So, you’ve decided that you want to attend an online college, but you can’t quite figure out how to pay for it. Don’t worry, you’re in good company. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that in 2000, 71% of dependent undergraduate students received some sort of financial aid. This means that financial assistance for college, both online and off, is extremely prevalent, and as such, is often very simple to come by.

Finding financial aid for online studies is very similar, and just as easy as finding financial aid to attend a traditional campus college. Many online students will qualify for federal financial aid as well as private scholarships. Some students receive grants from employers, and you may even find that online schools themselves offer financial aid in the form of loans and payment programs.

In the past, online schools had trouble qualifying as financial aid distributors, thanks to the "50% Rule" that required that schools offer at least 50% of their courses in traditional classrooms before receiving financial aid. However, in 2006, this ruling was overturned, and now almost all online schools offer federal student aid.

To receive financial aid from the federal government, you will need to get started by filling out the Federal Application for Student Financial Aid, also known as the FAFSA. This application will determine your level of need and ability to pay for school yourself, and once it has been reviewed, will determine your eligibility for loans and grants from the federal government. When you are deemed eligible, you’ll be able to apply for a variety of financial aid, including Perkins Loans, Stafford loans, PLUS loans, and federal scholarships and grants.

The federal government isn’t the only place you can find assistance. Most scholarships do not have requirements against using funds for online college, and you should take advantage of this fact. It is entirely possible to find scholarships, internships, grants, and loans that are made with your situation in mind. Some of the most reliable resources for both public and private financial aid are scholarship websites. One of the best of these is College Board, which is the organization behind the SAT test. College Board’s scholarship search has more than 2,300 sources of college funding that reaches nearly $3 billion in financial aid that’s ripe for the picking.

If you’re a working professional, it’s worth the effort to speak with your supervisor and human resources department about financial aid. By completing a degree program that will help you grow as a professional, the organization you work for will enjoy the benefits of your continued education. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Another important source that you should not overlook is your own online college. You will find that many online colleges offer financial assistance in the form of loans and payment programs. Still others are very ready to help you in your search for scholarships and grants through federal and private resources as well.

As you can see, finding financial aid for attending an online college is not difficult, as long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to find good resources. Be sure to check out all of the options available to you, and you should be able to make online college both affordable and worth your time.