The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) reported in 2016 that 5.8 million U.S. adults were taking courses online, which is a 263 percent jump from 2004. Online degrees are excellent options for organized, motivated students who will benefit from a flexible course schedule where materials and discussions stay accessible 24/7. Fitting online programs around work and life obligations is the biggest draw, which is why over two-thirds of online students are employed. Online study is often more affordable too with yearly tuition ranging from $3,400 to $8,400 at the most popular nonprofit colleges. Whenever there’s unmet need, students can find funding like the following 25 great online scholarships. 1. AAUW Re-Entry Woman Scholarship Deadline: March 31st Female non-traditional students who have been accepted into a community college or four-year university for online study could qualify for the $1,200 Re-Entry Woman Scholarship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Poway-Penasquitos Branch. Applicants must be at least 23 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED without a bachelor’s, live in northern San Diego County, matriculate for 6+ college credits, and carry a 2.0 GPA or better. Contact AAUW Re-Entry Woman Scholarship P.O. Box 262012 San Diego, CA 92196 (619) 200-2720 membership@aauw-ca.org Scholarship Link 2. AFCEA Afghanistan and Iraq War Vet Scholarship Deadline: April 15th The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) distributes the Afghanistan and Iraq War Vet Scholarship for $2,500 to active-duty and honorably discharged U.S. veterans who are pursuing STEM majors either on-campus or online. Qualifying majors include computer engineering, robotics technology, geospatial science, mathematics, biometrics, and electronics engineering. Interested sophomores or juniors must have served from 2003 to present in the Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan or Iraqi Freedom operations. Contact AFCEA Afghanistan and Iraq War Vet Scholarship 4400 Fair Lakes Court Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 631-6147 edfoundation@afcea.org Scholarship Link 3. Barbara Solomon Scholarships for Social Work Deadline: May 31st Walden University, an HLC-accredited online school owned by Laureate Education, offers several merit-based funds like the Barbara Solomon Scholarships for Social Work, which gift $5,000, $10,000, and full-tuition coverage to six yearly recipients. Online students must enroll in the MSW or DSW program, be U.S. citizens, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, have social services experience, and write a 1,000-word essay on an issue impacting vulnerable populations today. Contact Barbara Solomon Scholarships for Social Work 100 Washington Avenue S. Suite 900 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401 (866) 492-5336 socialworkscholarship@waldenu.edu Scholarship Link 4. Berklee Online Music Scholarships Deadline: Varies Sponsored by artists like Gloria Estefan and Paul Simon, the Berklee Online Music Scholarships award $1,479 each term to 16 incoming students who are enrolling in 12-week online courses for certificates, such as Advanced Music Production, Creative Writing for Musicians, or Music Business Leadership. Eligibility criteria includes successfully completing the first course, holding a minimum GPA of 3.7, being recommended by an instructor, and applying before the term’s fifth week. Contact Berklee Online Music Scholarships 855 Boylston Street, 7th Floor Boston, MA 02116 (866) 237-5533 advisors@online.berklee.edu Scholarship Link 5. Canyon Christian Schools Consortium Scholarship Deadline: March 31st At Grand Canyon University, the Canyon Christian Schools Consortium Scholarship grants $2,500 per year to full-time off-campus or online students carrying 12+ credits who graduated from a CCSC-member high school. Suitable applicants will present a minimum secondary GPA of 3.0, score at least 19 on the ACT or 920 on the SAT, participate in 20 hours of community service per semester, and not receive the GCU State University Grant. Contact Canyon Christian Schools Consortium Scholarship 3300 West Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 (855) 428-5673 campusadmissions@gcu.edu Scholarship Link 6. CSU-Global Academic Excellence Scholarship Deadline: None The Colorado State University-Global Campus lowers tuition for its HLC-accredited online degrees with eight institutional scholarships, including the Academic Excellence Scholarship. This merit-based program covers six undergrad or grad credits for up to $3,000 yearly. Online students must be enrolled at least half-time, take courses that fulfill degree requirements, carry a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or better, file the FAFSA form, and write 1,000 characters about how CSU-Global has impacted their lives. Contact CSU-Global Academic Excellence Scholarship 7800 East Orchard Road, Suite 200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (800) 920-6723 Admissions@CSUGlobal.edu Scholarship Link 7. Dancia and Pierson Kirk Memorial Scholarship Deadline: September 30th The American Health Information Management Association grants $77,000 in scholarship funding per year with merit-based funds like the Dancia and Pierson Kirk Memorial Scholarship. This $1,000 prize supports current AHIMA members who are pursuing a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree in health information technology either on-site or online. Appropriate applicants will actively enroll in 6+ credits at U.S.-based colleges, have at least one term remaining, and show a minimum 3.5 GPA. Contact Dancia and Pierson Kirk Memorial Scholarship 233 N. Michigan Avenue, 21st Floor Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 233-1131 info@ahimafoundation.org Scholarship Link 8. Every Credit Counts Scholarship Deadline: None Ranked 156th for best online bachelor’s programs by the U.S. News, Kaplan University provides the Every Credit Counts Scholarship to reduce tuition by $500 each term for a maximum value of $8,500. First-time Kaplan enrollees must have a high school diploma or GED, register for at least two courses each semester, and achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Online programs with the “Tuition Cap” like the B.S. in Corrections and B.S. in Business are ineligible. Contact Every Credit Counts Scholarship 1515 W Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (866) 527-5268 RSupport@kaplan.edu Scholarship Link 9. Full Sail Education Media Scholarship Deadline: Friday two weeks before term Full Sail University, an ACCSC-accredited, Orlando-based online college, confers the Education Media Scholarship for up to $12,000 to certified K-12 teachers, guidance counselors, or school administrators who are pursuing their master’s degree online. Funds covers tuition for the MFA in Creative Writing, M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology, or MFA in Media Design. Other scholarships for online study include the Courage and Creativity Scholarship and Momentum Scholarship. Contact Full Sail Education Media Scholarship 3300 University Boulevard Winter Park, FL 32792 (800) 226-7625 admissions@fullsail.edu Scholarship Link 10. GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarship Deadline: October 15th or March 15th Biannually, GetEducated.com, an online education guide started in 1998, provides the Distance Learning Scholarship for $1,000 to United States citizens who are entering the virtual classroom for an undergrad or post-grad degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Past recipients are excelling online with Troy University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and more. To apply, please submit a transcript, FAFSA form, and 500-word essay titled “What an Online College Degree Means to Me.” Contact GetEducated.com Distance Learning Scholarship P.O. Box 458 Monterey, VA 24465 info@GetEducated.com Scholarship Link 11. Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley Scholarships Deadline: March 16th The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) partners with the University of Phoenix to award three full-tuition scholarships worth roughly $9,467 per year to online students who’ve completed the Latino Board Leadership Academy. Eligible Hispanic candidates must be U.S. citizens or DACA recipients, meet UOPX admission terms, matriculate for 6+ credits on the eCampus, and maintain good standing in online bachelor’s or master’s programs. Employees or relatives of Apollo Education Group aren’t accepted. Contact Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley Scholarships 1625 W. Fountainhead Parkway Tempe, AZ 85282 (866) 766-0766 scholarships@phoenix.edu Scholarship Link 12. James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship Deadline: February 1st As the United States’ largest private education foundation, Scholarship America has granted over $3.7 billion total to on-campus online students in hundreds of funds, including the James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship. Offering $2,000 plus full tuition, the merit-based option suits Missouri residents who are enrolling as full-time undergrads at accredited four-year schools with an EFC of $7,000 or less. Online learners could also consider the Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship or Catch a Break! Scholarship. Contact James L. and Nellie M. Westlake Scholarship One Scholarship Way Saint Peter, MN 56082 (507) 931-1682 dwillson@scholarshipamerica.org Scholarship Link 13. Mark Bonin Memorial Scholarship Deadline: None Named after the WGU Community Relations Manager who died suddenly in 2016, the Mark Bonin Memorial Scholarship awards $2,500 to online students enrolling in the CCNE-accredited College of Health Professions at Western Governors University. Applications are only accepted from 10 Southern California counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara. Future healthcare leaders must also be officially admitted to a B.S. or M.S. program, complete the FAFSA, and possess unencumbered RN licensing. Contact Mark Bonin Memorial Scholarship 4001 South 700 East, Suite 700 Salt Lake City, UT 84107 (877) 435-7948 studentservices@wgu.edu Scholarship Link 14. OnlineColleges.org Scholarship for Single Parents Deadline: November 1st Launched in 2012, the OnlineColleges.org Scholarship for Single Parents is administered by Education Aid to provide $10,000 for mothers and fathers who are raising dependent children under age 18 with full custody. Funding is designed for non-tuition expenses like rent, childcare, textbooks, utilities, and groceries. Interested single parents must enroll at an accredited U.S. college, pursue an undergraduate degree primarily online, and qualify for federal financial aid. Contact OnlineColleges.org Scholarship for Single Parents 24 W. Railroad Avenue PMB 149 Tenafly, NJ 07670 applications@educationaid.org Scholarship Link 15. Osher Foundation Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students Deadline: July 1st At the University of Wyoming, the Outreach School gives the need-based Osher Foundation Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students to students aged 25 or older who are taking for-credit online or video conferencing courses. Preference is given to bachelor’s students studying full-time with 12 or more credits. Eligible UW learners must have experienced a gap in education for at least five years, be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and anticipate re-entering the workforce. Contact Osher Foundation Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students 1000 E. University Avenue, Dept. 3274 Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-6628 outreach@uwyo.edu Scholarship Link 16. Penn State World Campus Scholarships Deadline: September 15th Penn State, recognized for America’s #8 best online bachelor’s degrees by the U.S. News, gifts the World Campus Scholarships to first-year and returning undergrads who will study online. Funding helps cover the $542 per credit cost for online PSU degrees like the B.A. in Economics, B.S. in Political Science, and B.S. in Turfgrass Science. Eligible candidates must enroll at least half-time, exhibit financial need on the FAFSA form, and display a minimum 2.5 GPA overall. Contact Penn State World Campus Scholarships 109 Shields Building University Park PA 16802 (914) 865-0461 financialaid@outreach.psu.edu Scholarship Link 17. Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarships Deadline: December 1st Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society partners with 750 senior U.S. institutions to grant more than $37 million in Transfer Scholarships annually. Distance learning students at online colleges like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Capella University, National University, and Baker College could apply for up to $7,500. Applicants must be PTK members, have finished an associate degree or 50+ credits, and transfer with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater. Contact Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Scholarships 1625 Eastover Drive Jackson, MS 39211 (800) 946-9995 laurie.brown@ptk.org Scholarship Link 18. Professor Bernard and Diana Shapiro Scholarship Deadline: March 31st The University of Massachusetts-Lowell honors the retired Mathematics Department chair and his wife by awarding the Professor Bernard and Diana Shapiro Scholarship for at least $1,000 annually. Qualified U.S. citizens or legal residents who are enrolling full-time with an overall 3.0 GPA or higher in the Division of Online and Continuing Education (OCE) for undergrad degrees like the B.S. in Criminal Justice and B.S. in Information Technology could win. Contact Professor Bernard and Diana Shapiro Scholarship 220 Pawtucket Street Lowell, MA 01854 (978) 934-2467 onlinelearning@uml.edu Scholarship Link 19. Rachael L. Carter Scholarship Fund Deadline: July 1st At Western Illinois University, the School of Distance Learning in Horrabin Hall initiated the Rachael L. Carter Scholarship Fund to award $1,000 to single mothers who are pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies online with one of 19 minors like Accountancy or Fire Administration. Interested ladies must have completed 24+ credits at regionally accredited colleges, be admitted full- or part-time to WIU courses, and sustain a minimum 2.5 GPA. Contact Rachael L. Carter Scholarship Fund 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455 (309) 298-1929 BGS@wiu.edu Scholarship Link 20. SR Education Group Military Scholarships Deadline: June 30th SR Education Group, the BBB A+ rated company behind Guide to Online Schools, awards $5,000 Military Scholarships each summer to support active-duty and veteran U.S. Armed Forces members as well as their spouses and children under age 21. Online students must submit a service record or DD-214 form, proof of acceptance, and three 500-word short answers. Previous winners are matriculated at the University of Central Florida, Arizona State University, Lindenwood University, and more. Contact SR Education Group Military Scholarships 123 Lake Street Suite B-1 Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 605-8898 Scholarship Link 21. Strayer Alumni Advantage Scholarship Deadline: October 3rd As a MSCHE-accredited institution that’s serving working adults at 100 campuses and online, Strayer University presents the Alumni Advantage Scholarship for $2,000 to graduates who finished their bachelor’s degree there. Funding is applied to the first two terms of the 11 online master’s programs, including the Jack Welch Executive MBA and Master of Education (M.Ed.). Other scholarships for online study are the Bailey Family Foundation Scholarship and Law Enforcement Tuition Assistance Program. Contact Strayer Alumni Advantage Scholarship 2303 Dulles Station Blvd. 6E Herndon, VA 20171 (703) 561-1710 strayeralumni@strayer.edu Scholarship Link 22. TheBestSchools.org Online Learning Scholarships Deadline: November 1st or March 1st Each semester, TheBestSchools.org staff selects six $1,000 recipients of the Online Learning Scholarships to bolster their funding for online degrees at accredited colleges recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Chosen applicants must take at least 80 percent of their courses online, have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, be 18 years old or older, and verify a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applications need to include a 500-word essay about students’ career goals. Contact TheBestSchools.org Online Learning Scholarships 11237 S. Forrestville Avenue Chicago, IL 60628 (708) 305-0257 bjenkins@thebestschools.org Scholarship Link 23. Tribute Foundation Scholarship Program Deadline: June 30th Affiliated with the NFDA, the New York State Tribute Foundation Scholarship Program presents $6,000 per semester to on-campus and online students who are entering their freshman or sophomore year of an accredited B.S. program for mortuary science. Scholarly candidates must reside in the “Empire State,” aspire for the funeral service profession, and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Applications must include a 500-word essay or five-minute video discussing why students will be good funeral directors. Contact Tribute Foundation Scholarship Program 1 South Family Drive Albany, NY 12205 (518) 452-8230 tribute@tributefoundation.org Scholarship Link 24. Waldorf Hero Behind the Hero Scholarships Deadline: February 28th, May 31st, August 31st, or November 30th Delivering 16 associate, 22 bachelor’s, and nine master’s degrees online, Waldorf University proudly covers tuition with eight Hero Behind the Hero Scholarships worth up to $17,100 each term. Scholarship money is reserved for the spouses or children of America’s military and public safety personnel. Online students must have a high school diploma or GED, register for courses within 90 days, and maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.0. Contact Waldorf Hero Behind the Hero Scholarships 106 South 6th Street Forest City, IA 50436 (888) 785-3006 scholarships@waldorf.edu Scholarship Link 25. Washington State ASWSU Global Scholarship Deadline: July 1st, November 1st, or March 15th Headquartered in Pullman, the Washington State University Global Campus bestows the ASWSU Global Scholarship based on merit and financial need to online students who are completing 6+ credits in the 10 undergrad or 11 post-grad degree programs. Eligible recipients must pay online S&A fees, complete the FAFSA form, excel academically with a 3.0 GPA or better, and write a 700-word statement about their online learning experiences. Contact Washington State ASWSU Global Scholarship P.O. Box 645220 Pullman WA 99164 (509) 335-9711 scholarships@wsu.edu Scholarship Link According to the Georgetown CEW, college graduates earn 84 percent more throughout their careers than workers with only a high school diploma. Average lifetime earnings are currently $1.72 million for associate, $2.26 million for bachelor’s, and $2.67 million for master’s degree holders. Online college education will provide an outstanding payoff if you can afford the tuition investment upfront. Fortunately, distance learning colleges have expanded their funding opportunities to support non-traditional scholars logging into their courses virtually. Along with these 25 scholarships for online study, students at accredited colleges could earn federal financial aid like the Pell Grant too.
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