Why Affordable Online Colleges Matter for First-Generation Students
As the first in their families to attend college, first-generation students have parents who do not have a bachelor’s degree. They make up over 54% of the total college student population in the United States and are expected to grow vastly in the coming years.
Applications from first-generation students grew by 67% from 2019 to 2020, almost twice as much as for other students. As colleges work harder to support them, more first-generation students will likely enroll. Yet, even with tuition reduction efforts from colleges, they’re still likely to face many challenges.
One of the major issues first-generation students will encounter is financial difficulty. On average, their parents make $40,248 per year. With average tuition at $9,750, it’s clear that paying for college can be very tough for these families.
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However, the problems go deeper than money.
First-generation college students often face uncertainty about what to expect. Some might fear that returning to school is too difficult and worry about failing, which can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Others might wrongly assume college will be like high school and not prepare properly, leading to exam struggles.
Furthermore, they often experience limited accessibility to some essential resources. They may also lack guidance on finding academic support, mental health services, or career counseling. All these factors will affect their college journey.
The best way to earn a degree as a first-generation student is to locate affordable online colleges. These types of institutions offer low tuition rates and reduce the need to budget for expensive campus fees.
In this post, we will explore the best online colleges for first-generation students and give you tips on how to find and maximize financial aid to reduce overall college costs.
Related Articles:
- Online Colleges with the Best Financial Support for First-Generation Students
- Fund Your Dreams: Scholarships for Non Traditional Students at Online Colleges
- 30 Colleges Helping Students to Manage Finances
Top Affordable Online Colleges for First-Generation Students
Florida International University
Average Tuition Costs: $8,722
Majors:
- Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Business
- Communication and Journalism
- Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
- Dietetics and Nutrition
- Education and Teaching
- Engineering and Technology
- History and Geography
- Hospitality and Tourism
- International and Public Affairs
- Language
- Nursing and Healthcare
- Science
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Sustainability
Support Services:
- Upward Bound
- Student Support Services
- Upward Bound Math-Science
- Educational Talent Search
- Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
Florida International University is one of the most affordable online schools for first-generation students. You can also choose between several cheap online college degrees. In addition to offering comparatively low tuition rates, FIU also offers various scholarships for first-generation students.
FIU also has a designated Center for First-Generation Student Success. It started in June 2017 to support first-generation college students with effective practices and training. They created the First-Gen Forward Network to help schools improve their support for these students. FIU’s First-Gen designation shows its strong dedication to helping first-generation students succeed.
The University of Utah
Average Tuition Costs: $12,424
Majors:
- Economics
- Financial Planning and Counseling
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Nursing RN-BS
- Parks, Recreation & Tourism: Sustainable Tourism & Hospitality Management
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Writing and Rhetoric Studies
Support Services:
- Financial Aid Assistance
- Community Building
- TRIO Program
- Advising and Counseling
If you’re looking for vast options of financial aid for online students, consider the University of Utah Online. UTAH’s First-Gen Scholars is a special program for first-generation students who want to be part of a supportive community. Students in this program get personal help from advisors who assist them in solving problems and handling life’s challenges, which helps them succeed and stay at the university.
Oklahoma State University
Average Tuition Costs: $13,920
Majors:
- Agricultural Leadership
- Computer Science
- Early Child Care and Development
- Elementary Education
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology
- General Business
- Health Care Administration
- History
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Management
- Management Science and Information Systems
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Nursing, RN to BSN
- Organizational Leadership
- Psychology
- Public Safety
- Secondary Education English
- Sociology
- University Studies
Support Services:
- F1RST2GO
- Financial Aid Assistance
Oklahoma State University is another sought-after school that offers low-cost online education options. OSU aims to make college education easier to access for everyone. With a strong tradition and the Cowboy Code guiding us, OSU is not just a big university system in the state—it’s committed to making a difference.
OSU is a leading member of First Gen Forward, a national program that helps first-generation students succeed. The F1RST2GO program at OSU pairs students with peer mentors who provide support and guidance. Through this program, students meet faculty and peers and learn about resources and skills needed for success.
University at Buffalo
Average Tuition Costs: $4,240
Majors:
- Counseling, School and Educational Psychology
- Educational Leadership and Policy
- Information Science
- Learning and Instruction
Support Services:
- Peer Mentoring
- Financial Resources
- Academic Resources
- First-Gen Summer Bridge Program
- First-Generation Initiative
18% of students at the University of Buffalo are considered first-generation, with the majority of them receiving financial assistance. Some of the financial aid offered by UB include:
- UB Diversity Scholarship
- Durand Scholarship
- Maureen R. L. Mussenden Scholarship
- Emergency Funds
- School of Public Health Awards
UB celebrates the success of first-generation college students, faculty, and staff by creating resources and tools to support them. The Proud To Be First program helps first-generation students and their families with academic, social, and professional growth through campus resources, peer mentoring, and networking events.
The University of Alabama
Average Tuition Costs: $11,380
Majors:
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Advertising
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Early Childhood Education
- Food and Nutrition
- General Business
- Hospitality Management
- Human Development and Family Studies, concentration in Child Life
- Human Environmental Sciences
- Management
- Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Public Health
- Consumer Sciences
Support Services:
- Monthly meetings
- One-on-one peer and faculty mentorship
- Social events
The University of Alabama is one of the top schools for online degrees for first-generation college students. UA offers affordable tuition fees, various student support services, and, on top of that, vast financial aid options. Among its most popular first-generation student aid is its Legacy Scholarship program.
The Legacy Scholarship is one of the largest programs for first-generation students in the United States. This program offers mentorship, monthly events, academic workshops, and various scholarship opportunities. Additionally, UA’s Culverhouse College of Business is the top business school for first-generation students, thanks to its specialized areas for first-generation students to connect, collaborate, and build a community.
Tips for Finding Affordable Online Programs
There are now over 175 online colleges in the US. Finding the right one can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips on finding the best-value online programs:
Accreditation
The first thing you need to look for is the school’s accreditation. Online colleges have two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Remember that pursuing non-accredited programs will lead to low or no return on investment, as employers and other institutions won’t recognize your degree.
Institutional accreditation is crucial for getting federal student aid and ensures the overall quality of the university. Programmatic accreditation focuses on specific programs and is important for certain fields like nursing or law, especially if you plan to pursue further studies or get professional licenses.
Program Length
Some online programs are the same length as their on-campus versions, while others are faster-paced. Before selecting program length and pace, you should evaluate your current schedules and your educational goals. Here are a few factors that’ll help you decide between accelerated and non-accelerated programs:
- Workload: Evaluate if you can manage a heavier workload and more frequent classes.
- Personal Schedule: Consider your current responsibilities and how much time you can dedicate to your studies.
- Learning Style: Decide if you thrive in a fast-paced environment or prefer a more gradual approach.
As a first-generation student, you won’t often get as much financial guidance as other students. Many first-gen students focus on tuition costs and overlook other potential expenses. Make sure to review all potential fees with your school and use free resources for first-generation online learners.
To manage hidden college costs, you should plan accordingly. Here are a few tuition tips for online colleges:
- Apply for financial aid early.
- Consider online colleges with tuition payment plans.
- Create a budget to track your spending beyond tuition.
- Consider money-saving options like renting used textbooks instead of buying brand-new ones.
- Look for part-time jobs to help cover extra expenses while gaining valuable experience.
How to Maximize Financial Aid and Minimize Costs
The best way how to afford online college is to explore all available financial aid options. Here are a few tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket costs:
Apply for the FAFSA.
- Apply to the FAFSA early to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.
- Don’t include retirement plans or home equity in your net worth on the FAFSA.
- Keep a copy of your FAFSA and all related documents for future reference and possible verification.
The FAFSA will qualify you for the following financial aid:
- Scholarships: Funds that do not need to be repaid, often awarded based on merit or need.
- Grants: These are also aid that does not need to be repaid, usually awarded based on financial need.
- Work-study: A program that features part-time jobs to help students earn money for college expenses. Although this is rarely offered to online students, the chances are not zero.
Apply for private scholarships.
Private scholarships provide extra money for college expenses. Each scholarship has its own application process and may need things like transcripts or financial info. The money might go directly to your college or be given to you to spend on expenses.
Here are a few trusted websites to search for scholarship opportunities:
- Fastweb
- Cappex
- Niche
- Scholarships.com
- Unigo
The online college success for first-generation students is high for those actively seeking ways to offset tuition costs. These strategies not only reduce your financial worries but will also help you focus more on your studies.
Additional Free or Low-Cost Resources for First-Generation Online Students
In addition to pursuing budget-friendly online programs, first-generation students can save more money by following these strategies:
- Use open educational resources (OER).
- Explore the internet for used textbooks. You should consider renting or buying second-hand books.
- Maximize the free resources offered by your college. These may include access to digital libraries, tutoring services, and academic advising. All these services will help you complete your bachelor’s degree.
Conclusion: How to Succeed as a First-Generation Student in Online College
We know that being a first-generation student can be tough. You face challenges that students with parents who have college degrees might not encounter. You may encounter major financial issues and difficulty in navigating the college system without much prior experience.
Fortunately, many colleges have enhanced their initiatives for their first-gen students. You’ll have access to tailored support services, resources, and financial aid for first-gen students.
Focus on applying for affordable online colleges with vast support services. Maximize the resources and financial aid offered by the college.