Are There Any Scholarships for Online Students? A Complete Guide to Funding Your Online Degree

As online education becomes increasingly mainstream, many prospective students ask a simple but important question: Are there scholarships for online students? The short answer is yes — but how those scholarships work, who qualifies, and how affordable online education really is can vary widely by institution.

This guide explains the types of scholarships available to online learners, where to find them, and how innovative institutions like University of the People (UoPeople) are redefining affordability in online higher education.

Why Scholarships Matter for Online Students

Online learners are a significant and growing segment of postsecondary education. According to U.S. Department of Education data, nearly 5 million students attended postsecondary institutions exclusively online in 2022-23 — more than 1 in 4 U.S. higher-education students.

Online students often face unique financial challenges — they may not qualify for campus-based aid, study part-time, or return to education later in life while balancing work and family responsibilities. Despite the rapid growth of online learning, traditional financial aid structures such as federal and state grants haven’t always adapted to digital formats, making scholarships an especially valuable resource for reducing costs and helping online learners complete their degrees.

Types of Scholarships Available to Online Students

General Scholarships That Apply to Online Learners

Many scholarships do not distinguish between online and on-campus students. If you’re enrolled in an accredited institution, you may qualify for scholarships based on:

• Academic merit
• Financial need
• Field of study
• Leadership, community service, or background

These scholarships are offered by nonprofits, foundations, employers, and professional organizations and can usually be applied toward online degree programs just as they would be for in-person study.

Scholarships Designed Specifically for Online Students

Some scholarships are created specifically for distance learners. These awards often recognize the unique challenges faced by online students, such as balancing education with work or caregiving responsibilities.

Examples include:

• Scholarships for students enrolled in fully online programs
• Awards offered by online education platforms or advocacy organizations
• Institution-specific scholarships for online learners

While these scholarships may be fewer in number, they are often less competitive because they target a narrower applicant pool.

Scholarships at Online Universities: The UoPeople Model

Some online universities offer scholarships directly to their students — and University of the People (UoPeople) is a standout example.

How UoPeople Makes Education Affordable

University of the People is a nonprofit, regionally accredited, fully online American university that operates on a tuition-free model. Students are not charged tuition for instruction, coursework, or learning materials. Instead, they pay only a minimal assessment fee per course.

This model alone makes UoPeople one of the most affordable options in higher education — even without scholarships.

Why This Matters

Unlike traditional universities, where tuition is the primary source of revenue, UoPeople was designed to eliminate tuition. As a result:

• Many students can afford their education without taking loans or relying on scholarships
• The cost of earning a degree is dramatically lower than at most online or on-campus universities
• Financial barriers are reduced from the very beginning, not just after aid is applied

UoPeople Scholarships: Extra Support When Needed

While the tuition-free structure already keeps costs low, UoPeople also offers scholarships to students around the world who need additional assistance covering assessment fees.

These scholarships:

• Are available to eligible admitted students
• Are based on financial need
• Can cover part or all of the assessment fees for multiple courses

This means that for students facing significant economic challenges, the cost of an entire degree can be reduced even further — sometimes to nearly zero.

Federal and State Financial Aid for Online Students

In addition to scholarships, online students at accredited institutions may qualify for certain forms of financial aid, including:

• Federal Pell Grants (for eligible undergraduate students)
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
• State-based grants and aid programs (depending on residency and enrollment status)

Not all online institutions participate in every aid program, so students should always confirm eligibility with their chosen university.

Who Can Apply for Online Scholarships?

Online scholarships are available to a wide range of learners, including:

• Adult learners and working professionals
• Parents and caregivers
• First-generation college students
• International students (in some cases)
• Career-switchers and upskillers

Eligibility varies by scholarship, but enrollment in an accredited program is often the most important requirement.

Tips for Finding and Winning Online Scholarships

• Apply broadly: Many students limit themselves unnecessarily — applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances.
• Start early: Deadlines often arrive months before the academic term.
• Tell your story: Online learners often have compelling personal journeys — use them.
• Don’t overlook affordability: Sometimes the most effective financial strategy is choosing a low-cost or tuition-free institution in the first place.

Conclusion: Scholarships Help — But the Right Model Matters More

Yes, scholarships for online students do exist, and they can significantly reduce the cost of education. But scholarships alone don’t solve the larger issue of affordability.

That’s where University of the People stands apart. By eliminating tuition and charging only minimal assessment fees, UoPeople makes higher education accessible by design, not just through financial aid. Scholarships then act as an added layer of support — not a prerequisite for affordability.

For students seeking a realistic, inclusive, and financially sustainable path to an online degree, UoPeople offers a model that works — with or without scholarships. Apply now!