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Alyssa Schulz Image Written By: Alyssa Schulz | Edited By: Cara Goldstone | Updated: July 16, 2025

Scholarships for Online Students

Key takeaways:

  • Many scholarships are awarded to online students as well as to traditional, in-person students.
  • Although the number of online students has decreased since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many students still attend school completely or partly remotely.
  • In Fall of 2022, 1.2 million students attended an online postsecondary institution and 3.8 million students attended a traditional institution fully online.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 5 million students attended a postsecondary institution exclusively online during the 2022-23 school year. That means more than 1 in 4 students either enrolled at an online postsecondary institution or traditional institution fully online.

While these students’ education may look different than the typical college student, there are still many scholarships available that apply to online students.

The 25 Best Scholarships for Online Students with Approaching Deadlines in 2025

  • 1

  • National Federation of the Blind Scholarship - Texas

  • Amount$3,000
  • DeadlineAugust 1, 2025

Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Texas offers scholarships to the best and brightest blind students in the state. The scholarships are awarded during our annual convention. Attendance, at our expense, is mandatory for all finalists. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and community service. The National Federation of the Blind of Texas is dedicated to

  • 2

  • SparkForce, The FMA Foundation Scholarships

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineSeptember 30, 2025

SparkForce, The FMA Foundation, awards scholarships twice each year to students pursuing degrees or certifications related to manufacturing careers. Scholarship Details Awarded twice per year Open to students pursuing degrees or certifications in manufacturing-related fields Supports both full-time and part-time students meeting credit hour requirements Scholarship awards

  • 3

  • American Indian Services Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineNovember 1, 2025

The AIS Scholarship program is to help undergraduate Native American/Alaska Native students with financial support to attend a college or university, maintain enrollment, and graduate. Scholarship Awards are based on need for the term the student is applying for and are allocated directly to the school for the student. Scholarship Details Scholarship Awards are based on up to one-half of

  • 4

  • Adobe Education Reimbursement

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineDecember 5, 2025

All regular Adobe employees who are in good performance standing are eligible for the Education Reimbursement. Regular employees include part-time employees who work the minimum hours required to be eligible for benefits. Interns and Adobe-paid temporary employees are not eligible, except where legally required. You must be employed with Adobe when the course begins and ends to receive

  • 5

  • IIA Heartland-Iowa Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineDecember 13, 2025

The Heartland-Iowa Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors is allocating $2,000 for the scholarship academic year Scholarship fund. Two (2) $1,000 awards will be available for undergraduates and postgraduates. These individual scholarship awards will be made payable in the name of the recipient. Scholarship Details Total Fund: $2,000 for the academic year Two individual scholarships

  • 6

  • McDonald's Tuition Assistance

  • Amount$21,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

The Archways to Opportunity® program offers Tuition Assistance to eligible McDonald’s employees, helping reduce the cost of earning a college degree. Tuition Assistance can be used for courses at approved schools, including two- or four-year colleges, universities, business schools, technical or vocational schools, and graduate or post-graduate programs accredited by the Department of

  • 7

  • Kids’ Chance of Virginia Scholarship

  • Amount$7,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

Kids’ Chance of Virginia is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships for children of Virginia workers that have been killed or seriously injured in a work-related accident or occupational disease. Eligible applicants must: be 26 or younger at the time of the application; demonstrate financial need; be a US citizen; and be accepted or planning to attend a college, university, or

  • 8

  • Citi Tuition Program

  • Amount$7,500
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2025

Citi is committed to helping employees achieve their educational and professional goals through tuition assistance and reimbursement programs. Eligible employees can access support for undergraduate, graduate, certificate, and remedial courses at accredited institutions, along with mandatory fees directly related to the coursework. Personalized education coaching and planning are also available

  • 9

  • SDSWMA Scholarship Program

  • Amount$4,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2026

The SDSWMA Scholarship Program, an entity of the South Dakota Solid Waste Management Association (SDSWMA), provides scholarships annually to students pursuing vocational trade degrees for Commercial Driver’s License, Heavy Equipment Operations, Diesel Technology, Environmental Technicians, GPS/Computer Technicians, etc. Preference is given to South Dakota residents intending to study at South

  • 10

  • Tom Krzyzaniak Automotive Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 11

  • Lee Essie and Charlie McMillan, Jr. Music Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 12

  • Dr. Raquel Ontiveros Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$500
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Dr. Raquel Ontiveros’ life was cut short when she drowned after being caught in a rogue wave while on vacation in Mexico. During her lifetime, Raquel packed significant accomplishments and contributions to her community. Friends and family remember Raquel for her high energy, infectious enthusiasm and what one friend called her “90-kilowatt” smile. They established the Dr. Raquel Ontiveros

  • 13

  • Circle Michigan Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 14

  • Lee Essie and Charlie McMillan, Jr. Medical Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 15

  • Flegenheimer Family Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

The Flegenheimer Family Scholarship was created in 1998 to give Saginaw County students the opportunity to further their education. It is hoped this scholarship will allow students to become better prepared for the future. The scholarship was established by Marjorie and Ernest Flegenheimer in recognition of the importance of education and the difference it can make in a young person's life.

  • 16

  • Nels Andersen Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 17

  • Guadalupe "Lupe" Gomez Memorial Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 18

  • Casting Your Future - UAW Local 668 Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse unions, dedicated to supporting the lives of working men and women. Locally, Amalgamated UAW Local 668 represents the hourly employees at General Motors Saginaw Metal Casting Operations and Knight Facilities Maintenance Group. Committed to

  • 19

  • Saginaw Community Foundation Collaborative Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

In 2006, the Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF) introduced the SCF Collaborative Scholarships, a testament to the collective spirit of giving and remembrance. The 2007 iteration of this scholarship, made possible through the generosity of donors, stands as a tribute to exceptional individuals and organizations. We celebrate the lives and contributions of Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Austin, Sr., Dorothy

  • 20

  • Emma Jean Frierson Memorial Nursing Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

Education is vital to the growth and future of every community. Because of this, the Saginaw Community Foundation administers a variety of scholarship programs for high school, community college, university and vocational students. Since awarding our first $500 scholarship in 1987, the Saginaw Community Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in scholarships. Learn more about all of our 235+

  • 21

  • Costco Employee Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 7, 2026

The Costco Employee Scholarship is designed for regular part-time and full-time employees in the U.S. who meet the eligibility criteria. It offers financial assistance to those pursuing higher education. Scholarship Details Amount: Up to $2,500 per academic year. Duration: Available for up to four years. Institution: Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited U.S. college

  • 22

  • Maryland Part-Time Grant Program

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2026

The Part-Time Grant Program provides financial assistance to undergraduate part-time students with demonstrated financial need who are enrolled in degree-granting programs at Maryland public and independent colleges and universities. Recipients are selected and awarded by the institution, offering support to students seeking to balance their education with other commitments. Scholarship

  • 23

  • GRCF Dorothy J. Thurston Graduate Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2026

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Dorothy J. Thurston Graduate Scholarship is offered to a resident of Kent County, who's at least been residing there for two years, and who is pursuing full or part-time study at any accredited school in Michigan. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients are selected by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) and applicants

  • 24

  • Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$40,000
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2026

Applicants for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation must be the child of an active duty or reserve U.S. Marine, a veteran U.S. Marine who has received an honorable discharge, or who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Children of U.S. Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, or Religious Programs Specialists attached to a Marine unit may also qualify. Additionally, applicants must have at

  • 25

  • AgWest Championing Agriculture Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineMarch 1, 2026

The AgWest Championing Agriculture Scholarship will be awarded to students currently enrolled in a university, college, post-secondary institution or vocational program. The degree, certificate or technical program and desired career path must be directly tied to serving the agriculture industry. Scholarship Details $2,500 one-time, non-renewable scholarship. Open to students pursuing

What are scholarships for online students?

Scholarships for online students are forms of financial assistance awarded to students seeking a degree who attend their classes exclusively online. However, the vast majority of scholarships online students qualify for are also open to in-person students.

It is important to note that each scholarship may have different qualifications; your eligibility may depend on factors such as your financial or personal background. For example, some scholarships may only be available to certain types of online students, such as those serving in the military or those who are single moms. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for a certain scholarship, contact the scholarship provider directly.

How to apply for scholarships for online students

When you create a free account and conduct a scholarship search on Scholarships.com, you will be automatically matched to any scholarships for which you qualify, including scholarships for online students.

Many of these scholarships, especially ones with need-based components, require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have not yet filled out the FAFSA, then you might not qualify for a given scholarship.

Submitting the FAFSA does not mean you have to take out federal student loans; it just means you are making your financial information available to schools and scholarship providers so that they can decide the amount and type of financial aid you are eligible for.

What are the best scholarships for online students?

The best scholarship for you will vary depending on your personal experiences, qualities, location, and more. However, as a general rule of thumb, scholarships that are geared toward a smaller segment of that population, of which you are also a part, will be easier to win as there will likely be fewer applicants.

For example, high school seniors who will be the first in their family to earn a bachelors degree planning to attend an in-person or online secondary education institution could be the perfect candidate for the OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship.

As it may be difficult to meet a given scholarship's niche requirements, it is worthwhile to look into scholarships that pull from larger applicant pools as well. For example, the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium provides 168 awards annually of up to $12,000 each. You just need to be a high school student passionate about STEM to qualify.

Applying to all different types of scholarships you are eligible for, no matter how narrow or broad their qualifications, will increase your chances of obtaining a scholarship and open the door to new opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for online students

Each scholarship may have its own criteria that needs to be met to be considered an online student. That being said, an online student is generally described as an individual who takes all of their classes online. This typically includes students enrolled in schools that are exclusively for online students and those who attend traditional universities remotely. If you are unsure whether or not you qualify for a given scholarship, contact the scholarship provider directly.

When you create an account on Scholarships.com and add your demographic information, you will receive a list of scholarship opportunities tailored to you, including ones for online students. However, if you prefer to use our scholarship directory, you can search for awards in specific categories without making an account.

Many students choose to attend school online so that they have the opportunity to work, pursue personal interests, or handle other responsibilities. Because of this, many online students opt to attend school part-time to focus on their non-academic lives. Although the majority of scholarships require full-time attendance, some may still accept part-time students.

If you cannot find adequate scholarship funding as a part-time student, you may still qualify for federal student loans. Just make sure you do not drop below part-time status so that you remain eligible for federal financial aid.

Many scholarships that are open to in-person students are also open to online learners. Often you only need to attend an accredited post-secondary institution to be eligible. However, some scholarships may have specific requirements that can only be met if you are physically on campus.

For example, scholarships may require you to live on campus to qualify. Even if it seems like a given scholarship is for all types of students, contact the scholarship provider directly to be sure you qualify.

Just like other kinds of scholarships, scholarships for online students may be based on need, merit, or both. If the scholarship you are applying for has a need-based component, you may be required to complete the FAFSA or submit a copy of your tax return to qualify.

Brainstorm other unique qualities and experiences you have and try to find awards that suit those characteristics. You can search for scholarships related to your race, ethnicity, or other distinguishing factors. For example, there are many minority, LGBTQ+, and need-based scholarships that may be fitting. Scholarships specific to your state, major, and age can further refine your search and increase your chances.

Other scholarships do not consider an applicant's financial background. For example, The Stamps Scholars Program is open to students with exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. It provides approximately 360 scholarships of up to $90,000 that can be renewed annually.