These days, more and more students are opting to pursue their college degrees online. Not only is an accredited online degree more flexible, allowing the student to live and work while going to school, but it can also be done from home, potentially saving thousands of dollars in room and board costs.
Still, being an online student isn’t exactly cheap. So to help those obtaining their degree via the internet to fund their education, we’ve come up with a list of 50 great scholarships for online students. While some of these scholarships can only be used for certain colleges and universities, every scholarship on this list is a respected award that seeks to help students overcome the financial challenges of earning a degree.
1,000 Dreams Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to female students attending a two-year or four-year college or university in the U.S.
Female students taking online classes at a two-year or four-year institutions in the United States are welcome to apply for the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship. Each year, five $1,000 awards are given to applicants who are able to demonstrate both financial need and high academic promise. The application process includes two letters of recommendation and an essay explaining how the applicant would use the grant.
$1,000 Excellence in Online Education Scholarships
Eligibility:
— Must be enrolled in a CHEA-accredited online degree program
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
— Must be a U.S. citizen
The $1,000 Excellence in Online Education Scholarship is available to students who are enrolled in an online degree program with a United States college or university. The application process includes submission of the FAFSA, the applicant’s most recent academic transcripts, and a 500-word essay describing what a college degree means to them.
AAIA Displaced Homemaker Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be a member of a federally recognized Native American tribe
— Must be an adult returning to college after raising children
— Must be age 35 or older
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
Mothers and fathers who are returning to school to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree after raising children are eligible for this $1,500 scholarship from the Association of American Indian Affairs. Adult students who are older than age 35 and a member of a federally recognized tribe are eligible, and the award can be used for any curriculum.
Scholarship Website
AAUW’s Re-entry Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must live in or attend school in San Diego County
— Must have graduated high school or obtained a GED, but must not have a bachelor’s degree
— Must currently be taking a minimum of six units
— Must be a non-traditional student age 23 or older
— Must have completed at least 20 college-level credits
The American Association of University Women offers this annual re-entry scholarship to women who are returning to higher education after a turn-of-life experience. Three awards are handed out each year, each totaling $1,800. Applicants must submit the online application, two letters of recommendation, all college transcripts, and an essay on an assigned topic.
AFCEA Afghan and Iraq War Veteran Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be an active-duty or honorably discharged veteran or reservist of the U.S. Armed Forces or National Guard
— Must have served in either Enduring Freedom—Afghanistan or Iraqi Freedom
— Must be enrolled in an accredited four-year institution
— Must be majoring in an approved STEM degree program
Active-duty and honorably discharged veterans who served during either Enduring Freedom—Afghanistan or Operation Iraqi Freedom are eligible for this $2,500 scholarship sponsored by AFCEA. Applicants may be pursuing their degree in a classroom or online, but must be studying an eligible STEM major (see the scholarship website for further information).
Scholarship Website
AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to any student currently working toward any accredited degree
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
AfterCollege is an organization that provides job and internship resources to students as they near graduation, and each year they sponsor the $500 Succurro Scholarship to assist current students with paying for college. Applicants must submit a personal statement describing future career goals, and resume which includes education background, honors and awards received, and any work experience.
Ann “Tunky” Riley Excellence in K-12 Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to new Walden University students pursuing an online degree in a subject related to education
— Must be a U.S. citizen
Named for a former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, and long-time Walden University supporter, the Ann “Tunky” Riley Excellence in K-12 Education scholarship seeks to honor those education students who have had or aspire to have a lasting effect on their students. Four $25,000 scholarships are awarded each academic year.
Arizona State University Regents High Honors Endorsement
Eligibility:
— Open to Arizona high school students
The Regents High Honors Endorsement is a scholarship sponsored by the Arizona Board of Regents. Its purpose is to reward high achieving Arizona high school graduates with 25% of in-state tuition funds to be used at Arizona State University. To apply, interested students should submit the official application as well as their high school transcripts.
ASIST Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Applicants must reside within the boundaries of a participating chapter of Executive Women International
Executive Women International sponsors the ASIST Scholarship, a competitive award made available to adult students who are using education to improve their lives economically and/or socially. Prospective applicants must first apply through their local EWI chapter. If chosen, their application will compete at the national level for a chance to win one of 13 scholarships ranging in total from $2,000 to $10,000.
Berklee Online Music Scholarships
Eligibility:
— Must be an online student enrolled in a Berklee College of Music certificate program
— Must have successfully completed at least one online course
— Must have an instructor recommendation
— Minimum 3.7 GPA
Online students working towards a certificate from the prestigious Berklee College of Music have the opportunity to win one of 16 Celebrity Online Scholarships. Applicants must be nominated by an instructor before they are allowed to apply for an award. Each winning student will receive $1,479 to put towards online course tuition.
Catch a Break Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students under age 21
— Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of Minnesota
— Must have a composite ACT score of 24 or higher
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
— Must be enrolled in a Minnesota college and plan to live on campus for the first year
Minnesota residents who are planning to attend college in their home state are eligible for the Catch a Break Scholarship. This $10,000 award seeks to help a deserving student graduate from college debt free. Successful applicants will submit a well written essay on a given topic, prove financial need, and have shown academic promise.
Christian Distance Learning Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be interested in attending a Christian or Bible college
Unlike most scholarships, which require applicants to prove financial need or academic excellence, the Christian Distance Learning Scholarship is given out via random drawing. Online students enrolled in Christian colleges and universities need only fill out the required application to be entered to win $2,500 towards their education.
College JumpStart Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to high school sophomore, juniors, and seniors, or adult students
— Must be legal resident of the United States
The College JumpStart Scholarship is a $1,000 award open to applicants as young as high school sophomores. The scholarship is merit based, and successful applicants will show that they are dedicated to improving their lives through education. The scholarship winner may use the award for tuition, books, room and board, or anything else related to their education.
Colorado State University Academic Excellence Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to current CSU-Global students
— Minimum 3.7 GPA
— Must have completed a minimum of 12 credits
Obtaining a college degree via the internet can be a challenge, so the Academic Excellence Scholarship aims to reward those Colorado State University—Global students who have demonstrated unusual focus and dedication. Successful applicants will have a minimum GPA of 3.70 and will have already completed at least 12 credits towards their degree. Funds awarded may be used towards a core class, major class, or elective that fulfills a degree requirement.
Colorado State University Alumni Continuing Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to CSU—Global graduate students who completed their undergraduate degree at CSU—Global
CSU—Global students who have already completed their undergraduate degree and are now seeking a graduate degree with CSU—Global are invited to apply for the Alumni Continuing Education Scholarship. Winners of the scholarship may use their award to fund courses that fulfill their program requirements.
Colorado State University Career Enhancement Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students seeking a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or certificate
— Must be currently working in a field relevant to their chosen major
Colorado State University’s Career Enhancement Scholarship is for adult students who are looking to advance their current career with an additional degree. Applicants must be currently employed in a field related to their chosen major, and can use their winnings to help fund any required courses. Successful applicants will show past academic performance and the need for financial aid.
Colorado State University Degree Completion Scholarship
Eligibility: — Open to students who have earned an associate’s degree, and are now pursuing a bachelor’s degree
The Colorado State University Degree Completion Scholarship is for any student who has obtained an associate’s degree, can transfer a minimum of 50 credits, and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must submit the required application, demonstrate financial need, and use any funds awarded to pay for required courses.
Colorado Technical University Advantage Grant
Eligibility:
— Open to full-time students of Colorado Technical University
Exemplary students who face financial challenges can greatly benefit from Colorado Technical University’s Advantage Grant. This $500 award can help a full-time student pay for past, current, or future tuition charges. Successful applicants will prove financial need and submit a 500-word essay about how they expect the skills learned while at Colorado Technical University will improve their life.
Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships
Eligibility:
— Must be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country
– Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree or equivalent
The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships provide students the unique opportunity to obtain financial help while pursuing an online master’s degree from an institution in the United Kingdom. Scholarships are awarded on a basis of merit, and an application is required.
Scholarship Website
Courage to Grow Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to high school juniors and seniors
— Must be a U.S. citizen
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
The Courage to Grow Scholarship aims to help students focus on education by providing some financial assistance for college. A $500 award is up for grabs on the last day of every month, and the application process includes a 250-word essay about why the applicant believes he or she is deserving of the award.
Dawn Drake Excellence in Distance Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Applicant must be enrolled in a University of Wisconsin-Platteville Distance Education program
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
The Dawn Drake Excellence in Distance Education Scholarship is available to students who are pursuing a degree via University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Distance Education program. As part of the application process, applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, and submit a one-page essay describing why they chose distance learning and why they are most deserving of the $500 award.
Scholarship Website
DeVry University Opportunity Grant
Eligibility:
— Open to students pursuing a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree from DeVry University
— Must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester
DeVry University helps to offset the cost of their students’ tuition through the Opportunity Grant. This $500 scholarship is awarded to new and returning students who are working toward their degree by taking a minimum of six credit hours per semester.
Dr. Angela Grant Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be a cancer survivor or an immediate family member of someone diagnosed with cancer
— Must be a legal U.S. resident
The Dr. Angela E. Grant Memorial Scholarship exists to support financially those students who have been affected by cancer while trying to complete their degree. The number of scholarships and their amounts vary each year, and successful applicants will submit the required application, an essay, two letters of recommendation, and a resume documenting all extracurricular activities, community service, and awards won.
Scholarship Website
Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to female African American undergraduate students
— Must be age 35 or older
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
The Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship is sponsored each year by the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. It is open to female African American students, age 35 or older, who are pursuing their undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Besides the required application, each applicant will submit a 500-word essay about overcoming the challenges of being a mature student.
Dr. John M. Beckem II Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to students enrolled at SUNY Empire State College
— Must have completed a minimum of eight credits
The Dr. John M. Beckem II Scholarship is open to students at SUNY Empire State College who are pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in a subject related to technology. To be awarded the $500 scholarship, students should include in their application packet an essay describing the ways in which current or future technologies can be used to improve academic learning.
Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to high school seniors residing near a participating franchisee
High school seniors living near a participating franchisee (potential applicants can verify their zip code via the scholarship website) are invited to apply for the Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship. Successful applicants will be “well rounded characters” with a strong academic record, a commitment to community, and demonstrated leadership abilities.
Edward Gersich Distance Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to online students of Bemidji State University
— Must be age 25 or older
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
— Must be a resident of northern Minnesota
— Must be seeking a degree in education
Online students seeking an education degree from Bemidji State University are invited to apply for the Edward Gersich Distance Education Scholarship. Though the eligibility requirements for this scholarship are quite specific, winners of the award will receive $1,000 to put towards their undergraduate or graduate degree. The application includes a personal statement in which the applicant will describe how this scholarship would help them to reach their academic goals.
Gemological Institute of America Inc. Distance Education eLearning Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
Students majoring in gemology, jewelry, or design through an online degree program are invited to apply for GIA’s Distance Education eLearning scholarship. The scholarship is available twice each year, and amounts vary from year-to-year.
Gladys McKinley Distance Learning Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to online undergraduate and graduate students at Bemidji State University
— Must be pursuing an online education degree
— Must be a resident of northern Minnesota
Like the aforementioned Edward Gersich scholarship, the Gladys McKinley Distance Learning Scholarship is available to online students of Bemidji State University who are seeking either an undergraduate or graduate degree in teacher education. Successful applicants will submit the required application, along with a letter of recommendation and a two-page personal statement on an assigned topic.
“Inspire Our Future” Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be working towards a degree in a subject related to education
— Minimum 3.5 GPA
Students pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in a subject related to education are eligible to apply for the “Inspire Our Future” scholarship sponsored by teacher.org. In order to win the annual $2,500 scholarship, applicants must submit the required application along with an essay on a given topic.
Jack and Audrey Hatmaker Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be enrolled in or accepted for admission at University of Alabama
— Open to undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of Alabama
— Must be pursuing a major related to business
Students enrolled in or planning to enroll in an online business degree program at the University of Alabama are invited to apply for the Jack and Audrey Hatmaker Memorial Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship amount varies from year-to-year, and successful applicants will exhibit both academic excellence and financial need.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Eligibility:
— Open to low-income women age 35 or older
— Must be a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident
— Must be pursuing an associate’s degree or a first bachelor’s degree
Each year, the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund presents nearly 90 scholarships to low-income women over the age of 35 who are pursuing their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Successful applications will be dedicated to improving their lives through education, and will prove low-income status as determined by the Department of Labor’s Lower Living Standard.
John F. and Marjorie J. Alexander Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to University of Florida students pursuing a degree in the College of Education
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
The John F. and Marjorie A. Alexander Scholarship is for students at University of Florida who are seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree in the College of Education. To win the $1,000 award, students must have a 2.5 GPA. Though not required, priority is given to those applicants who are first generation college students.
Kansas State University Maurine Allison O’Bannon Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be enrolled in a degree program at Kansas State University
— Minimum 3.25 GPA
— Available to students age 25 and older
Students pursuing an online undergraduate or graduate degree at Kansas State University are eligible for the Maurine Allison O’Bannon Memorial Scholarship. Priority for the $1,000 scholarship is given to those students who are returning to their degree program after an absence.
National University Transfer to Success Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to California or Nevada community college students who are enrolling in a degree program with National University
— Minimum 2.0 GPA
— Must have completed a minimum of 30 credits at a community college
National University, which offers dozens of accredited online degree programs, offers its transfer applicants the Transfer to Success Scholarship. Students transferring to National University from a community college in either California or Nevada are eligible to receive up to $5,000 to put towards their tuition.
Next Steps Digital Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to full-time students studying marketing at a four-year college or university
— Must be a U.S. citizen
— Minimum 3.5 GPA
Graduate and undergraduate students currently studying marketing at a four-year college or university are eligible for the $5,000 Next Steps Digital Scholarship. The non-renewable scholarship can be used to pay for tuition, books, room and board, or fees relating to the degree.
Northern Minnesota Distance Learning Professional Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Open to Bemidji State University sophomores, juniors, and seniors
— Must be a resident of northern Minnesota
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
This scholarship is available to Bemidji State University students who are pursuing a degree online and who aspire to work in a professional setting. To be eligible for the $1,000 scholarship, students must reside in the northern Minnesota region and submit a one-page essay describing their short-term and long-term goals.
Oregon State University eCampus Grant
Eligibility: — Open to students enrolled in an Oregon State University eCampus degree program
The eCampus Grant is available to Oregon State undergraduate and graduates who are pursuing their degree online. Students hoping to be awarded up to $1,000 per term must fill out a FAFSA application. The university’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships then award grants to eligible recipients on a first come, first served basis.
Penn State World Campus Jane Ireland Student Fund
Eligibility:
— Must be currently enrolled in a Penn State World Campus undergraduate degree program
— Must have completed a minimum of 24 credits
— Minimum 3.2 GPA
The Penn State World Campus Student Fund is sponsored by Penn State in honor of Jane Ireland, a former academic advisor. If a student is awarded the scholarship, all money won goes straight into their Penn State World Campus fund to pay for tuition. The application process calls for a number of materials, including an official application, two 500-word personal statements, a FAFSA, and one letter of recommendation.
Penn State World Campus Scholarships
Eligibility:
— Open to Penn State World Campus undergraduate students
— Minimum 2.5 GPA
A number of Penn State World Campus scholarships are available each year to online students seeking an undergraduate degree. Best of all, a single application puts a student in the running for each scholarship. For the required application and a complete list of available awards, visit the scholarship website.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
Eligibility:
— Must be a female student
— Must be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States or Canada
Adult women who are completing a degree or certification to enhance their career are invited to apply for the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. This grant, which can total $3,000, can be used for tuition, books, or necessary fees, but not for living expenses. The number of grants awarded varies year-to-year, and successful applicants will submit the official application plus all requested documents.
Return 2 College Scholarship Program
Eligibility:
— Open to college students currently attending a two-year or four-year college or graduate school
— Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
Three times each year, a $1,000 Return 2 College Scholarship is awarded to a deserving student currently seeking a degree at a college or graduate school. Besides the required application, prospective applicants must submit a three sentence essay describing why they are pursuing a degree.
SR Education Group Scholarship for Women
Eligibility:
— Must be a female student over the age of 16
— Must be a legal resident of the United States
— Must be currently enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution
The SR Education Group offers a number of sizable scholarships each year, including the Scholarship for Women. Two female applicants are awarded $5,000 to help fund their education. The application process includes answering two essay questions.
Scholarship Website
StraightForward Media Business School Scholarship
Eligibility:
Four times per year, StraightForward Media offers a $500 scholarship to help a student fund his or her business degree. To apply, simply fill out the appropriately straightforward application before any of the four annual deadlines: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.
Scholarship Website
Study.com Distance Learning Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
— Must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited college or university
— Must have 30 semester or 45 quarter units left to complete
Each year, study.com offers a $500 scholarship to a student who is pursuing his or her bachelor’s degree via an online degree program. Unlike most scholarships, demonstrated financial is not taken into consideration when picking a winner. Rather, successful applicants will show they take seriously their education and extracurriculars.
Thomas L. and Jane D. Russell Distance Education Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be used for an online course through State University of New York Potsdam
— Must have already completed at least one distance course
SUNY Potsdam students who have already completed one online course and are planning to enroll in another can apply for this $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship is renewable and a successful applicant will exhibit financial need. While the scholarship is available for any major or class, preference will be given to those in the Crane School of Music.
Unigo $10k Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be age 13 or older
— Must be a legal U.S. resident
This $10,000 scholarship from Unigo is open to applicants as young as 13 years old to use at an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education. To apply, applicants need only submit a basic application and complete a short essay on a given topic.
University of Alaska-Fairbanks Distance Ed Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be enrolled in an online degree program at University of Alaska-Fairbanks
— Minimum 3.0 GPA
— Must be a U.S. citizen
The University of Alaska system offers multiple scholarships for students enrolled in its online degree programs, including this Distance Ed Scholarship. Awarded twice per year, this scholarship is based on financial need and merit, and successful applicants will exhibit above average qualities. A 500-word essay is required as part of the application.
Western Governors University Smart Choice Scholarship
Eligibility:
— Must be a new WGU student pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree
— Must submit the FAFSA
Western Governors University, which offers online degree programs almost exclusively, sponsors dozens of scholarships each year, including the Smart Choice Scholarship. This scholarship will provide students with $2,000 ($500 each term) to put towards their degree program. To apply for this competitive scholarship, applicants must submit the required application form.
Related:
- 30 Great College Scholarships
- Ultimate Guide to Finding the Highest Paying Jobs
- 75 Specialized Scholarships for Nursing Students
- Creative Ways to Fund Your Education (Infographic)
- 50 Affordable Masters in Education No GRE Online Programs 2020
- 50 Beachfront Colleges Ranked by Affordability
- 50 Best Disability Friendly Online Colleges for Students with ADHD
- Top 25 Affordable MBA Online Programs Under $10,000 Per Year
- Top 30 Most Affordable Master’s in Career and Technical Education Online Programs 2020
- Top 50 Most Affordable Military Friendly Online Colleges and Universities
- Top 50 Most Affordable MPH Online Programs 2020
- Top 50 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs 2020
- Top 75 Free Online Colleges / Free Online Degrees 2020