Grants can take some of the pressure off paying online college tuition as a student works toward their degree. These forms of tuition assistance are available to adults, as well as high school graduates, and they typically don’t have to be repaid. Not everyone knows how or where to look for them, however, and this lack of information can be costly.

Scholarships and fellowships work similarly to grants for college, although fellowships might involve fieldwork. Colleges and universities extend scholarships to students who participate in programs at their institutions. Government agencies, corporate giants, non-profit organizations and special interest, civic and community groups tend to make non-school specific scholarships, fellowships and grants for college available. Many of these offerings might be applied to online college classes and degree and certificate programs, particularly when online colleges, universities and vocational schools are accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

Scholarships, fellowships and grants for college might be offered based on minimum grade point average, financial need, leadership, specific studies or a combination of factors. Some of these offerings cater to women and minorities. Following is some guidance that might save time and take some of the stress out of the search for online college grants, scholarships and fellowships:

Go Local: Community groups, civic organizations, churches and synagogues often award scholarships and grants for college to students who are members or within their communities. Students might look toward groups such as Rotary International, Kiwanis, the Lion’s Club and chambers of commerce for online college offerings.

» Read more: Online Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships Enable Pursuit of Higher Education