Going to college is an awesome experience with all the learning, new friends, and tons of opportunities. But if you are like many students, the high cost of tuition can be stressful. That is why scholarships are a great way to help pay for college, especially if you are pursuing an online degree. The good news is that there are many scholarships available for students who choose to complete their degrees online. Finding these scholarships and applying for them can help you to achieve your academic and career goals without breaking the bank.
Whether you are looking to finish your degree or just starting fresh, online colleges offer a wide variety of degree programs that can fit your goals and your lifestyle. Along with the growth of online programs has come the growth of scholarships for these programs. With a little research and effort, you could potentially get some considerable financial help to pursue your online degree. In this article, we will help guide you through the scholarship process and give you tips on how to find scholarships that can help cover some or all of the cost of your education.
Scholarships for Online Colleges
There are various scholarships that can help pay for an online college education, saving students from accumulated debt.
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Types of Scholarships for Online Colleges
Scholarships for online colleges can be merit-based, need-based, program-specific, or offered by private organizations, alumni associations, and government agencies, among others.
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Applying for Scholarships for Online Colleges
To increase their chances of being awarded a scholarship, students should conduct thorough research, meet deadlines, read instructions carefully, and submit high-quality applications that highlight their strengths and accomplishments.
Scholarships for Online Colleges
Online colleges have become a popular choice for those who desire flexibility and convenience in their education. However, pursuing an online degree can still be costly, and it’s important to consider the financial burden before committing to a program. Fortunately, there are various scholarships available to help students finance their online education. Here are some of the scholarships you can apply to if you are looking into online colleges.
1. Online Education Scholarship
The Online Education Scholarship is open to students who are enrolling or currently enrolled in an accredited online degree program. The scholarship awards $1,000 to the successful applicant. To be eligible, the applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit a 500-word essay explaining how online education has helped them overcome obstacles to pursue their academic goals.
2. StraighterLine Scholarship
The StraighterLine Scholarship is available to students who are pursuing an online degree from any college or university. Applicants must currently have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and have completed at least 12 credits. The scholarship awards $2,500 to the successful candidate. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay on how online education has impacted their lives and how they intend to use their degree to make a difference.
3. Distance Learning Scholarship
The Distance Learning Scholarship is awarded by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). This scholarship assists students who are residents of one of the 16 Western states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) with tuition costs for an online degree program. The scholarship award varies based on the program and the state of residence.
4. Get Educated Scholarship
The Get Educated Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are currently enrolled in an accredited online degree program. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and submit a 500-word essay about their personal motivation for continuing their education and how they plan to use their degree. The scholarship awards $1,000 to the successful applicant.
5. National Black MBA Association Scholarship
The National Black MBA Association Scholarship is open to African American students who are pursuing an MBA or an equivalent degree from an accredited online program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and complete a 750-word essay outlining their future career aspirations. The scholarship awards up to $10,000 to the successful candidate.
6. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
The Society of Women Engineers Scholarship is awarded to women who are pursuing a degree in engineering or computer science from an accredited online program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a 500-word essay on their academic and career goals. The scholarship awards up to $15,000 to the successful candidate.
7. Next Generation Scholarship
The Next Generation Scholarship is awarded to students who are pursuing an online degree in environmental studies. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and submit a 500-word essay outlining their commitment to environmental stewardship and how their degree will allow them to make a meaningful impact in the field of environmental studies. The scholarship awards up to $1,000 to the successful candidate.
8. American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship
The American Indian College Fund Full Circle Scholarship is available to Native American students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited online program. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. The scholarship awards vary based on the program and the financial need of the applicant.
These are just a few of the many scholarships available for students pursuing an online degree. Don’t let finances hold you back from pursuing your academic goals. Apply for scholarships and financial aid to make your online education dreams a reality!
FAQ
Question 1: Can you get a scholarship for an online college?
Yes, you can get scholarships for online colleges just like you can for traditional colleges. There are many different types of scholarships available for online colleges, including merit-based, need-based, and specialized scholarships.
Question 2: Are online college scholarships difficult to obtain?
Obtaining an online college scholarship is like any other scholarship. It takes time, research, and effort to find the right scholarship for you, and then you need to complete the application process. However, online scholarships can be a bit easier to obtain, as there are often more scholarships available, and the application process can be completed entirely online.
Question 3: Can international students get online college scholarships?
Yes, international students can receive online college scholarships. However, the eligibility requirements for scholarships vary by scholarship, so it’s important to research each scholarship thoroughly to determine if international students are eligible.
Question 4: What’s the difference between a merit-based and need-based scholarship?
Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic or other achievements, while need-based scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Merit-based scholarships often require high academic achievement, outstanding talent in a specific area, or other notable accomplishments. Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, take into account a student’s financial situation and may require income verification.
Question 5: Can I apply for multiple online college scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for multiple online college scholarships. In fact, it’s encouraged! The more scholarships you apply for, the higher your chances of receiving one. Just make sure to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application instructions for each scholarship to ensure you meet the necessary criteria and deadlines.
Question 6: What types of specialized scholarships are available for online colleges?
Specialized scholarships for online colleges can include scholarships for specific majors or fields of study, scholarships for military or veteran students, scholarships for first-generation college students, scholarships for women or minority students, and more. Researching different scholarships can help you find specialized opportunities that fit your unique situation.
Question 7: Are online college scholarships only available from the college itself?
No, online college scholarships may be available from a variety of sources, including the college or university itself, private organizations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. It’s important to research a variety of scholarship options to find the best fit for your needs.
Question 8: Can I use online college scholarships to cover all college expenses?
It depends on the scholarship and its eligibility requirements. Some scholarships may only cover tuition, while others may include additional expenses like books and living expenses. Carefully review the award details for each scholarship to determine what expenses it covers.
Question 9: What’s the typical scholarship amount for online college scholarships?
The amount of a scholarship can vary widely depending on the scholarship and the organization awarding it. Some scholarships may only be a few hundred dollars, while others may cover the full cost of tuition and other expenses. It’s important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and award details for each scholarship to determine its value.
Question 10: How can I increase my chances of receiving an online college scholarship?
To increase your chances of receiving an online college scholarship, it’s important to start the process early and thoroughly research all potential scholarship opportunities. Make sure to carefully review and complete all application requirements, including essays or other supplemental materials. You may also want to consider reaching out to the scholarship organization or committee to inquire about additional tips or advice for submitting a winning application.