How to Find Scholarships for Online Programs That Actually Pay

How to Find Scholarships for Online Programs That Actually Pay

Paying for college or vocational training is a top concern for many Americans—especially adult learners and working professionals considering an online education. The good news? ​There are thousands of scholarships available for online students, and many of them are surprisingly generous.

This article will walk you through where to find these scholarships, how to qualify, and how to increase your chances of receiving real financial support for your online program.

Why Scholarships for Online Students Matter

Online education may seem less expensive than traditional, in-person schooling, but the costs can still add up. Tuition, textbooks, software subscriptions, and time off work all create financial strain.

Fortunately, ​online students are eligible for nearly all the same scholarships​ as on-campus students—including federal aid, institutional grants, and private awards.

Even better, ​many scholarships are now specifically designed for online learners, working adults, and non-traditional students.

Types of Scholarships You Can Apply For

Here are the main categories of scholarships available to online learners in the U.S.:

1. Federal and State Aid

  • ​Pell Grants: Need-based, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • ​Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)​​
  • ​State-specific aid: e.g., Cal Grants (California), TEXAS Grants (Texas).
  • These apply to students enrolled in ​accredited online programs.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

  • Many online schools offer their own financial aid for remote learners.

  • Examples:

    • ​Southern New Hampshire University: "Online Access Grant"
    • ​University of Arizona Global Campus: Transfer and military scholarships
    • ​Liberty University: Online Loyalty Program discounts

3. Private Scholarships for Online Students

  • Sponsored by foundations, companies, or nonprofits.
  • Often geared toward adult learners, parents, veterans, or career changers.

Some examples:

  • ​GetEducated.com Online College Scholarship​ – $1,000 for distance learners
  • ​Imagine America Foundation​ – For adult students entering career colleges
  • ​Scholarships360 Working Parent Scholarship​ – $1,000 annually
  • ​eQuality Scholarship​ – For students in healthcare-related online programs

4. Employer Tuition Assistance

  • Many U.S. companies now ​cover part or all of your online education​ if it's job-related.

  • Employers offering generous tuition benefits include:

    • Amazon Career Choice
    • Walmart's Live Better U
    • Target's Dream to Be program
    • UPS's Earn & Learn

Where to Search for Scholarships

Start your search with trusted scholarship platforms:

  • ​Fastweb.com​
  • ​Scholarships.com​
  • ​Cappex.com​
  • ​Bold.org​
  • ​CollegeBoard Scholarship Search​
  • ​Chegg Scholarships​

Use filters like "online programs," "nontraditional students," or "adult learners" to narrow your results.

Additionally, check:

  • Your school's financial aid website
  • Community organizations and local businesses
  • Professional associations in your field (e.g., American Nurses Association)

How to Make Your Application Stand Out

With so many applicants, writing a compelling and personalized scholarship application is essential. Follow these tips:

  • ​Tailor your essay​ to the specific scholarship and explain how online education helps you achieve your goals.
  • ​Highlight your challenges​ (e.g., working parent, first-generation student, veteran) and how you've overcome them.
  • ​Include recommendation letters​ from employers or professors if allowed.
  • ​Keep a calendar​ of deadlines to avoid missing out.

Pro tip: Reuse core sections of your essays to save time when applying to multiple scholarships—but always customize them slightly.

Real Stories of Scholarship Success

  • ​Tamika, 38, a single mom from Illinois, won the GetEducated.com scholarship while earning an online psychology degree from Capella University. It helped cover her final year's tuition.
  • ​Jorge, 29, used the Amazon Career Choice program to complete an online logistics certificate from Penn Foster and now works as a shift manager.
  • ​Lauren, 44, earned a full scholarship from Liberty University for military spouses and now works in school counseling after completing her master's online.

Watch Out for Scams

Unfortunately, some fake "scholarship" offers exist. Red flags include:

  • Requests for payment or credit card info
  • Promises of guaranteed awards
  • Vague eligibility requirements
  • No real contact info

Stick to well-known platforms and verify the scholarship provider before applying.

Bonus Tips: Stack Your Aid

You can ​combine multiple scholarships, grants, and employer tuition programs to cover your costs. Always apply for:

  • FAFSA-based aid
  • Institutional aid
  • Private scholarships
  • Industry-specific grants

For example, a student might use a Pell Grant, a university scholarship, and a private award like the Imagine America Foundation—all for the same program.

Final Thoughts

Scholarships for online learners are real, abundant, and growing every year. With a bit of effort and smart planning, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of your education.

If you're ready to upskill, switch careers, or earn a degree on your terms, don't let money be the reason you hold back. The support is out there—you just have to apply.