Whether you’re a high schooler searching for an affordable online college or an adult looking to further or switch your career, the search for high-quality, affordable education is no easy task.
The cost of pursuing a traditional education can be a roadblock for many, but luckily many schools now have cheaper online programs that are on par with their on-campus counterparts when it comes to quality standards.
Once you’ve decided to pursue an online degree, you may still be in need of financial assistance. Navigating financial assistance and schools that will accept Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be daunting, to say the least, but many schools offer rather impressive financial aid packages.
Earning a quality education doesn’t have to break your bank account. So whether you’re pursuing a degree or just taking a few classes, there are many great options for affordable online programs.
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Below is a list of the seven best online colleges and universities offering financial aid to get you started on your search for the right program.
- St. John’s University
St. John’s University offers a wide selection of graduate degree programs. Some of its most notable programs include its Master of Science in Library and Information Science, Master of Public Health and PhD in Literacy.
Most importantly here is the fact that 96 percent of its students receive financial aid, so you can be confident its Office of Financial Aid will provide you with the financial assistance you need.
The Office of Financial Aid offers federal, state and university aid programs, as well as a limited number of privately-funded scholarships.
What’s more, St. John’s offers full-time online students an IBM laptop and access to student resources such as financial aid guidance, technical support, library resources, career advice, counseling, online tutoring and campus ministry information. Even though you may be learning online, that doesn’t have to stop you from receiving the same resources, guidance and quality of education that you would receive if you were on campus.
- Lewis University
Lewis University provides a top-notch education to 7,000 traditional and adult students, so whether you are going to school for your undergraduate degree or returning to school as an adult, Lewis University will be the perfect fit. Some of noteworthy programs include its Masters in Organizational Leadership, Masters in Computer Science and Masters in Criminal Justice.
Moreover, 97 percent of Lewis University students receive financial aid and applicants are encouraged to apply for FAFSA. Another attractive feature of Lewis University is that online students receive a Student Services Coordinator to help them navigate their academic career.
- Seton Hall University
Seton Hall offers 90 rigorous, nationally-recognized degree programs, including a Masters in Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Accounting. A few other notable programs include its Masters in Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Accounting.
In addition to its nationally-recognized programs, Seton Hall University offers over $96 million in financial aid to students each year. What’s more, 97 percent of students receive money from scholarships or grants directly from the university.
Online students receive instruction from award-winning faculty who have undergone training to strengthen their ability to teach in an online format. Seton Hall’s online students receive all of Seton Hall University’s student services and are taught by the same faculty that teach on-campus programs.
- Benedictine University
Benedictine University offers online undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in a variety of fields and disciplines such as business, education and healthcare. Some of their notable programs include an MBA in International Business, a Graduate Certificate in Health Education and Promotion and a Masters of Public Health.
Benedictine University offers many different course formats, including fully online, flexible on-campus, and hybrid or blended formats, so they are sure to have something to fit every schedule and situation.
Even more enticing are Benedictine University’s financial aid offerings. An astounding 99 percent of all full-time, undergraduate students at Benedictine receive financial aid in the form of grants and/or scholarships, while 79 percent of full-time undergraduates receive need-based financial aid.
During the financial aid process, a student will also be considered for qualification for Benedictine University Institutional Funding in addition to their eligibility for scholarship and federal aid.
- Bradley University
This private, not-for-profit institution offers over 185 different academic programs. Bradley University even offers six innovative online graduate degree programs in nursing and counseling. A few of Bradley University’s mentionable programs include its Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner MS and Doctor of Nursing Leadership Track.
Bradley recognized remote learners’ needs for both flexibility and affordability in online higher education and responded by transforming its approach to online learning. Today, online students at Bradley University receive a state-of-the-art education through Bradley University’s culture of collaboration, support and shared values.
Bradley University’s substantial financial aid offerings are another attractive feature of the university. More than 90 percent of Bradley’s students receive some type of aid. In addition to grant assistance through FAFSA, Bradley offers its own scholarships as well as work-study programs. Finally, Bradley’s Office of Financial Aid is committed to working with students and families to help manage tuition and other expenses.
- Our Lady of the Lake University
This private Catholic university has more than 60 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Additionally, Our Lady of the Lake University offers over 60 undergraduate majors and minors. OLLU keeps the busy online learner in mind by offering weekday, evening and weekend programs to fit every schedule. Some of OLLU’s most notable programs are its Master of Education in School Counseling and Master of Social Work.
Our Lady of the Lake University is committed to helping all students receive a high-quality, student-centered private education and 75 percent of its students receive federal loans. Furthermore, OLLU makes it easy for students to complete a FAFSA application with a simple link on its website.
- Utica College
Utica College offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees with 38 undergraduate majors and 31 minors. Utica seeks to provide the same quality of education to its online learners as it does for its on-campus students; its programs are constantly evolving to keep up with the needs of students. Some of Utica’s outstanding programs include its Masters in Data Science, Masters in Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Nursing.
Utica is also committed to making higher education affordable to all students and over 90 percent of its students receive financial aid of some kind. In addition, Utica’s Office of Student Financial Services works alongside each student to ensure they have access to scholarships, grants, student loans and any other form of aid.
Conclusion
Over the past decade, remote learning has become immensely popular and was on the rise even before COVID-19 brought all education online. If you’re seeking a more affordable approach to higher education, you’re one among many. There are many great online colleges that existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic, so you have plenty of options to choose from when deciding on the right online program for you.
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