Online Learning Made Affordable: Scholarships for UC’s Online Students

When it comes to financial support, online students shouldn’t get the short end of the stick. In fact, eligible online students at UC have the same opportunities for financial aid as on-campus students—as well as several scholarships offered exclusively to online students.

Let’s explore UC’s resources that ensure you receive a world-class education at an affordable price.

It’s not a secret that, on average, online degree programs are less costly than their on-campus counterparts. As reported by Education Data Initiative, the tuition cost for one year of online classes averages $6,765 less than tuition for a year of in-person classes. In other words, an online degree costs approximately 30% less than its on-campus counterpart. 

Along with more affordable tuition rates, a major advantage of earning your degree online is that it cuts down on expensive room and board charges. That means your money is going directly toward funding your education. Robust financial aid and scholarship opportunities keep online education affordable at UC. 

One of UC’s most noteworthy financial aid initiatives is the Bearcat Affordability Grant. Starting in Fall 2026, admitted freshmen will attend UC tuition-free if they are 1) an Ohio resident and 2) have a family income of less than $75,000. 

This grant improves education accessibility for low-income and rural communities, as well as online students. Traditional students who receive the Bearcat Affordability grant would still be responsible for covering their housing and meal plan fees. However, the primary cost for online students is tuition and fees; if they’re Pell-eligible, this grant would bring their out-of-pocket cost much closer to $0.  

For many online students, this isn’t the first time they’ve enrolled in college. Work, family, or other life commitments caused them to step away from school. The First Class Back Scholarship recognizes and rewards students who are returning to finish what they started. As the name implies, it covers eligible students’ first class back at UC. 

Eligible students must have: 

• Completed at least 30 credit hours with UC (online or in-person)

• Started a bachelor’s degree but didn’t finish 

• Maintained good academic and financial standing

• Not enrolled in classes for at least one academic year 

Since returning and non-traditional students often opt to finish their degrees online, this scholarship is an excellent opportunity for online learners. It encourages students to remember why they originally enrolled and recommit to their educational goals. 

For more information and to check your eligibility, visit the First Class Back webpage. 

For students who have their associates degree and wish to move up in their field, the online Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies (BTAS) program offers a smooth pathway there. Online learners are uniquely well-suited to this degree, which offers college credit for professional experience, industry certifications, military service, and prior college coursework. Additionally, if you completed your associates degree at Cincinnati State, a renewable scholarship is available to support your continued education. 

The BTAS Pathway Scholarship is an annual award of $2500, which is renewable for two years. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must enroll in the BTAS Applied Administration program or BTAS Healthcare Leadership program within two years of graduating from Cincinnati State. UC awards ten of these merit-based scholarships each year on a first come, first serve basis.  

We’ve highlighted three scholarships that are making a difference in the lives of UC's online learners—but even more resources await you. Your enrollment status, family income, and other individual factors can impact your aid eligibility. However, the process of applying for financial aid is the same for online and traditional students: you start by filling out the FAFSA.

Ready to get the ball rolling? Visit UC Online’s Tuition & Finances webpage for additional scholarships, policies, and more. 

You’ve got the dream. We'll help you crunch the numbers and make it a reality.