The growth of online education has transformed higher learning into a flexible and affordable experience. Yet, one of the most common concerns among prospective students is cost — even online programs can be expensive when tuition, technology fees, and course materials are considered. Fortunately, many accredited online colleges not only offer quality degrees but also accept scholarships to make education more accessible.
Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or an international student, finding an accredited online college that accepts scholarships can help you earn a degree without overwhelming debt. This article explores what accreditation means, why it matters, and highlights top online colleges where scholarships can cover most — if not all — of your tuition.
1. Why Accreditation Matters in Online Education
Before choosing any online college, accreditation should be your top priority. Accreditation is an official recognition that a college meets strict academic standards set by independent accrediting bodies. This ensures that the education you receive is legitimate, high-quality, and recognized by employers and other universities.
In the United States, accreditation typically falls into two categories:
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Regional Accreditation – The highest standard, recognized nationwide.
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National Accreditation – Common for career, technical, or faith-based institutions.
Attending an accredited college also allows you to apply for federal financial aid and external scholarships, which unaccredited schools typically don’t accept.
2. How Scholarships Work for Online Colleges
Many students assume scholarships are only available for traditional, on-campus programs, but that’s no longer true. Today, most scholarships — including merit-based, need-based, and field-specific awards — are fully applicable to accredited online colleges.
There are two main types of scholarships you can use for online degrees:
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Institutional Scholarships – Offered directly by the online college.
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External Scholarships – Provided by third parties such as government programs, nonprofit foundations, or private organizations.
As long as the college is accredited, it can usually process scholarship funds to cover tuition, textbooks, or technology costs.
3. Top Accredited Online Colleges That Accept Scholarships
Below are some of the most reputable accredited online colleges that welcome scholarship funding and financial aid opportunities.
1. University of Florida (UF Online)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
The University of Florida offers one of the top-ranked public online programs in the country. Through UF Online, students can pursue bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Education, and more. The university accepts a wide range of federal, state, and private scholarships — including the Bright Futures Scholarship and Pell Grants.
UF Online’s flexible tuition structure and acceptance of third-party scholarships make it a top choice for Florida residents and international learners alike.
2. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
ASU Online is known for its world-class virtual learning environment and over 200 online degree programs. The university welcomes scholarships from employers, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
ASU also offers its own scholarships for online students, such as the New American University Scholarship and ASU Global Education Grant. These awards can be combined with external scholarships to reduce or eliminate tuition costs.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Southern New Hampshire University has become a leader in affordable online education. It offers more than 100 accredited degree programs and is highly supportive of scholarship recipients.
SNHU accepts federal grants, state-funded scholarships, and private awards from foundations and corporations. The university even assists students in finding scholarships through its dedicated financial aid office. Its low tuition rates and flexible terms make it especially appealing for working adults.
4. Purdue University Global
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Purdue Global, a branch of the prestigious Purdue University system, is designed specifically for adult learners. It accepts most major scholarships, including military, corporate, and private awards.
Purdue Global also offers the Purdue Global Commitment Scholarship and Corporate Partner Scholarships, which can significantly reduce tuition costs for employees of partner organizations. The combination of credibility, flexibility, and scholarship acceptance makes it a strong choice for online learners.
5. University of the People (UoPeople)
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
The University of the People is a tuition-free online university, but it still accepts scholarships to cover small assessment or examination fees. UoPeople partners with corporations and global organizations such as Google, HP, and UNESCO to provide scholarships for financially disadvantaged students.
Programs are available in Business Administration, Computer Science, Education, and Health Science — all fully online and accredited. For students seeking a nearly cost-free education, UoPeople is one of the best options available worldwide.
6. Liberty University Online
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Liberty University is one of the largest private, faith-based online institutions in the United States. It accepts a wide variety of scholarships, including military benefits, corporate tuition assistance, and faith-based scholarships.
The university also provides its own financial aid programs, such as the Online Advantage Scholarship and Liberty Online Success Grant, helping students manage costs effectively.
7. Western Governors University (WGU)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Western Governors University operates on a competency-based model, allowing students to progress at their own pace. WGU accepts external scholarships and offers numerous internal ones — such as the WGU Opportunity Grant and Women in Tech Scholarship.
Because tuition is charged per six-month term instead of per course, students who complete their work quickly can save thousands of dollars. Combined with scholarships, this structure makes WGU one of the most cost-effective online universities.
4. Finding and Applying for Scholarships for Online Degrees
Once you choose an accredited online college, the next step is finding scholarships that fit your profile. Some excellent platforms for scholarship searches include:
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Fastweb.com
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Scholarships.com
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Chegg Scholarships
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Cappex.com
When applying, always check the eligibility requirements and deadlines. Many scholarships require a personal essay, transcripts, or recommendation letters. Tailor your application to highlight your educational goals, leadership qualities, and motivation for online learning.
Also, don’t overlook employer tuition assistance programs — many companies offer education benefits that can be applied to accredited online colleges.
5. Benefits of Choosing an Online College That Accepts Scholarships
Selecting an accredited online college that welcomes scholarships provides several advantages:
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Reduced Financial Burden: Scholarships can cover partial or full tuition.
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Flexibility: Study from anywhere while maintaining your career or family responsibilities.
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Credibility: Accredited programs are respected by employers and other institutions.
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Career Advancement: Many online colleges offer degrees in high-demand fields like technology, healthcare, and business.
In addition, online learners often qualify for exclusive online student scholarships, which further reduce costs.
Conclusion
In the past, earning a degree online was sometimes viewed with skepticism. Today, however, accredited online colleges rival — and often surpass — traditional universities in terms of flexibility, affordability, and accessibility. The good news is that these institutions also accept scholarships, enabling students from all walks of life to achieve their academic dreams without going into debt.
Whether you choose ASU Online, SNHU, Purdue Global, or University of the People, combining scholarships with an accredited program ensures that your education remains both affordable and respected.
Ultimately, success in online learning comes from choosing the right college, staying disciplined, and taking advantage of every financial opportunity available. With the right combination of accreditation, scholarships, and determination, earning a high-quality online degree has never been more achievable — or more affordable.