Knowing that online learning is a flexible pathway, many adult learners want to finish their degree online. In addition to offering a strong sense of work-school balance, online degree programs are often more affordable, making these innovative programs an excellent option for modern students.
Adult students often go to college on a tight budget, which is why it's important to know that there is adult learner support available that makes the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) online degrees more affordable and accessible. There are both financial aid options and scholarships for adult students, and in some cases, adult learners may be eligible for IWU tuition assistance programs.
Adults who are ready to finish their degree program are often balancing professional and personal responsibilities, which means they are often looking to complete college on a budget. Affordability is incredibly important for adult learners, and many are not aware of what options they have available.
The cost of completing a degree program and the time commitment involved are often the largest barriers for adult learners who are interested in earning their degree. However, advancing technology and the flexibility of online learning is giving more adults the opportunity to go back to college.
As you begin to look into your options for online degree programs, you will want to evaluate the total cost of the program versus the net price. The total cost of the degree program includes all tuition and fees associated with the program, and may vary based on the college and the program itself. According to the U.S. Department of Education Net Price Calculator Center, the net price is defined as the amount that the student is required to pay after scholarships and grants have been subtracted from the total cost. The net price gives you a better idea of what you will need to pay out-of-pocket for your degree program.
Fortunately, there are grants and scholarships for adult students that can help offset the cost of finishing your degree. The types of scholarships and grants available will vary based on a variety of factors, such as your income level, your past academic performance, your intended degree program and more.
Scholarships are a form of tuition assistance that does not have to be repaid. Various outside organizations offer scholarships for students. In addition, some students may be eligible for scholarships from the school they choose to attend. Thousands of organizations offer scholarship opportunities, some of which are need-based scholarships and others that are merit-based.
State and federal grants are another type of financial aid that typically does not need to be repaid. The U.S. Department of Education offers three types of federal grants to undergraduate students:
To learn more about Pell Grant eligibility or eligibility for other federal grants, you will need to fill out the FAFSA form. In most cases, students will need to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress to qualify for state and federal grants.
Adult students who want to go back to college and finish their degree online may be eligible for federal student loans or state aid. Student loans provide adult learners with a way to finance their education, but it's important to be aware of the full scope of this financial commitment.
To learn more about your eligibility for federal scholarships, grants or student loans, you will need to fill out the FAFSA form. FAFSA for working adults, like all undergraduate students, must be completed each year that you plan to enroll in school. After you fill out the FAFSA form, you will receive a financial aid package that includes information about scholarship and grant eligibility and student loan options.
The Federal Student Aid Office encourages all students to borrow responsibly. Before you sign off on a student loan, you will want to keep track of how much you are borrowing, evaluate the starting salary of the field you are considering and evaluate all of the terms in your loan package.
Many employers recognize that their organizations benefit when their employees invest in their education and complete their degree program. As a result, employer tuition reimbursement is available at many organizations, though the scope of these programs may vary significantly from one employer to the next.
Two of the most common employer tuition assistance programs include tuition reimbursement and direct-bill models. With tuition reimbursement, employees pay the cost of their tuition upfront and are reimbursed by their employers. In a direct-bill model, the employer pays the tuition and fees directly.
If you make a strong case, you may be able to convince your employer to assist with your tuition costs. It's essential to build a proposal that highlights the returns that the company will enjoy when you advance your education, learn new skills and complete your degree.
If you choose to pay the cost of your tuition out-of-pocket, you may find that there are payment plans available that can make the cost of finishing your degree online more manageable.
At IWU, we offer interest-free payment options for students who want to pay their tuition and fee balance in monthly installments or each semester. There is a $25 fee to set up the payment plan, but otherwise, students will be able to make interest-free payments on their balance.
Adult students who are working to pay off their tuition balance and trying to minimize the amount of student loans that they take out will want to monitor spending carefully, prioritize the purchases they need the most, and take advantage of all assistance programs that may be available to them.
Adult students who have previously completed college coursework can apply their prior credits to their online degree program, ultimately reducing the cost of their education and the time it takes to graduate.
Undergraduate students may be able to transfer credits if the credits meet the transfer criteria. At IWU, credit can only be transferred from accredited colleges or universities, and students must have satisfactory academic progress in the courses that they want to apply to their new degree program.
The course cadence of previously earned credits may be evaluated when transferring credits. In addition, a prior learning assessment (PLA) may be conducted in order to evaluate college-level learning that may have taken place in settings outside the classroom, such as in the workplace or as the result of involvement in a community organization.
As a Christian university, IWU offers a faith based commitment to affordability. We believe it is our responsibility to ensure that education is as accessible and equitable as possible.
As followers of Christ, we believe that stewardship plays a vital role in the IWU experience. In addition to tuition assistance and flexible payment options, we offer holistic student support that nurtures all of our students, regardless of their age or stage of life.
IWU is a Christ-centered university that offers students a values-based education. This commitment extends beyond the programs that we offer, and includes our faith based commitment to affordability, ensuring that our values permeate every aspect of student life.
These are the steps that you need to take to ensure that you get the funding you need to finish your degree online.
Before you apply for your program, review the tuition and costs for your program and fill out the FAFSA form. Know that IWU offers tuition and aid for all students, including online adult learners who want to finish their degree program.
After you have been admitted to your online degree program, you will receive a financial aid package that includes information about scholarships, grants, tuition assistance and student loans that are available to you. Review this package carefully, and contact the advisors at IWU if you need assistance.
Evaluate your tuition assistance package after each term, and determine if it's still the best option for you. At IWU, we offer interest-free payment options for students who want to pay their balance each month or at the end of the semester.
At IWU, all students receive personalized support and one-on-one guidance as they navigate their degree program requirements and their financial aid packages. We are committed to ensuring that our students enjoy a holistic experience in which they feel supported every step of the way.
We offer a variety of financial aid resources designed to provide students with the assistance and guidance they need to choose the right package options and create affordable payment plans.
As an online student at IWU, you will have access to innovative tools and resources that can help you prioritize affordability. These financial aid resources include some of the best tools that are available to students, making it easy for you to make a responsible decision about your education.
Yes, part-time students are eligible for financial aid. To learn more, part-time students should complete the FAFSA form before applying to a degree program.
No, payment plans do not affect financial aid. Payment plans are available to students after financial aid has been applied to their tuition and fees balance.
Employer benefits are often considered part of your financial aid package. While employer benefits may reduce your eligibility for financial aid, they also provide you with additional funding, which can offset the need for financial aid.
The IWU online degrees are ideal for adult students who want to finish their education and advance their careers. Modern learners, including international students, will find that they may be eligible for IWU scholarships or financial aid. In addition, we offer payment plans for college that make completing your degree more affordable and attainable.
For more information about the tuition and costs at IWU, contact us or apply today to finish your degree online.
