Key Takeaways:
- Find out if you are eligible for FAFSA by determining your expected family contribution (EFC).
- Colleges offering online programs that accept FAFSA make education more accessible to students regardless of location.
- Bradley University and Purdue University Global are two examples of online colleges that accept FAFSA.
As the cost of higher education continues to skyrocket and student debt weighs heavily on the shoulders of millions, the quest for an affordable college degree has never been more urgent. In 2025, the average student loan debt in the U.S. has climbed to an eye-watering $37,000 per borrower, according to the Education Data Initiative—leaving graduates struggling with financial pressure long after they’ve donned their caps and gowns.
But there’s hope: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to billions in financial assistance—$135 billion projected for 2025 alone, according to the U.S. Department of Education. For the 61% of college students who file a FAFSA every year, this aid provides a crucial lifeline, turning what could be a crippling debt load into a manageable investment in their future.
Now, there’s a game-changing option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality: online colleges. These flexible programs are not only more accessible, but they can also be significantly cheaper than traditional in-person schools, cutting down on costs like housing and commuting.
As online education continues to grow in popularity, more accredited schools are offering affordable, FAFSA-eligible options for students who want to earn a degree without sinking into overwhelming debt. In this article, we rank the cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA, highlighting schools where opportunity and affordability go hand-in-hand, helping you secure your future without the financial burden.
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How to Use FAFSA for an Accredited Online Degree
Before you start writing a college admissions essay, you first need to find a cheap online college that accepts FAFSA. While it takes some time to complete your online college FAFSA forms, your effort will pay off. If you qualify, financial aid can cover the cost of your tuition, books, supplies, transportation for school-related purposes, and living expenses.
1. See If You Are Eligible
The first step is finding out if you are eligible for this government program. When the government determines who will receive aid, it looks at a range of different factors. The government considers whether you are a dependent student, your income, your number of children, and other financial factors. Then, this information is used to create your expected family contribution (EFC).
The lower your EFC is, the more money you will get. While the EFC is the amount the government believes your family can afford to contribute, your family doesn’t have to provide these funds. In many cases, students have to figure out their own way to pay for an accelerated online degree because their family isn’t able to contribute the EFC amount.
2. Decide on Your Enrollment Status
Next, you need to decide if you want to be a full-time or part-time student. If you are a full-time student, you are eligible for more financial aid options. However, going to school on a full-time basis means that you will have scheduling issues if you want to work at a full-time job. If you have a lot of family responsibilities, it may also be difficult to be a full-time student.
No matter what your decision is, it is important to figure out the answer before you turn in a FAFSA for accredited online degree programs. Some programs are only available to full-time students. If you turn in the wrong enrollment status, you may unintentionally limit the amount of financial aid you can get.
3. Look for Schools Accepting Financial Aid
Before you submit your FAFSA, you need to find online colleges offering financial aid. Some schools do not take part in the FAFSA program. For example, colleges can’t receive federal funding through FAFSA if they don’t have the right type of accreditation.
Once you find accredited online college financial aid options, the next step is looking up the school’s FAFSA school code. You can add up to 10 different universities to your FAFSA application. By adding the school code, you can make sure that the government sends your finished FAFSA to the schools you want to attend.
4. Turn in the Finished FAFSA Forms
Once you have all of your documents ready, it is time to fill out and turn in your FAFSA. You can easily do this through the online portal. This online format is simple to use and allows you to save your work. Plus, using the online process means you can easily return to see the status of your application whenever you need to.
If you don’t want to submit your FAFSA online, you can also mail in your application form. You will still need to go to the website to print a copy of your FAFSA. Mailing tends to be slower, and it is much harder to check on the status of your application. Because of this, the majority of students turn in their FAFSAs online.
5. Review Your Aid Packages
While every school receives the same online college FAFSA information, they won’t always provide you with the same financial aid. Some schools have different amounts of institutional funding to give students. In other cases, you may simply be competing with students who have demonstrated a higher financial need. No matter what the situation, it is important to review each financial aid package you receive to see which one will work better for you.
Five Tips for Finding an Affordable Online College That Accepts FAFSA
- Verify Accreditation: Confirm that the college is accredited. Accreditation is essential for eligibility for federal financial aid, including FAFSA, and ensures the program meets recognized educational standards.
- Research Tuition and Aid Options: Look for colleges with clear financial aid packages and affordable tuition rates. Some schools provide extra resources or even tuition reduction for online students, which can make a big difference.
- Explore Additional Financial Aid Opportunities: Many online colleges offer their own scholarships and grants. Filling out the FAFSA is often the first step in qualifying for both federal aid and institutional scholarships.
- Choose FAFSA-Friendly Schools: Some colleges are known for offering generous financial aid to online students, which can maximize the benefits of FAFSA. Look for institutions with high percentages of students receiving aid.
- Check Federal School Codes: Every school that accepts FAFSA has a unique federal school code, which you’ll need when applying for aid. These codes make it easier to ensure that your FAFSA information goes to the right place.
The Most Affordable Online Colleges Offering Financial Aid
If you are looking for accredited online college financial aid programs, there are a number of options available. While online colleges didn’t use FAFSA when they first started offering degrees, this situation has changed over the last few decades. Today, you can find an affordable online degree at many institutions. The following colleges are all known for accepting FAFSA.
Note: Tuition is current as of November 2024. Other fees may apply. When applicable, in-state tuition is listed.
Bradley University
If you are searching for the most affordable online college, Bradley University is a good place to go. Started in 1897, this school is a private institution that has six different graduate degrees. For bachelor’s degree programs, you can select from one of 185 different concentrations.
Currently, more than 90% of students at Bradley University get some type of financial aid. You can see what grant assistance you qualify for if you turn in your FAFSA. In addition, you may be able to get specific scholarships based on the type of program you enroll in.
Purdue University Global
To discover the easiest online college, you should visit Purdue University Global. Based in Indiana, this online program was started in 2010. It is a part of the larger Purdue University system. The brick-and-mortar version of Purdue University was originally started in 1869.
While the traditional campus has an acceptance rate of just 53%, Purdue University Global accepts 100% of students who apply. This public online university accepts FAFSA. In addition, Purdue helps students pay for school through grants, institutional scholarships, military scholarships, and other types of financial aid.
Anna Maria College
Located in New England, this school was originally started in 1946 by the Sisters of Saint Anne. Today, it remains a Catholic liberal arts college. Whether you want an accelerated online degree or excellent financial aid, this school can help. At Anna Maria College, you can enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Almost 98% of full-time students get financial aid. Depending on your financial need, you may get a scholarship award that ranges between $17,500 and $22,500. To make getting financial aid even easier, the school has a portal for FAFSA on its website.
University of Phoenix
If you are searching for the fastest online degree, the University of Phoenix is worth checking out. This affordable online degree is known for having an easy application process, solid financial aid, and a fast academic program. By taking extra classes each quarter, you can finish your degree early.
While some schools offer more financial aid, the University of Phoenix has several scholarships for incoming students. In addition, students can get the Pell Grant and other forms of federal aid when they attend this school.
University of Arizona Global Campus
University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) is well-known for its flexible online programs, which allow students to complete coursework from anywhere. UAGC is accredited, which means students can use FAFSA to apply for federal aid, making higher education more affordable.
The school offers extensive resources like academic advisors and 24/7 tech support to help online students succeed. Additionally, UAGC’s commitment to diverse degree options provides students with a wide range of career-focused programs.
Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine (CUI) is a top choice for online students because of its reputation for quality education and strong student support. This school participates in the federal FAFSA program, enabling students to access financial aid options that make tuition more affordable.
CUI’s online programs are designed for flexibility, helping students balance their studies with work or family commitments. Furthermore, the university’s Christian-based education approach emphasizes ethics and leadership, which is highly valued by students seeking meaningful careers.
University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is known for its highly respected online programs and robust financial aid options, including FAFSA eligibility. UF Online offers competitive tuition rates, and many students can get additional scholarships and grants to help cover costs. Even UF’s out of state tuition is affordable at $213/ credit.
UF’s online programs feature the same high-quality education as on-campus programs, taught by experienced faculty members. UF also provides resources like academic counseling and career services, which help online students achieve their educational goals.
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a popular choice for online learners, especially those looking for a Christian-based education. GCU participates in the FAFSA program, making it easier for students to apply for federal financial aid.
GCU’s online programs are known for their flexibility, which allows students to study around their own schedules. The university also has a strong reputation for student support, offering resources such as tutoring and career counseling to help online students succeed.
Lewis University
Lewis University is a top online school for students seeking financial aid through FAFSA. It is known for its small class sizes and personalized support, which helps online students feel connected and supported.
Lewis offers a variety of fully online programs that are designed to meet the needs of working adults. Additionally, the university is known for its emphasis on values-based education, focusing on developing students’ professional skills and ethical foundations.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a highly-rated online school that offers a range of degree programs and accepts FAFSA, making it accessible for students seeking financial aid. It provides strong support for online learners, including academic advising and career counseling, which helps students stay on track.
Saint Leo’s online courses are flexible, allowing students to balance their studies with work or other commitments. Additionally, the university emphasizes a values-based education, fostering a sense of ethics and community service, which appeals to students looking to make a positive impact.
Discover Accredited Online College Financial Aid Programs
Today, many online college FAFSA programs can help you save money on your education. By turning in FAFSA for accredited online degree programs, you can save money on your college tuition. The right affordable online degree will accept FAFSA and provide you with institutional grants. Once you have received financial aid packages from every school you applied for, you can determine which package is the right one for your needs.
How to Make Online College Affordable: FAQs
Let’s dive in to some frequently asked questions about FAFSA, financial aid, and making college more affordable in general.
“How does FAFSA work for online colleges, and are there any differences compared to traditional schools?”
FAFSA works the same for online colleges as it does for traditional ones, provided the school is accredited and participates in federal aid programs—most reputable online schools like WGU or SNHU qualify. You submit the FAFSA annually, and aid (grants, loans, work-study) is calculated based on your financial need and the school’s cost of attendance, which includes tuition, fees, and sometimes tech costs for online learners.
The key difference? Online programs often have lower tuition and fewer incidental costs (no room or board), potentially reducing your aid package size but also your overall expenses.
“Which affordable online colleges offer the most generous financial aid packages through FAFSA?”
Schools like Western Governors University (WGU), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), University of Florida Online (UF Online), Arizona State University (ASU) Online, and Penn State World Campus top the list.
WGU’s $3,500 term rate pairs with scholarships for 60% of students; SNHU’s $320-per-credit tuition comes with aid for 93% of enrollees; UF Online offers $129-per-credit resident rates plus grants; ASU Online provides robust aid to 80% of students; and Penn State stacks FAFSA with 400+ scholarships. These schools maximize federal aid with low costs or extra funding.
“Can I use FAFSA to cover living expenses while attending an online college full-time?”
Yes, FAFSA aid can cover living expenses if the school includes them in its cost of attendance (COA), which many online colleges do, even for remote learners. Beyond tuition, COA might account for housing, food, and tech (like a laptop or internet), and aid like Pell
Grants or loans can apply to these costs. For example, if your COA is $15,000 and tuition is $6,000, the remaining $9,000 could offset living expenses—though you’ll need to budget carefully and confirm with your school’s financial aid office.
“What’s the biggest mistake students make when applying for FAFSA for an online degree program?”
The biggest mistake is missing the deadline—FAFSA opens October 1st, and federal aid is first-come, first-served, with some states exhausting funds by spring. In 2023, over $4 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed due to late or incomplete applications, per the National College Attainment Network.
Other pitfalls include not updating dependency status (e.g., if you’re over 24 or married) or skipping it entirely, assuming online programs don’t qualify—costing students thousands in aid they’re entitled to.
“How has the rise of online colleges impacted the amount of financial aid available through FAFSA?”
The surge in online enrollment—up 93% from 2019 to 2023 per the National Center for Education Statistics—hasn’t shrunk the FAFSA pie, which remains over $135 billion annually. Instead, it’s shifted demand, with more students tapping aid for lower-cost online programs.
This can dilute per-student awards slightly as need spreads across more recipients, but it also pressures colleges to offer competitive aid packages. Federal funding adjusts yearly, so the total pot grows with inflation and policy, keeping pace with online education’s rise.