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Financial Assistance For High School Diploma Online

Written by: Jody Adams
Last updated: January 31, 2024

Today, our lives depend on school education, but not everyone is fortunate enough to get higher school programs for education, like a bachelor's degree. Diplomas measure an individual's proficiency in a specific academic discipline. We've listed several free online high school diploma options for adults, including adult learners, interested in receiving a high school diploma but aren't sure if they have the qualifications or the required school credits.

Many reasons lead to students dropping out of school. The financial needs of their families, sometimes compounded by monthly payments and tuition costs, often force students to leave high school to work. Tuition at colleges has increased by 30% in the last decade.

People who did not finish school because they could not afford it should try returning to school. Especially those considering a career path that requires further education. In addition to earning a certificate or diploma, free online education offers you the opportunity to earn college credit. Free online high school diplomas, a pivotal part of college preparation, will be more advantageous in the coming years.

Financial Aid For High School Diplomas Online

Knowing which student resources and funding sources provide financial aid for high school diplomas online will make it easy for you to find the right academic grants for high school diplomas online. Take a look at the following sources that offer free or low-cost high school diplomas.

Public & Federal Grants

The US Department of Education provides financial aid and grants. The federal government provides grants, loans, and work-study funds to more than 15 million students. Here are examples of grant programs that provide financial aid to students earning high school diplomas.

Among the best-known university grants are Federal Pell Grants. Complete the FAFSA (free application for financial aid) to apply for a Pell grant. Depending on your needs, it is possible to receive anywhere between $976 and $5,350 from a Pell grant.

Possibly an opportunity grant may be available on top of a Pell grant when you qualify for one. If you filed the FAFSA, your application has been considered. Undergraduate students are eligible to receive a maximum of $4,500.

State Grants

Look for both state and federal grants. A high school diploma can also be obtained online through grants from the state. These grants are mostly merit-based. Check your state's official website to see if you are looking for high school diploma grants online. 

The federal government funds educational assistance programs through the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP). For more information about how to apply for the LEAP program in your state, you can contact the federal student aid information center.

Private Grants

Compared with government grants or grants awarded by institutions, the number of private grants is much smaller. Explore the possibility of receiving private grants. Most scholarship search engines can't provide as much information regarding private grants. In addition to visiting the websites of any groups you are interested in, professional organizations about your field of study, interest associations, ethnicity, religion, and other groups are important to consider when researching grants.

Institutional Grants

Institutional aid is financial assistance that institutions directly offer to graduates of their schools. Private colleges and universities are especially likely to offer this type of aid. Grants awarded by colleges are different from one to another, unlike grants from the federal government or the state. Check out your university's website to learn more about the grants it may offer. 

How To Earn A High School Diploma Online For Free?

Students earning an online high school diploma must complete all of the courses and credits required for secondary education, including grades 9 through 12. This often includes courses in foreign languages among other mandatory subjects. Students who do not graduate from high school traditionally can earn a diploma online for free. Before applying for financial aid, ensure the free high school diploma you wish to earn online is accredited.

The Distance Education and Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is a non-profit organization that accredits distance learning programs. You can learn about high school diplomas online for free from DEAC. Their website offers free high school diplomas online. If you want a free diploma, be sure your school is included.

Additionally, external national programs are available through the web in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Rhode Island, Washington, and Virginia. The GED exam is taken in person, but it is administered online.

Schools That Offer Free/Low-Cost Online Diplomas

You can boost your employment prospects by earning a free or low-cost online diploma. They are a great addition to your CV, make great conversation starters in interviews, and are fun to spend your free time with. The following are some of the most popular online diplomas from some of the top schools in the world. 

Excel High School

A free online high school diploma is available from Excel High School in Plymouth, MN. There is a broad range of courses offered at the school, including language, fine arts, world languages, mathematics, science, AP, health, and social sciences.

It takes 4 to 6 credits for each course for 21.5 hours to graduate from the school. It would take about 12 weeks to complete the classes. Monthly tuition fees for unlimited courses are $99 per month.

Franklin Virtual High School

Several high schools offer high school diplomas online, including Franklin Virtual High School. FEAC and AdvancED accreditations are provided for Franklin Virtual High School. This school gives extra resources in the curriculum and monitors students' learning throughout their studies.

North Dakota Center For Distance Education (NDCDE)

The North Dakota Center For Distance Education offers a free high school diploma online to students who complete the school's non-profit program. The institute offers courses in a variety of subject areas, including mathematics, social studies, science, music, technical education, English, health careers, physical education, health, world languages, family and consumer sciences, aviation, general education, agriculture, FFA and SAE, art, computer education, etc.

The school provides educational programs around the world through distance education. This school is licensed through AdvancED. Residents pay $169 in tuition; non-residents pay $250.

In addition to agriculture and aerospace, there are agricultural FFAs and SAEs, art, computer science, business education, math, science, social studies, music, technical education, English, health careers and family science, physical education and health, and world languages.

Career Online High School (COHS)

As the first-ever free, accredited high school diploma online school for adults, Career Online High School provides an online education system. The students may also pursue career certification at this institute in addition to a high school diploma. There is an academic coach assigned to each student.

Several libraries have collaborated with the school to offer free online high school diplomas. Students will need 18 credits for this program. Over 14 courses are eligible for transfer credits.

Texas Success Academy

Another reputable online school is the Texas Success Academy, Arlington, TX, with the Texas Education Agency and AdvancED license. All classes are provided at once, and students are allowed to study at their own pace.

A student with 0-11.5 credits pays $1,005 for eight months under the tuition system. Students with more than 11.5 credits must pay $905 for nine months.

Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS)

High school and middle school students can participate in full-time and part-time online virtual learning at Virtual Learning Academy. The state board of education of New Hampshire has accredited the school. According to the length of time, it takes to complete a course, students must pay tuition fees. Approximately $110 will be spent on the 4-week plan, and $350 will be spent on the 15-week plan.

Middleton Academy

Middleton Academy is a high school in Woodbridge, VA, accredited by the DEAC and AdvancED. You can enroll in full-credit courses offered by the Middleton Academy for $325, or half-credit courses will cost you $2000. 

A Middleton Academy program provides students with comprehensive educational programs that meet state standards, are taught by teachers, and directly focus on student learning. Both DEAC and AdvancED accredit the Middleton academy programs. This student population attends public, private, and academic schools between 9 and 12. Middleton academy offers full-credit courses for $325 while half-credit courses cost $2000. This school is located in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Penn Foster

In Pennsylvania, Penn Foster is well known as one of the leading private schools. As well as being accredited by the commission of schools and colleges of the secondary school, the school is also accredited by AdvancED. Adults and students can be enrolled at the school.

In addition to vocational training online, the school offers programs in pharmacy technician, plumbing, electrical, health, and information technology, among others. Other schools, universities, and corporations with which the school has ties include career schools, universities, and job corporations.

The Keystone High School

Located in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Keystone High School provides students with a standard pathway for more than 12 credit hours. A course can take eight weeks or 12 weeks to complete.

Several agencies license the school, including AdvancED, the State Board of Private and Licensed Schools, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If you choose to take the standard pathway, you will have to pay $399 for each course. For an accelerated pathway, you must pay $1,485 per course. You can also choose from 4, 7, and 9-month payment plans.

Clintondale Virtual School

One of the most popular online schools is Clintondale Virtual School in Clinton Township, MI, which offers high school students educational programs and allows them to take a high school course within eight weeks.

In addition to being offered all year round, this program allows students to enroll at any time throughout the year. Students can access the classes 24 hours, seven days a week. It costs $200-$250 for each course at this school to earn a free online high school diploma.

University Of Nebraska High School

A licensed school in Nebraska, the University of Nebraska High School, is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is accredited by both the Nebraska Department of Education and AdvancED. The school offers more than 100 core, AP, and elective courses in addition to dual enrollment. There is a $200 tuition fee for non-residents and a $150 fee for residents.

Students at the University of Nebraska high school in Lincoln, NE, are provided with instruction by the university so that school becomes their priority. A Nebraska educational license and advancED licensure are also available to them. The school offers a vast array of basic courses, electives, AP courses, and dual enrollment courses upon completing an accredited high school diploma. The University of Nebraska charges $150 for residents to take a course versus $200 for non-residents.

Brigham Young University

Brigham Young University is another well-known school with an online high school diploma program for adults. It is accredited by AdvancED and is located in Provo, UT.

Many different courses are available, such as fine arts, humanities, international studies, business, engineering, etc. Tuition rates at Brigham Young University range from $148 to $170 per course.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What types of financial assistance are available for online high school students in the US?

Financial assistance for online high school students includes scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance from federal and state governments, educational institutions, and private organizations. These aids help reduce or eliminate tuition and related costs.

How can I apply for financial assistance for an online high school diploma program?

To apply for financial assistance, research available aid options, determine your eligibility, gather necessary documentation, complete the application process as specified, and submit applications on time. Each financial aid opportunity may have unique requirements and processes.

Are there specific financial aid programs for low-income or disadvantaged students pursuing an online high school diploma?

Yes, there are specific financial aid programs for low-income or disadvantaged students, including Federal Pell Grants, state-funded grants and scholarships, institutional scholarships, and private scholarships and grants. Research and apply for programs targeting your unique situation and ensure you meet eligibility criteria.

Are you interested in learning more about different grants and programs that can help you with your living situation? Check out the rest of Gov Relations’ blog section today!

Jody Adams
Jody Adams is an accomplished editor-in-chief with a deep understanding of social care and government benefits issues. With a background in journalism and a master's degree in Public Policy, Jody has spent her career shaping the narrative around social policies and their impact on society. She has worked with renowned publications, effectively bridging the gap between complex policy analysis and public understanding. Jody's editorial expertise ensures that vital information on social care and government benefits reaches a broad audience, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
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