I'm considering attending college online and I'm curious if there are specific scholarships available for online programs. Has anyone had experience finding and applying for these types of scholarships?
Certainly, there are indeed scholarships that are open to students pursuing online degree programs. The availability and type can still depend on other factors, including your field of study, level of study, and even state of residence, as well as your financial need and academic merit.
Some online colleges and universities offer their own scholarships based on a variety of factors such as: academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and more. So, the first place to look would be the school's website and financial aid office.
Next, websites like Appily, Fastweb, and Scholarships.com provide a broad database of scholarships where you can filter based on your unique criteria, including online studies.
There are also private organizations and foundations that offer scholarships like GetEducated.com, which provides several scholarships specifically for online students.
Another action to consider, if you haven't done so already, would be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It can provide access not just to federal aid and loans, but can also be a requirement for some scholarships.
It's definitely an endeavor that requires some time and research, but remember: these are avenues for essentially "free money" for your education, so it's often worth the effort.
It's important to remember that legitimate scholarships will not ask for an application fee. There are many scams out there, so be cautious in your search. As the old saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always research the scholarship and the organization behind it to ensure it is legitimate before applying.
Good luck with your scholarship search!
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