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Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in December 2025
Launch your career with a FAFSA-approved online college
Ready to start your degree? Find accredited online degrees that fit your budget.
Last Updated December 2025
Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in December 2025
Ready to start your degree? Find accredited online degrees that fit your budget.
Last Updated December 2025
Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in December 2025
Last Updated December 2025
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Our Most Popular
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Online
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Campus
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  • 200+ degree programs for in-demand jobs
  • Low online tuition - frozen at 2012 rates
  • Transfer up to 90 previous credits
  • Superior levels of education and learning
2,688 visits to SNHU this week
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Online
defaultClasses start on01/07/2026
  • Options for financial aid and assistance
  • 175+ online programs to choose from
  • World-class education on your budget
  • Free three-week trial period
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Online
  • Career-focused programs tailored to high-demand industries like healthcare, business, and technology
  • Convenient online classes allow you to learn on your schedule
  • Dedicated career services and personalized academic advising ensure support every step of the way
  • Multiple start dates throughout the year provide flexibility for diverse scheduling needs
Financial Aid Available
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Online
defaultClasses start on1/12/2026
  • Flexible study options from a Christian worldview
  • Tuition rates have been frozen for nine years through June 2025
  • Get assistance through every step of the admission, enrollment, and financial aid processes
  • Transfer-friendly and gives credit for qualified life experience, on-the-job, or military training
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Online
defaultClasses start on01/12/2026
  • Take courses 100% online and study when and where you want, at the pace of your life
  • Earn a degree built by industry experts for your career success
  • Transfer credits from eligible college, career, or military to save time and tuition
  • Learn from active experts so you're career-ready from day one
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Online
defaultClasses start on01/12/2026
  • Take courses 100% online and study when and where you want, at the pace of your life.
  • Earn a degree designed by industry experts with employer needs and your career success in mind.
  • Transfer credits from eligible college coursework and prior career and military experiences to cut the time and tuition required for your degree.
  • Learn from experts who are actively involved in the fields that they teach so you’re up-to-date and ready to get ahead in your career from day one.
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Online
  • 100% online degrees taught with a Christian worldview and Christian values for adult students
  • Over 80 degree programs offered through an online format designed for students and adult learners all over the United States
  • Accelerated five-week courses for maximum convenience and flexibility
  • Offers small class sizes, transfer credits and specialized student services available to all students
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Online
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  • 75+ years of experience serving working adults and servicemembers worldwide
  • Choose from 135+ skills-based online programs designed to help move your career forward
  • Get dedicated success coaches, tutoring, 24/7 tech support, and lifetime career services
  • Start whenever you're ready thanks to rolling admissions and multiple start dates each term
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Online
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  • Choose from award-winning programs designed by industry experts to earn respected, career-focused bachelor's and master's degrees from an accredited university
  • Earn your online degree for half the cost of other online universities with a low, flat-rate tuition and scholarships available
  • Flexible scheduling designed to help working professionals fit an online university education into their busy lives or pace ahead
  • Free application and free transcript services that help you gather your transcripts at no additional cost
Our Top Choice
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Online
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Campus
defaultClasses start on01/05/2026
  • 200+ degree programs for in-demand jobs
  • Low online tuition - frozen at 2012 rates
  • Transfer up to 90 previous credits
  • Superior levels of education and learning
2,688 visits to SNHU this week
5,827,680
people have compared online colleges with
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Editorial Reviews
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Southern New Hampshire University
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Purdue Global
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Bryant & Stratton College
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Our Statistics
Our Statistics
84%
of online undergraduates are employed while studying.
Sources:
https://www.nu.edu/blog/bachelors-degree-statistics/
63%
of students choose online programs for their flexibility.
Sources:
https://www.devlinpeck.com/content/online-learning-statistics
50%
less learning time is required when online learning.
Sources:
https://www.nu.edu/blog/bachelors-degree-statistics/
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10 Reasons Why People Are Studying Online Today
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Studying Online vs. On-Campus: Which is Better?
Online vs. On-Campus

Pursuing an online degree offers a flexible and convenient way for students to advance their education and career prospects while empowering students to study from a diverse range of courses at their own pace from any device. Explore the different benefits that an online degree offers and how it adapts to your studying style.

OnlineCampus

What are the best accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA?

The best accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA are federally recognised, Title IV-approved institutions that make higher education affordable for every student. FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — opens access to Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities that reduce tuition and living costs.

Choosing an FAFSA-approved online college ensures that your online degree is not only legitimate but supported by federal aid and refund options when aid exceeds tuition.

What is FAFSA and how does it support online students?

FAFSA is the official government application used to apply for federal, state, and institutional aid. Whether you’re full-time or part-time, it connects you to grants and low-interest loans.

  • Visit FAFSA.gov to start your FAFSA sign up.
  • Use your FAFSA student login or FAFSA application login to edit or renew submissions.
  • Apply early (from October 1) to maximise aid.
  • The FAFSA application {Year} will be simplified to help students apply faster.

How do online colleges that accept FAFSA work?

Online schools that accept FAFSA must be accredited and meet federal financial aid standards. These institutions submit your enrollment to the U.S. Department of Education to release aid.

  • Confirm your school’s code on the official Federal School Code List.
  • Always choose accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA (regional accreditation preferred).
  • After acceptance, use your FAFSA student login to track aid distribution and refunds.

Our Top 3 Online Colleges that accept FAFSA

Our Top Choice

In a Nutshell

SNHU has more than 200 programs ranging from accounting and finance to technology and social sciences, and you can earn an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree from SNHU. The school is known for being affordable and flexible.

Features

  • 200+ degree programs for in-demand jobs
  • Low online tuition - frozen at 2012 rates
  • Transfer up to 90 previous credits
  • Superior levels of education and learning

Pros

  • Helpful advisors and student resources
  • Affordable tuition & financial aid packages/scholarships
  • Easy to transfer credits

Cons

  • Can be difficult to follow tech-focused programs online
  • Not a lot of break time between sessions

In a Nutshell

Purdue Global provides an accessible online route to gain qualifications that can further your career. Ideal for busy people who want to study remotely, Purdue Global still offers a high level of student support, both academically and in helping you make progress at work. With a free three-week trial, you can test it out with no commitment. And there are plenty of options for financial aid, including experiential credits.

Features

  • Options for financial aid and assistance
  • 175+ online programs to choose from
  • World-class education on your budget
  • Free three-week trial period

Pros

  • Qualifications from Associate’s to doctoral degrees
  • Range of options for financial aid and assistance
  • Free three-week trial period

Cons

  • Courses only in professional subjects
  • No dedicated internship program

In a Nutshell

Bryant & Stratton College, founded in 1854, is a private, nonprofit institution focused on providing students with a personalized, career-focused education that empowers them to succeed in a changing world. B&SC offers a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degree options for high-demand careers, flexible class options, and access to comprehensive support services designed to help students navigate the challenges of college and beyond.

Features

  • Career-focused programs tailored to high-demand industries like healthcare, business, and technology
  • Convenient online classes allow you to learn on your schedule
  • Dedicated career services and personalized academic advising ensure support every step of the way
  • Multiple start dates throughout the year provide flexibility for diverse scheduling needs

Pros

  • Flexible scheduling for busy students
  • Personalized guidance from start to finish
  • Career-focused programs with fast completion

Cons

  • Tuition can be higher than some colleges
  • Limited traditional campus experience

What types of financial aid can online students receive?

Students at online colleges with financial aid can access a mix of federal and institutional support:

  • Pell Grants (need-based, no repayment)
  • Federal Direct Loans (subsidised and unsubsidised)
  • Work-study programs (on-campus or remote)
  • Scholarships and institutional grants
  • Financial aid refunds if total aid exceeds tuition costs

FAFSA login and application tips

Applying for FAFSA is straightforward once you know the steps:

  • Go to fafsa.gov for your FAFSA sign up.
  • Use your FSA ID for secure FAFSA login access.
  • Review award updates via your FAFSA student aid portal.
  • Renew yearly — even if your finances haven’t changed.
  • Track each FAFSA application 2025 status directly online.

Cheapest online colleges that accept FAFSA

Finding cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA means looking for institutions offering low per-credit tuition and strong aid packages.

  • Some online schools that accept FAFSA cost < $100 per credit.
  • Combine federal aid + scholarships to cut expenses.
  • Check for financial aid refunds to cover books and tech.
  • Community colleges and public universities are often the most affordable.

Which online colleges give the most financial aid?

Online colleges with financial aid refunds differ in generosity, depending on:

  • FAFSA eligibility and demonstrated need.
  • Institutional scholarships and grant programs.
  • Whether excess aid is refunded to students. Use each college’s net price calculator to estimate out-of-pocket costs.

FAFSA for part-time, working, and non-traditional students

FAFSA isn’t just for full-time undergraduates.

  • Many online colleges that accept FAFSA support part-time enrollment.
  • Working adults, parents, and veterans qualify too.
  • Always ensure your online program is FAFSA approved and accredited.

Associate vs bachelor’s: which FAFSA-eligible degree suits you?

Both degrees qualify for FAFSA student aid.

  • Associate degrees: shorter, job-ready, lower cost.
  • Bachelor’s degrees: greater aid eligibility, career growth. Start with an associate, then transfer credits to a bachelor’s if your school allows.

How to apply to online colleges that accept FAFSA

  1. Choose an accredited online college that accepts FAFSA.
  2. Apply and await acceptance.
  3. Submit your FAFSA application via fafsa.gov.
  4. Log in to review your award letter.
  5. Accept aid and enroll. Many online colleges offer rolling admissions and dedicated FAFSA support.

Quick FAFSA checklist for online students

  1. Verify your college’s accreditation
  2. Complete your FAFSA sign up early
  3. Track your FAFSA application login status
  4. Confirm refund eligibility
  5. Re-apply every year

FAQs about FAFSA and accredited online colleges
What are FAFSA-approved online colleges?
They’re accredited, Title IV-eligible institutions that process federal aid.

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.