Online colleges are rapidly becoming a viable education choice for students of all types. The cost of traditional colleges, especially four-year private universities, is on the rise again, making the cost of a degree over six figures. For other students, attending classes on a schedule isn’t feasible thanks to work schedules and other commitments. Not only does distance learning include accredited programs, but traditional universities now offer online programs as well.

One thing that many students fail to realize with online education is they can still apply for financial aid. While the tuition for a full online program might be less cost-prohibitive than attending classes on campus, it’s far from cheap. And with some programs, the cost can vary depending on whether you’re in-state or out-of-state. That’s why if you’re opting to become an online student, you’ll want to look at what type of aid you might qualify for.

• Why Make the Effort to File FAFSA: The average amount of financial aid for undergrads in 2017 was $14,400. This includes grants, federal loans, education tax credits, and deductions. The average out-of-pocket amount for students who attended an in-state school during this period was just $4140. Even more key, the amount of financial assistance colleges and universities provide is over $58 billion.
• Different Aid for Different Groups: Depending on if you belong to a specific demographic, you might have some more opportunities to apply for aid. There is special assistance available for LGBTQ students, minorities, women, students with disabilities, vocational students, and veterans.
• Check the School to See if Aid Is Available: Another consideration is whether the school or program is eligible for financial aid with online courses. Be sure to check when applying for a particular college.
• Types of Aid for Online Students: Like with traditional colleges, you might be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, grants, loans, work/study aid, or even employer-sponsored tuition. Invest some time in researching both private assistance and federal aid to see what options you might qualify for and how to secure them.
• Qualifications to Apply for FAFSA as an Online Student: You’ll need either a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or some proof that you’ve completed a program equivalent to high school. You do need a social security number for federal aid, as well as to be accepted into an approved college. If you’re a male between 18 and 25, you must register with Selective Service. To maintain your financial aid, you do need good grades. You can’t be in default on another student loan. And while you don’t have to be a U.S. citizen, you do need to have documentation.

Online colleges are a great option for many students, offering excellent education opportunities. Don’t think because it’s distance learning that you aren’t eligible for the same financial considerations as students who learn on campus. Do your research and see what kind of aid is available for you.