By Trustpickr Editorial Team | Updated May 2025
Why FAFSA Still Matters—Even Online
Think FAFSA is just for traditional college students? Think again.
In 2025, many accredited online colleges accept FAFSA, helping adult learners, part-time students, and even remote workers qualify for:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Low-interest federal student loans
- Work-study programs
- State-level aid and scholarships
If affordability is holding you back from enrolling, this guide is your shortcut to online schools where you can apply for financial aid today.
What Makes a College FAFSA-Eligible?
A school must be:
Accredited by a recognized agency (regional or national)
Authorized to offer federal student aid for distance learners
Offering degree programs, not just non-credit certificates
All the colleges below meet these criteria and offer 100% online degree programs.
Top Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in 2025
1. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Tuition: ~$320/credit- Programs: Business, Healthcare, IT, Education
Accepts FAFSA
Apply to SNHU + FAFSA Info
2. Western Governors University (WGU)
- Tuition: Flat-rate ~$3,875 per 6 months
Competency-based model (graduate faster)- Accepts FAFSA
- Start WGU FAFSA Application
3. Purdue University Global
- Public university reputation with online flexibility
Scholarships + Federal Aid options- FAFSA accepted for most programs
- Enroll in Purdue Global
4. University of Phoenix
Nationally accredited, adult-focused- Tuition Guarantee & financial aid counseling
- FAFSA accepted
- Check Phoenix Financial Aid Options
5. Arizona State University Online (ASU Online)
- Ranked Top 10 for Innovation (U.S. News)
- FAFSA + state grants available
- Ideal for first-time students or transfers
- Explore ASU FAFSA Path
6. Capella University
Two learning formats: FlexPath & GuidedPath- Offers FAFSA + military aid
- Nationally accredited, recognized by employers
- Apply to Capella with FAFSA
7. Liberty University Online
- Christian-centered education
- Federal grants, loans, and military benefits available
- FAFSA-friendly
- Start Your FAFSA at Liberty
FAFSA Deadlines to Know for 2025
Federal FAFSA deadline: June 30, 2025
State deadlines vary (some as early as March!)- Tip: Apply ASAP—many grants are first come, first served
Pro Tips: Maximize Your FAFSA Success
- Apply early—even before you’re admitted
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to autofill your taxes
- Include multiple schools on your FAFSA (up to 20!)
- Follow up with each school’s financial aid office
Who Should Use FAFSA?
If you’re:
- A first-generation college student
- An adult going back to school
- A parent or veteran
- Earning under $80K/year (often grant-eligible)
You should absolutely apply for FAFSA. You don’t have to repay grants, and loans come with lower interest and better protections than private options.
Final Word: FAFSA + Online = Debt-Smart Degrees
Online degrees are flexible. FAFSA makes them affordable.
By choosing an accredited online college that accepts FAFSA, you’re setting yourself up to graduate with less debt and more opportunity.