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While finding the best school and program for your personal and professional needs is important, it means almost nothing if you can't afford to attend.
That's why financial aid, especially the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is vital for students who want to attend college. Not every college accepts FAFSA, however.
To help prospective students, Best Accredited Colleges has created a list below of online colleges in the United States that currently accept FAFSA.
List of Online Colleges in the United States That Accept FAFSA
Below you'll learn about some of the biggest and best online colleges in the U.S. that accept FAFSA—this isn't an exhaustive list, but it's a good place to start.
1. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is a nonprofit public online university based in Indiana for accreditation. It was created in 2018 and serves working adults around the world through flexible online education.
To apply for financial aid through Purdue Global, students are required to fill out the FAFSA, participate in loan entrance counseling, and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Once that's complete, the school will discuss your funding offer with you and any remaining costs that aren't covered.
2. Penn State World Campus
The Penn State World Campus (PSWC) is the online campus of Pennsylvania State University. It was established in 1998 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Full and part-time students at PSWC are eligible for financial aid through the FAFSA, but students pursuing a certificate are not.
All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid through the FAFSA, as it also makes them eligible for university scholarships and other aid sources that are specific to the college or FAFSA.
3. Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private nonprofit online university based in Utah. To better serve students across the United States, degree programs from WGU are accredited by the NWCCU, ACBSP, CAEP, CAHIIM, and CCNE.
Much like Purdue Global, the steps for financial aid at WGU are to file the FAFSA, complete entrance counseling, sign the MPN, complete any other required documents, and review your My Financial Aid Plan with the college.
4. Colorado State University Global
Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) is an online public university that's part of the Colorado State University System. It offers certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs online.
Students at CSU Global are encouraged to reach out to an admissions counselor for assistance in filling out the FAFSA and understanding all of their financial aid options.
The FAFSA must be completed and processed by CSU Global at least 10 days before the start of each term to be applied to current courses.
5. University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF), a public research university in Gainesville, is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. It's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
UF's Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships recommends applying for the FAFSA before even being accepted at the school and offers application and aid assistance through the OneStop team.
Students can contact OneStop's team with questions by phone or Zoom Monday through Friday.
6. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private for-profit Christian university in Arizona. As of 2018, it is the largest Christian university in the world by enrollment, with 20,000 students attending in person and 70,000 online.
At GCU, there are specific requirements for financial assistance.
You must be:
- admitted to the university
- enrolled in a degree or certificate program
- in good academic standing
- making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
All students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA regardless of eligibility.
7. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university in the state of New Hampshire accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. It offers over 150 bachelor's degrees online and on campus.
SNHU offers in-person and online assistance to students filing for FAFSA, including how to apply, how to understand your aid offer, and SAP standards.
There's even a financial aid glossary online to help students understand terms and concepts introduced in the FAFSA.
8. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is the largest public university campus in the University System of Maryland. It's accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
At UMGC, you can get college-specific scholarship consideration after filling out the FAFSA. The university has a "How to Apply for Financial Aid" webpage to assist students in filing.
Once completed and reviewed, UMGC will contact students through their online accounts if more information is needed.
Find an Affordable Online Degree Program Today
Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today to learn more about online colleges that accept FAFSA, how to afford your higher education, and what online programs are best suited for your needs.
