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11 Best Online Colleges That Pay You To Attend

Explore our best picks for online colleges that pay you to attend and learn how to make the most of financial aid opportunities!
Chidinma Ofoegbu
Published on: May 15, 2023
Updated on: Dec 20, 2024
Best Online Colleges That Pay You To Attend

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Did you know that there are online colleges that pay you to attend?

While this seems too good to be true, certain online colleges ease the financial burden of higher education costs. Sending your child to college is a crucial step in securing their future.

While many people overlook the option of online colleges, they are a viable choice for those seeking financial assistance. Many students are seeking online colleges that pay you to attend in order to reduce their educational expenses.

In this blog, we will share the top 11 online colleges that offer financial assistance and provide information on the requirements needed for admission. This blog is all about online colleges that pay you to attend. 

Top 11 Online Colleges That Pay You To Attend 

Online colleges that pay you to attend often offer financial incentives to attract more students. Several online colleges cover up to 100% of your tuition fees, but it’s also essential to be cautious when applying to such colleges.

It’s important to look for the program’s accreditation and reputation.

Discovering 11 online colleges that pay you to attend can be a game-changer for those looking to minimize student debt. If you’re interested in knowing how to get paid to go to college, let’s go over the top colleges that give students this opportunity.

College Name Location Financial Aid Information

Berea College

Berea, Kentucky

Berea College provides a no-tuition policy for all students, meaning the college covers the cost of tuition for every student. Students are expected to work on campus to help cover additional expenses. Learn More

University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

The University of Missouri offers various types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Students should complete the FAFSA to apply for federal and state financial aid. Learn More

Lipscomb University

Nashville, Tennessee

Lipscomb University provides financial aid through scholarships, grants, and loans. They also offer a range of merit-based scholarships and need-based assistance. Students need to complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.

Davidson College

Davidson, North Carolina

Davidson College offers need-based financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The college uses the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA for financial aid applications. Learn More

University of Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin provides financial aid through federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans. Students need to complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. Learn More

Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston University Financial assistance through federal and institutional grants, scholarships, and loans. Students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile to be considered for need-based aid. Learn More

Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Lewis University offers financial aid through federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Students need to complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. Lewis also offers institutional scholarships. Learn More

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

Southern New Hampshire University offers financial aid options including federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans. Students should complete the FAFSA to apply for financial aid. Learn More

Western Governors University (WGU)

Salt Lake City, Utah

WGU offers financial aid through federal grants, loans, and scholarships. The university encourages students to complete the FAFSA to explore all available financial aid options. Learn More

Barclay College

Haviland, Kansas

Barclay College offers need-based financial aid through grants, loans, and scholarships. Students must complete the FAFSA to apply for federal aid. The college considers various factors, including family income and assets. Learn More

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

Purdue University Global provides various financial aid options, including federal and state grants, scholarships, and loans. Students need to complete the FAFSA to apply for financial aid. Learn More

#1: Barclay College

Barclay College was established in Haviland, Kansas, United States, in 1917. They provide undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various subjects, including psychology, business, education, and the ministry. Their online courses are flexible and easily accessible.

Also, they provide various assistance services for online learners, such as technical help, academic advising, and online tutoring. The college also boasts a strong library system that provides online access to various information sources and study aids.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

Barclay College provides financial assistance through several avenues, including institutional grants, scholarships, and federal aid. To be considered for financial aid, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The college also offers institutional financial aid that does not require a separate application but is based on the FAFSA results.

For students who need more help, Barclay College provides information on various scholarships, including merit-based and need-based awards. Financial aid decisions are made based on factors such as a student’s family income, assets, and the cost of attending the college. Students will receive a financial aid award letter outlining their aid package after their application is processed.

Pros

  • Flexible learning environment
  • Affordable tuition fees
  • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission 
  • A supportive and welcoming environment for a good Christian upbringing 
  • Provision of external support services for students

Cons 

  • Limited in-person interaction 
  • Self-directed learning 
  • Lack of program recognition by some employers

#2: Boston University

Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university offers a wide range of online courses and degree programs through its online learning platform, BU Online.

BU Online offers over 30 business, education, healthcare, and social work programs. These programs range from certificates and individual courses to full bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance With Boston University?

Boston University offers financial assistance to students. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to be considered for need-based financial aid. Then, you wait for a financial aid award letter to be sent to you.

Pros

  • Access to top-notch faculty
  • Flexible learning environment
  • High-quality education
  • Interactive learning

Cons

  • Limited in-person interaction 
  • Self-directed learning 
  • Technology issues

#3: Lewis University

Lewis University is a private Catholic university located in Romeoville, Illinois, which offers online courses and programs in various subjects like business, nursing, aviation, criminal justice, and more. 

The university’s online courses are created to offer students the same degree of quality and rigor as on-campus courses and are delivered by knowledgeable lecturers who are authorities in their subjects.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

Lewis University offers financial assistance to students.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to be considered for need-based financial aid. Then, you wait for a financial aid award letter to be sent to you. 

In addition to federal financial aid, Lewis University also offers scholarships and grants for eligible students. Students should visit the university’s financial aid website to apply for these programs and review the available options. 

Pros

  • Flexible learning environment 
  • Personalized learning support 
  • Top-notch learning programs

Cons

  • Limited interaction 
  • Limited hands-on experience 
  • A high level of self-motivation is required

#4: Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university that offers a variety of online degree programs across fields such as business, education, healthcare, and technology. They are known for having online classes that are easy for adults and students with busy lives to fit into.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

There are a lot of ways to get money from SNHU, like loans, grants, and awards. They need to fill out the Free Application for government Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out if they can get government aid.SNHU also gives each student a financial help package that is made just for them.

Pros:

  • Flexible learning environment
  • Wide range of programs
  • Supportive online learning community
  • Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Cons:

  • Limited in-person interaction
  • Self-motivation required
  • Potentially higher tuition costs compared to public institutions

Remember, Online colleges that pay you to attend often have competitive admission processes due to the high value of their financial aid.

#5: Western Governors University (WGU)

Western Governors University (WGU) is an online school that uses competency-based learning, which means that students move up in courses based on how well they understand the subject. The cost of going to WGU is well known, and it has many degree programs in areas like business, IT, education, and healthcare.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

WGU offers different types of financial help, such as federal grants, scholarships, and loans. To be considered for financial aid, students must fill out the FAFSA. WGU also has a tuition discount for students in certain classes. 

Pros:

  • Competency-based learning
  • Affordable tuition
  • Flexible schedule
  • Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Cons:

  • Limited networking opportunities
  • Self-directed learning required
  • Limited course offerings in some fields

#6: Purdue University Global

People who already have jobs can go to Purdue University Global, which is an online school with many degree options that are made to fit their needs. As a part of the Purdue University system, Purdue Global provides a top-notch education through the ease of online learning. Business, IT, healthcare, and criminal justice are just some of the subjects that are taught there. 

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

Federal grants, scholarships, and loans are a few of the ways that Purdue University Global can help you get money. The FAFSA is what students need to do to find out if they can get financial aid. People who are in the military, soldiers, and their families can also get discounts and other benefits from the university. 

Pros:

  • Flexible learning environment
  • Access to Purdue University resources
  • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  • Military-friendly policies

Cons:

  • Limited face-to-face interaction
  • Requires self-discipline and motivation
  • Higher tuition for some programs

#7: Berea College

Berea College, housed in Berea, Kentucky, is well-known for its dedication to offer a no-tuition policy. For those who might find conventional college expenses intimidating, this makes the college a great choice as it pays the tuition for every registered student. As part of their educational process, students engage in a variety of campus occupations that help with room and board expenses as well.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

Students have to finish the CSS Profile and the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) free application. These documents assist in eligibility for grants, scholarships, and work-study programs among other financial aid sources. When deciding aid packages, Berea College also takes financial circumstances of a student into account.

Pros:

  • No tuition fees for all students
  • Strong work-study program
  • Supportive campus environment

Cons:

  • Limited majors available
  • Requires a significant work commitment from students
  • Rural location might not suit everyone

#8: University of Missouri

Comprising Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri provides a broad spectrum of degree programs along with financial assistance choices. Mizzou is a common pick for students all throughout the nation since it emphasises research and creativity strongly. To make higher study possible, the institution offers many scholarships, grants, and loan possibilities.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

Students must complete the FAFSA in order to apply for financial aid. Determining eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid—including grants, loans, and work-study programs—as well as for Additionally available for direct application straight through the institution are merit-based scholarships provided by The institution of Missouri.

Pros:

  • Wide range of degree programs
  • Strong research facilities
  • Multiple financial aid options

Cons:

  • Large campus size may be overwhelming for some
  • Out-of-state tuition can be high
  • Competitive admission process for some programs

#9: Lipscomb University

Founded as a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee, Lipscomb University provides a range of undergraduate and graduate courses. Renowned for its close-knit community and strong focus on faith-based education, Lipscomb offers loans, grants, and scholarships to assist students control their school expenses.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

Students applying for federal help have to complete the FAFSA. Additionally providing merit-based scholarships and need-based grants is Lipscomb University. There can be other institutional scholarships, which call for additional applications.

Pros:

  • Strong faith-based community
  • Personalized education experience
  • Merit-based and need-based financial aid options

Cons:

  • Higher tuition fees compared to public universities
  • Limited diversity in program offerings
  • Religious environment may not be for everyone

#10: Davidson College

Renowned for its demanding academic offerings and strong feeling of community, Davidson College, housed in Davidson, North Carolina, is a very selective liberal arts institution. Attractive for those looking for top-notch education without the financial load, the college is dedicated to satisfy 100% of shown financial requirement for every admitted student.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

To be considered for financial aid, Davidson College mandates that students finish the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. The institution provides work-study programs, need-based grants, and certain loans to make sure financial constraints do not keep students away.

Pros:

  • High academic standards
  • Strong community and support system
  • Committed to meeting full financial need

Cons:

  • Highly competitive admission process
  • Limited graduate programs
  • Small campus size may not appeal to all

#11: University of Wisconsin

Renowned for its varied academic offerings and active campus life, Madison’s University of Wisconsin is a big public research institution. To enable students to control their educational expenses, the institution provides grants, scholarships, and loans among other types of financial aid.

How To Apply For Financial Assistance?

Students should fill out the FAFSA to apply for financial help. Additionally available at the University of Wisconsin are institutional scholarships, which could call for separate applications. The university offers tools and direction to enable students negotiate the financial aid application process.

Pros:

  • Wide range of academic programs
  • Strong research opportunities
  • Vibrant campus life

Cons:

  • Large class sizes
  • Out-of-state tuition can be expensive
  • Cold winters in Madison may not suit everyone

How To Get Paid To Go To College?

Getting paid to go to college is possible through several avenues:-

  1. Find No-Tuition Colleges: Look for schools like Berea College that cover tuition costs entirely.
  2. Apply for Financial Aid: Complete the FAFSA to access federal grants, loans, and state aid.
  3. Seek Scholarships and Grants: Research merit-based and need-based scholarships offered by colleges and external organizations.
  4. Explore Work-Study Opportunities: Some colleges provide work-study programs that allow you to earn money while studying.

Conclusion 

You no longer have to break the bank to become a degree holder.

Yes, you heard that right!

With the 11 best online colleges listed above, you can begin working out your child’s college application without considering heavy financial burdens. However, when selecting a college for your child, it is essential to prioritize the institution’s credibility and confirm that reputable accrediting agencies accredit it. 

Some online colleges that pay you to attend provide full scholarships covering all tuition fees. But it is important to consider the disadvantages of these different colleges that can affect your child. Certain cons to keep in mind include limited interaction, limited hands-on experience, or a high level of self-motivation required. 

If all the pros and cons are properly analyzed, and you still feel it’s an excellent option for your child’s college degree, proceed to the application process. 

We certain this blog has provided you with valuable insights. If you’d like to receive more blogs like this, please consider subscribing to our newsletter. By doing so, you’ll be the first to know when we publish new content. Remember, every penny counts, and you don’t need to spend much money to enjoy the best things in life.

FAQs

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students in the United States fill out to apply for college or graduate school financial aid. The FAFSA is free to complete and can be submitted online.

Yes! Online college degrees are worth it, especially when you apply to online colleges that a recognized accrediting agency accredits.

An online degree in the USA may be just as legitimate as one earned on a traditional campus. Make sure you apply to approved universities and confirm your degree meets the educational and licensing requirements for your career to ensure the authenticity of your online college degree.

Yes, some online colleges offer financial assistance that covers tuition and more. Examples include Berea College, which offers a no-tuition policy, and edX, which provides scholarships.

Colleges with flexible scheduling and self-paced programs are generally easier to manage. Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University are known for their flexible online formats.

Chidinma Ofoegbu
Chidinma Ofoegbu is a personal finance writer passionate about helping people make, manage and grow their money. She can be seen reading a good book or binging a comedy series when she’s not writing.

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