A number of grants are available to students working toward an online bachelor's degree in an eligible educational program. Grant money does not have to be repaid as long as you continue to make satisfactory progress toward your degree but you may have to repay some grants if you leave your program or change your enrollment status. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for Federal, state, and institutional grants.

Federal Grants

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are generally awarded only to undergraduate students. The amount you are awarded depends on your income, your educational costs, and your enrollment status. You can receive one Pell Grant award per year from one educational program at a time. If you qualify for a Pell Grant, you may also be eligible for other Federal and institutional grants. See Pelll Grant for more information.

Academic Competitiveness Grant
The Federal government created the Academic Competitiveness Grants in 2006 to reward students who have completed a rigorous high school program as determined by the Department of Education. If you are a U.S. citizen, enrolled in school full time, and are eligible for a Pell Grant, you may also be eligible for an Academic Competitiveness Grant for up to $750 for your first year. If you are a second-year student and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, you might be eligible for up to $1,300. It's important to continue to be enrolled full time and keep a GPA of 3.0 or better to keep your grant. See Academic Competitiveness Grant for more information.

SMART Grant
The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is another new Federal grant program. SMART Grants are awarded to students who are in the third or fourth year of their academic program, majoring in math, science, technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language. Students may receive up to $4,000 per year, in addition to their Pell Grant funds. See SMART Grants for more information.

State and Institutional Grants
Many states have their own grant programs. You typically apply for these programs when you complete the FAFSA. In addition, some schools award institutional grants as part of your financial aid package. These grants are awarded based on information you provide on the FAFSA. Contact your school's financial aid office for more details on institutional grant options.