Degree School Loan

Online Schools That Accept FAFSA (and How to Get Financial Aid)

BY OnDegrees Editorial Team
Published January 3, 2025 · Reviewed July 16, 2026

In today's digital age, online education has become increasingly popular, offering flexibility and accessibility to students seeking to advance their education while balancing work, family, and other commitments. However, the cost of tuition and other expenses can be a barrier for many individuals considering online programs. Fortunately, federal financial aid options, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are available to help eligible students cover the cost of their education at online schools.

What is FAFSA and How Does it Work?

FAFSA is a form provided by the U.S. Department of Education that collects information about a student's financial situation to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. The information provided on the FAFSA is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used by schools to determine the amount of financial aid a student may receive.

Online Schools That Accept FAFSA

Many online colleges and universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of their financial aid process. Here are some reputable online institutions that commonly accept FAFSA:

1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

SNHU offers a wide range of online degree programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, and liberal arts. The university is known for its affordable tuition, flexible scheduling options, and strong student support services.

2. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global offers online programs designed for working adults seeking to advance their education and careers. With a diverse range of degree options, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, Purdue Global provides rigorous academic instruction and personalized support to its students.

  • Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

  • Phone: 844-PURDUE-G (844-787-3834)

3. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

UMGC specializes in providing online education to military personnel, veterans, and working adults. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs, in areas such as cybersecurity, business management, healthcare administration, and more.

4. Western Governors University (WGU)

WGU is a nonprofit online university that offers competency-based degree programs in fields such as business, education, healthcare, and information technology. Students progress through their coursework at their own pace, completing assessments to demonstrate mastery of the material.

  • Location: Millcreek, Utah

  • Phone: 801-274-3280

5. Arizona State University Online (ASU Online)

ASU Online offers a variety of online degree programs taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. The university provides a supportive online learning environment and offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in diverse areas such as engineering, nursing, social sciences, and more.

6. Liberty University Online

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world and offers a wide range of online degree programs with a Christian worldview perspective. Students can pursue degrees in areas such as business, education, psychology, theology, and criminal justice.

7. University of Florida Online (UF Online)

UF Online offers bachelor's degree programs in various fields, including business administration, computer science, nursing, and public relations. The university is known for its high academic standards and rigorous coursework delivered in a flexible online format.

8. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers more than 150 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and minors. The university provides comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and technical support.

  • Location: State College, Pennsylvania

  • Phone: 814-865-4700 

9. Grand Canyon University (GCU) Online

GCU offers a variety of online degree programs designed for working professionals, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university emphasizes experiential learning and offers opportunities for students to gain practical skills through internships and field experiences.

  • Location: Phoenix, Arizona

  • Phone: 855-428-5673 

10. Walden University

Walden University offers online degree programs in fields such as education, healthcare, business, psychology, and public administration. The university is committed to social change and offers programs that focus on leadership, diversity, and advocacy.

Online Schools That Accept FAFSA (and How to Get Financial Aid)

BY OnDegrees Editorial Team
Reviewed July 16, 2026

In today's digital age, online education has become increasingly popular, offering flexibility and accessibility to students seeking to advance their education while balancing work, family, and other commitments. However, the cost of tuition and other expenses can be a barrier for many individuals considering online programs. Fortunately, federal financial aid options, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), are available to help eligible students cover the cost of their education at online schools.

What is FAFSA and How Does it Work?

FAFSA is a form provided by the U.S. Department of Education that collects information about a student's financial situation to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. The information provided on the FAFSA is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used by schools to determine the amount of financial aid a student may receive.

Online Schools That Accept FAFSA

Many online colleges and universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as part of their financial aid process. Here are some reputable online institutions that commonly accept FAFSA:

1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

SNHU offers a wide range of online degree programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, and liberal arts. The university is known for its affordable tuition, flexible scheduling options, and strong student support services.

2. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global offers online programs designed for working adults seeking to advance their education and careers. With a diverse range of degree options, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, Purdue Global provides rigorous academic instruction and personalized support to its students.

  • Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

  • Phone: 844-PURDUE-G (844-787-3834)

3. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

UMGC specializes in providing online education to military personnel, veterans, and working adults. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as certificate programs, in areas such as cybersecurity, business management, healthcare administration, and more.

4. Western Governors University (WGU)

WGU is a nonprofit online university that offers competency-based degree programs in fields such as business, education, healthcare, and information technology. Students progress through their coursework at their own pace, completing assessments to demonstrate mastery of the material.

  • Location: Millcreek, Utah

  • Phone: 801-274-3280

5. Arizona State University Online (ASU Online)

ASU Online offers a variety of online degree programs taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. The university provides a supportive online learning environment and offers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels in diverse areas such as engineering, nursing, social sciences, and more.

6. Liberty University Online

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world and offers a wide range of online degree programs with a Christian worldview perspective. Students can pursue degrees in areas such as business, education, psychology, theology, and criminal justice.

7. University of Florida Online (UF Online)

UF Online offers bachelor's degree programs in various fields, including business administration, computer science, nursing, and public relations. The university is known for its high academic standards and rigorous coursework delivered in a flexible online format.

8. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers more than 150 online programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and minors. The university provides comprehensive student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and technical support.

  • Location: State College, Pennsylvania

  • Phone: 814-865-4700 

9. Grand Canyon University (GCU) Online

GCU offers a variety of online degree programs designed for working professionals, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university emphasizes experiential learning and offers opportunities for students to gain practical skills through internships and field experiences.

  • Location: Phoenix, Arizona

  • Phone: 855-428-5673 

10. Walden University

Walden University offers online degree programs in fields such as education, healthcare, business, psychology, and public administration. The university is committed to social change and offers programs that focus on leadership, diversity, and advocacy.