Online Bachelor's Degree & Certificate Program Aid
We're Here for You
The Office of Graduate and Online Studies will help you find opportunities to offset the cost of your education, so you can focus on enjoying your academic experience.
Tuition Discount Program
Almost every student enrolling through the Online Bachelor's and Certificate Program is eligible for some type of tuition discount.
- Program Basic Rate: Tuition for Online Bachelor's and Certificate Programs reflects a significant discount from the traditional undergraduate tuition rate.
- Employer Partnership Discount: Students employed by one of ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ University's Employer Discount Partners may qualify for an additional tuition reduction.
- Nonprofit Discount: Students employed by a nonprofit entity may qualify for an additional tuition reduction.
- Special tuition discounts for 2-year degree holders from specific partner schools are available.
Scholarships
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ offers a variety of scholarships designed just for students in the Online Bachelor's and Certificates Program.
Parent Pathways Scholarship
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ a Parent Pathways Grant that allows us to provide one-time scholarships for new students who are parents. Learn more here.
Transfer Scholarships
- $1,000 - $4,000 per year for full-time (12+ credits) Online Bachelor's Degree and Certificate Program students.
- $500 - $2,000 per year for half-time (6-11 credits) Online Bachelor's Degree and Certificate Program students
If you are transferring credits from another college or university these scholarships are for you. They are merit-based: we review your transcripts and GPA/QPA to determine scholarship amounts.
New Adult Student Scholarship
- $2,000 per year for students who have been out of high school for at least 4 years and have minimal college experience (less than 6 credits). Half-time and full-time students are eligible.
Postbaccalaureate Scholarship
- Students already holding a bachelor's degree and seeking a 2nd bachelor's degree may receive a scholarship to reduce the cost.
All Online Bachelor's Degree and Certificate Program scholarships can be renewed every year if you remain in good academic standing at ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ. Tuition discounts and scholarships are not stackable. If you are eligible for both, a program counselor from the Office of Graduate and Online Studies can help you to determine which is the best option for you.
Private Scholarships
Private scholarships are another good way to help fund a college education - can help you start your search.
Credit for Life Experience & Work or Military Training
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ offers prospective students a chance to earn up to 30 credits for knowledge gained through life experiences, including military service and on-the-job training. Find out more here.
More detailed information on all educational benefits for active and veteran members of the military can be found on the Military Benefits page.
Grants & Loans
Grants reduce the cost of your education and do not need to be paid back. Loans are money you borrow (generally at a reduced rate for educational purposes) which need to be paid back in installments.
Grants
Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.
Federal Pell Grant
Awarded by the federal government to both full and part-time undergraduate students based upon the results of the . Enrollment status will change your Pell Grant.
PHEAA State Grants
Residents of Pennsylvania who are attending school full-time or part-time (at least six credits in a semester) and who have need as determined by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) are eligible for awards from this state agency. Grants are awarded to students who are making academic progress and show demonstrated financial need based on the results of the , (filed before May 1), and residency status as determined by PHEAA.
Grants From Other States
If you reside in a reciprocal state, you may qualify for a state grant and be able to bring your grant into Pennsylvania. The amounts may vary. Please contact your state agency about application procedures and deadline dates for the following: DE, MA, OH, VT, WV, and DC.
Loans
Unlike other forms of aid, loans must be repaid.
Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan
Federal loan administered by the U.S. Department of Education. This loan is interest-free while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Full repayment can be spread over 10 years. An application, which are referred to as a Master Promissory Note (MPN), can be completed online at .
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan
Federal loan opportunity for independent borrowers, and those dependent borrowers who do not qualify for the full federal interest subsidy under the subsidized Stafford Program or whose parents have been denied a PLUS loan. Combined subsidized and unsubsidized loans may not exceed the annual loan limits. This loan is not interest- free while the student is enrolled. However, students have the option to capitalize interest payments until after graduation. To obtain current interest rates go to .
Alternative Loan Options
This loan is for students to cover college expenses that are not covered by other financial aid resources. The Financial Aid Office strongly suggests exhausting other loan options before looking into Alternative Loans as they are not subject to federal Direct loan regulations. Interest rates, fees, and loan amounts are subject to your credit score and most students are required to have a cosigner to qualify. Once you have considered federal loan options, you can go to . This will give you a side-by-side comparison of general information of 6 more lenders. The information is not customized to each borrower but you will be able to gather general information such as their interest rate range.
Payment Plan & Employer Reimbursement
Payment Plan
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ offers a convenient monthly payment plan.
Employer Reimbursement Program & Tuition Deferment Program
¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ understands that many online students are working outside the home and are eligible for some type of tuition reimbursement through their employer. Contact Student Accounts or the Office of Graduate and Online Studies for more information on Employer Discounts, Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment.