Online classes are not just available from online schools. Traditional brick and mortar schools also offer online classes and degrees. Programs that would have only been taught in the classroom five years ago are now being taught in an online environment. Degrees in nursing, phlebotomy, psychology, education and a variety of other programs can be obtained online.
According to the Online-education website, accreditation " is a independent review of an institution's education programs for the purpose of helping to establish the learning offered by the select institution is of a uniform and sound quality." In other words, to receive financial aid from the federal government, the college or university must be known for its high standards and good programs.
To apply for financial aid, a student must fill out a financial aid form. The form can be completed online at the Federal Student Aid website. Many online schools also have private funding sources for students and can assist the student with matching a source with his needs.
Financial aid qualification is based on need. For undergraduate programs, students can apply for grants and student loans. For graduate school and higher, students can apply for student loans. When filling out the financial aid form, the student will need to provide proof of income (usually from the most recent tax return), information about the school being attended and whether the student plans to attend on a full or part-time basis. Based on the information provided, a financial needs assessment will be conducted and the student will be notified of how much financial aid he is qualified to receive and in what form.
The amount of aid available to a student depends on the student's financial situation, the cost of the school, and the types of aid the student is willing to accept. In general, a student who is willing to accept a combination of grants and loans will receive more financial aid than a student who only requests grants as a funding option.