Five Ways to Pay for Your Online Degree

A college degree is considered by most to be a worthwhile investment in yourself. But, what if you need help getting the funds to make that investment?

The first thing it may help you to know is that if you enroll in a fully online degree program offered by the University of Arkansas, you pay in-state tuition, regardless of where you live in the United States. And that is a significant difference in cost from out-of-state tuition. You can see the estimated costs to attend on the university’s website.

Then, you need to drill down to the specific program you want to pursue to see what fees will be assessed. The U of A offers more than 90 online degree and licensure programs. In academic year 2024, the U of A awarded 1,013 online degrees and certificates.

Online students often tell us that a scholarship can make a difference in their success. Students studying in online degree programs can apply for the W.E. Manning Scholarship offered by the Global Campus.

“I am very grateful for the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship because I would not have been able to go any farther into the program without it,” said Amy Freeman of Corning, Arkansas, a student in the online LPN to RN program. “When I first went to school, I went to become a teacher. When I was in my fourth year and about to graduate, I decided that was not what I wanted to do. I wanted to be a nurse. I had used up all my Pell Grant at that time. If I didn’t have this scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to afford this college. I would have had to take out more loans or just wait. With this help, I can reach my goals in a timely manner. I am more than grateful for this opportunity.”

Audrey Briggs of Fayetteville, Arkansas, another Manning scholarship recipient, is working on a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies at the age of 60.

“Without crying, this scholarship was a huge gift,” Briggs said. “Everyone who goes to college knows the cost. You cut back as much as you can, and you scrape. Although I get a wonderful discount being an employee, there are books, materials, online connective services and student fees that eventually start adding up. The more courses you take, the more costly it is. I'm like your typical person. I live paycheck to paycheck. When I got this scholarship, I had to print it out because I didn't believe it actually said, ‘You've been awarded.’ I'm grateful and humble because that scholarship allows me to take more courses in the summertime than I would otherwise have been able to afford.”

Here’s a quick rundown of sources you may want to pursue. An online student liaison can help with any questions you have.

• Scholarships

The University of Arkansas offers merit-based scholarships every year. Learn more and find the application on the Academic Scholarship Office website. The U of A also offers a guide to outside scholarships that can help prospective students cast a wider net.

More information on the Manning scholarship is available on the Global Campus website. Friends and co-workers of W.E. Manning established the scholarship fund with about $4,000 soon after Manning died in 1993. At the time of his death, Manning was studying in a U of A doctoral program and managing independent study programs. The Global Campus has also contributed funds for the scholarship, and the number of recipients has grown from four in 2018 to 31 in 2024.

• State and Federal Financial Aid

Prospective students can also apply for need-based aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. More information is available on the Financial Aid office website. The office offers a net price calculator on its website.

• Ask Your Employer

Most students enrolled in online degree programs are older than traditional college students. The average age of online students at the U of A is 31 for undergraduates and 34 for graduate students. And many are working full time. Some employers offer tuition-reimbursement programs for their employees, and the human resources office of your employer can provide information about that. Working professionals who earn a degree may become eligible for promotions or better-paying positions.

• Check with Departments

In many graduate programs, faculty members are awarded grants to fund graduate student tuition. So, don’t forget to ask faculty what may be available. For example, the Teaming for Transition program has funded students in the special education master’s program who can also earn a graduate certificate in the specialty.

Academic departments may also know of additional funding available from state agencies in their field.

• Other sources

Because online students are typically older than traditional college students, some have military service under their belts. The university’s Veteran and Military-Affiliated Student Center website has all the details these students need to apply for tuition assistance.

And, loans that must be repaid with interest are another option. Check out what’s available on the Federal Loans page.

You can learn more about experiences of online students on the Student Stories page and on The Online Learner blog.

Just a reminder, any time you would like a person with expertise on all things U of A to provide guidance, reach out to the Global Campus student liaison office. You can email, chat online or talk on the phone with a liaison. They are here to help you.

Vicki Martin of the Global Campus contributed to this story.