Students who demonstrate a financial need on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form are eligible for federal grants to enroll in online classes.
The school at which you plan to enroll in online classes must participate in the federal student aid program in order for you to be eligible for a federal grant. Most four-year universities and community colleges participate in the program.
The five federal student grants available to online students are: Pell Grants, FSEOG awards, ACG awards, National SMART Grants and TEACH Grants. While Pell Grants, FSEOG awards, and ACG awards are available to students enrolled in any discipline, SMART Grants are for those taking math or science classes, while TEACH Grants are for those taking education classes.
Online students are not required to pay back grant award money as long as they remain in good standing with their host school. Federal grant award amounts typically range between $1,000 and $5,000 per grant.
Students must gather the necessary tax forms and W-2 forms before completing the FAFSA form. (Dependents must also provide tax information for their parents or guardians.) After turning in the FASFA form, the U.S. Department of Education sends students a Student Aid Report, which indicates federal student aid eligibility. Online students eligible for student grants also are eligible for federal student loans.