Can you get scholarships for online colleges?

I'm considering an online college and I'm curious if scholarships are available for online programs just like for traditional ones. Do you know how to find or apply for them?

Absolutely, financial assistance in the form of scholarships is available for students pursuing degrees through online programs, just as they are for traditional brick-and-mortar degree programs. The key difference could be that while some scholarships are available to all types of students, others may be restricted to those attending traditional programs. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. College and University Scholarships: Online colleges often offer scholarships to their students. Check the online college you're considering for available institutional scholarships. They may have scholarships based on factors like academic performance, financial need, or specific fields of study.

2. External Scholarships: There are also numerous scholarships available on a national, state, and local level that aren't tied to specific institutions. These scholarships usually have different requirements and cover a wide range of criteria. Some are even tailored specifically to online students. Websites like Appily and Fastweb can be useful resources for finding these scholarships.

3. Department Scholarships: If you have a concrete idea of what you want to study, you could see if the relevant department at the online college you're considering offers specific scholarships.

4. Employer Scholarships: If you are working while studying, your employer might offer educational benefits or scholarships you can apply for.

5. FAFSA: In addition to scholarships, don't forget to look into federal financial aid options which can also apply to accredited online colleges. You can do this by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify.

Remember, each scholarship will have specific eligibility requirements and its own application process, usually requiring you to write essays or provide letters of recommendation. Start your search early and keep track of the deadlines. Good luck, and may your studies be successful!