Online degree programs are becoming increasing popular, as they allow you to work at your own pace, study a variety of subjects, meet people from around the world, and save money. However, even though online undergraduate degree programs can be less expensive than going to a brick-and-mortar school, these colleges can still come attached with a hefty price tag. Financial aid is available for most students pursuing degrees, even if you choose to work in an online environment.

Grants are one of the best sources for money when you’re attending college. Like scholarships, grants are available, essentially, for free, meaning that you don’t have to repay this money when you’re done with school, like you do with student loans. Grants are given based on need, rather than merit, so you qualify even if you didn’t have perfect grades in high school or have special sports or musical talents.

One of the most popular grants is the Pell Grant, which is given out by the United States government. Yes, you qualify, even if you choose to go to college online, as long as your degree program is accredited (many are). The only major qualifications to receive this money are that you’re not incarcerated and that you’re working on your first undergraduate degree. Beyond that, financial need is the only way the Pell Grant department will determine the amount of money you receive. Unfortunately, funding for the Pell Grant program has been cut in recent years, even though student enrollment is higher than ever, so you may want to also explore other grant opportunities to help pay for your education.

Before 2006, students were required to receive at least half of their education on a campus, rather than online, to be eligible for grants or other kinds of financial aid. In February of that year, this law was repealed, and online students are now eligible for all federal funds, providing that their program is accredited. Programs online can be accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) or any one of the six regional accreditation boards in the United States. Beyond the Pell Grant, the government offers a number of undergraduate educational grants, as well as scholarships, which you can find online at Students.gov.

Grants are also available from outside sources, such as organizations, clubs, businesses, foundations, churches, and other groups. Your high school may offer grants, and most colleges, even those online, have a financial aid department that helps you learn what grant programs are available directly from your college and your department. Grant applications typically require more time than scholarship applications, and you may need to know exactly what you intend to do with your education. Be prepared to give tons of details, as well as financial information that proves you need the money. Although time consuming in many cases, apply to as many grants as possible. With any luck, you could get your online undergraduate education without spending a dime of your own money.

Top 10 Online Undergrad Degree Programs

Obtaining an undergraduate degree, either an associate's or a bachelor's, from an accredited college or university will open many doors to new and lucrative careers. The following schools offer undegrad degree programs across a wide array of subjects, including business, education, healthcare, art, and more.

	Kaplan University — Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificate, and Master's Degrees. Kaplan University enjoys a good repuation as one of the largest accredited online undergraduate universities in the country. Degrees from Kaplan are available in a wide variety of fields, ranging from nursing to business to technology, and more.
	Walden University — Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD Degrees. Offering accredited online degree programs in criminal justice, science, business, health, nursing, and more, Walden University is an ideal candidate for any working professional looking to advance his/her career to the next level.
	University of Phoenix — Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificate, Master's, and Doctorate Degrees. The University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the United States, with almost 200 campus-based locations in addition to an enormous online presence. Simply put, Phoenix has become synonymous with top quality online undergraduate degrees.
	Ashford University — Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degrees. Ashford's low cost coupled with their reputation for easy credit transfer makes them one of the top online undergraduate colleges available to students in the United States. Their online classes are available 24 hours a day and allow students to work at their own pace, ideal for busy professionals looking to earn a degree.
	Boston University — Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral Degrees. Boston University was founded in 1839, making it one of the oldest colleges that offers degree programs online. Its total enrollment of over 31,000 students makes it one of the largest private universities in the United States.
	Capella University — Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, and Certificate Degrees. Capella University boasts an online study enrollment of over 25,000 professional adults. At Capella, you can pursue a bachelor's, master's, certificate, or doctorate degree program.
	Liberty University — Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD Degrees. Established by the late Reverend Jerry Falwel in 1971 as Lynchburg Christian Academy, Liberty University is the largest undergraduate evangelical Christian university in the United States. It's motto: "Training Champions for Christ."
	DeVry University — Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degrees. With nearly 100 campuses worldwide, DeVry University is well known as a leader in the online education industry, offering courses of study in numerous programs, including business, science, and the liberal arts.
	American InterContinental University — Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degrees. American InterContinental University has campus presences in California, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and abroad. AIU Online is an extension of the university's campus-based undegraduate degree programs, brought to the student through the convenience of self-paced learning via the Internet.
	Argosy University — Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate Degrees. Argosy University offers a professional education based on a foundation of academic excellence. Students enrolled in the online programs at Argosy will enjoy a supportive atmosphere. Subjects offered include psychology, business, teaching, and healthcare.
	Strayer University — Associate's, Bachelor's, Certificate, Diploma, and Master's Degrees. Strayer University Online offers a low-cost online learning education from an accredited undergraduate university. The faculty and staff at Strayer bring life to the online curricula, enriching students with exceptional education at unparalleled value.
	Grand Canyon University — Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate Degrees. Grand Canyon University is a small, nondenominational Christian university located in Phoenix. GCU offers both online- and campus-based undergraduate degree programs in business, education, nursing, entrepreneurships, and liberal arts. GCU also boasts an NCAA Division II athletic programs.
	Everest University — Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degrees. Those looking for top-notch career advancement undergrad schooling need look no further. Everest University specializes in highly targeted industry-specific coursework that enables career-oriented students to gain an edge with continuing education.
	Westwood College — Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's Degrees. Westwood College offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in dozens of subjects. Their degree levels range from diploma to associate to bahelor to master. To date, more than 20,000 have graduated from a Westwood College program.
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