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Online education used to be considered an affordable alternative to traditional on-campus programs. However, modern online programs go beyond obvious expenses such as tuition and technology requirements, as they develop their own curriculum, agenda, and research.
What are online schools? Online Schools are institutions that teach students entirely or primarily online through the use of the Internet.
Securing scholarships and financial aid for an online school is as competitive as in the case of traditional schools. This is why online students should understand available options for the extra funding they can potentially receive. This guide combines government and academic data to outline the best strategy in securing scholarships for online learners.
Types of Scholarships for Online Students
Traditional scholarships can cover expenses on an online education as well as on offline programs. However, there are specific scholarships for online learners. These include:
University-Sponsored Scholarships
Many institutions offer scholarships exclusively for online students. These scholarships may be merit-based or require a minimum enrollment. In both cases, the number of applicants for such scholarships is significantly lower, as applicants for traditional education are excluded.
Did you know?
A study of performance-based scholarships found that these financial aids helped students progress academically and increased college completion rates, demonstrating the long-term positive impact of moderate financial support.
State and Regional Scholarships
State governments provide scholarships to residents studying online or on-campus. Eligibility criteria vary by state. Keep in mind you can apply for a state scholarship even if you are not a resident of the state where university is located. Don’t forget to investigate the particular criteria and due dates for state and regional scholarships in the same area as they still may vary.
Foundation and Grant Scholarships
Private foundations offer scholarships based on criteria such as academic merit, financial need, demographics, or field of study. Some are specifically designed for online students. Some are specially made for students who study online. To discover these scholarships, investigate organizations connected to your field of study or heritage.
What Makes You Eligible for Scholarships
Every scholarship has its own set of rules on who can get it. However, there are some everyday things they usually look for:
Good Grades
Many scholarships want students who do well in school. Your report card, which shows all your grades, can play a big part in whether you get a scholarship or not. Standardized exam results, such as the SAT or ACT also affect eligibility. Don’t forget that your academic record should be steady and show your progress over time.
Extracurricular Activities
Being part of clubs, sports, or other extracurricular activities greatly improves your prospects.This demonstrates that you are versatile, open minded and likely to find development outside of the chosen school by engaging in activities beyond studying. Those who prefer creative development may focus on participation in contests, artistic activities such as music or art and internships at specific companies..
Need for Financial Help
Some scholarships are primarily for students who don’t have enough money to pay for school. If this is you, there might be scholarships that can help. You might have to show proof of your family’s earnings or financial difficulties. Be prepared to file many forms and financial assistance documents such as the FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to provide necessary information for eligibility assessment.
Paperwork
When you want to apply for a scholarship, you’ll need to give them specific things to show you’re the right choice. You might have to provide transcripts, standardized test results, or evidence of eligibility such as residency or enrollment status.
Third party validations
These documents are usually called recommendation letters. They’re usually from teachers, coaches, or other adults who know you well. They’ll write about all the great things you’ve done and why you deserve the scholarship.
Your Personal Story
Some scholarships want to know more about you. They might ask you to write an essay or a letter about your life, your goals, or why you want to study a certain thing.
Before the deadline comes, double-check to make sure you’ve got everything. You want to make sure you remember every little detail before submitting the paper.
Types of Scholarships for Online Courses
Scholarships Based on Academic Performance (Merit-based Scholarships)
If you’re excelling in your studies, there are definitely scholarships just for you. They are known as merit-based scholarships for students with outstanding academic abilities.
Scholarships for Those in Financial Need (Need-based Scholarships)
Need-based scholarships are designed for students who are passionate about learning but may lack funds to pursue their education. These scholarships focus on academic achievements as well and want to support students who genuinely need financial help to continue their education.
Need-Based Scholarships: 4 Recent Facts
- n the 2019-2020 academic year, about 85% of full-time undergraduate students received some form of financial aid, which includes scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study
- Private scholarships contribute over $7.4 billion annually to U.S. students. However, only 1 in 8 students (12.5%) receive private scholarships
- An estimated $100 million in scholarships go unclaimed each year due to a lack of applicants, especially from underserved groups
- 64.3% of Black students and 29.1% of White students received Pell Grants in 2019-2020.
These facts come from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), an independent nation level organization.
Scholarships for Specific Online Courses
Some scholarships focus specifically on specific courses or subjects. For example, a scholarship for online graphic design courses is meant for students who want to study that particular subject. These scholarships ensure that students who are genuinely passionate about a field get the support they need.
When looking for scholarships, it’s a good idea to see which category you fit into and then search accordingly. Whether you’re a top performer, someone in need, or have a specific course in mind, there’s likely a scholarship out there waiting for you!
Differences Between Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
Proper financial planning begins with an understanding of basic terminology of every financial aspect. Scholarships and Grants do not require repayment. Scholarships are often merit-based, while grants are need-based, and grants can be provided for a specific request. Loans, on the other hand, require repayment with interest. They provide larger funding amounts but increase financial obligations. Prioritization of scholarships and grants reduces future debt.
Application Process for Scholarships and Financial Aid
Research Opportunities
Begin by conducting a thorough research of all options available to you. Good news is, the information about the scholarship for online schools is easy to find online, as the organizations providing them are working with web based digital instruments/
Read Guidelines
As with any financial aid application, the devil is in the details. Pay attention to the deadlines, eligibility, and required documents.Make a checklist to ensure you meet all requirements and understand any special instructions or formats needed.
Gather Materials
Prepare transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and proofs of income. Some of them may require naturalized translation and copy so consider this when calculating the timing and expenses on the application process.
Complete Applications
Follow instructions carefully, adhering to deadlines and other demands. One of the most popular mistakes students make when applying for a scholarship is exceeding the letter and character limit in the final essays.
Submit Applications
Ensure all information is accurate and complete and check all the e-mail addresses and contact forms required for the application. Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting applications. Keep copies of all submitted materials and consider submitting before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
Follow Up
This is an optional, yet very often those applying for a scholarship are not aware of the fact that they are absolutely free to follow up to confirm their application was received and is now in review.
Spotting and Avoiding Scams
With the digital age come digital scams. Stick to renowned platforms like Scholarship.com to ensure you’re on the right path.
“If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” Steer clear of platforms demanding payment or those that guarantee wins.
Writing a Standout Scholarship Essay
One of the most critical parts of many scholarship applications is the essay. It’s your chance to shine and show the decision-makers who you really are. Here are 3 things you need to keep in mind:
Remember, your essay is the only way the committee responsible for the scholarship can get in touch with your personality. Make sure that in addition to the proof of your abilities and needs they can see your individual traits of character so that your application stands out and has a human touch to it.
Personal Touch
Your essay should be unique to you. It’s your personal story, your dreams, and your aspirations. Share experiences that shaped you or challenges you’ve overcome. While it is absolutely non-negotiable that you should stick to the facts and truth in your essay, it’s ok to adjust it to highlight your achievements according to scholarship’s specific prompts or values.
Be Clear
While it’s great to share your story, remember to answer the essay prompt clearly. Stick to the point, and make sure your essay has a clear structure with a beginning, middle, and end.
Be Genuine
Don’t try to write what you think the scholarship committee wants to hear. Be yourself. Authenticity tends to resonate more with readers. Use your own voice and style in your writing and be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t forget to provide specific examples that can help illustrate who you are and make your application stand out.
“What makes a child gifted and talented may not always be good grades in school, but a different way of looking at the world and learning.”
— Chuck Grassley
Legacy Online School aims to support students in achieving their educational goals, regardless of financial barriers. The school participates in the Step Up For Students program.
Conclusion
Scholarships for online education are generally open and unrestricted, though some are specifically designed for online institutions. Yet as online education grows, more and more people apply for them. Understanding all the nuances and accessing these financial aid opportunities becomes increasingly important. By following the guidelines above and utilizing available resources, you can find and obtain the scholarship you require to receive the desired online education.
