anywhere from two to four years to complete.
8. Do I need to have a certain level of computer skill to attend an online college?
While some level of computer proficiency is required to attend an online college, most programs are designed to be user-friendly and accessible to students with a range of technical skill levels. Depending on the program, you may need to be comfortable with basic computing tasks such as emailing, using a word processor, and navigating the internet. However, many schools offer technical support and resources to help students who are new to online learning.
9. Will I have access to the same resources as traditional students, like academic advisors and career services?
Yes, online students typically have access to the same resources as traditional students, including academic advisors, tutoring services, libraries, and career services. Many online programs have dedicated support teams to help students access these resources and get the most out of their educational experience. However, the format for accessing these resources may differ from program to program, so it’s important to check with your specific school to see what support options are available.
10. Are there any scholarships available for students attending online colleges that accept FAFSA?
Yes, there are many scholarships and grants available for students attending online colleges that accept FAFSA. Some scholarships are available specifically to online students, while others are open to all students regardless of their program format. You can find scholarship opportunities through a variety of sources, including your school’s financial aid office, local community organizations, and national scholarship databases like Fastweb and Scholarships.com.