Though the costs associated with getting a college degree have skyrocketed in recent years, the benefits of a post-secondary education have never been clearer. In the past, men and women considered college to secure a higher income, broaden job opportunities, or simply to qualify for their dream job. In today’s cut-throat job market, having a degree can literally mean the difference between getting a job or living on the streets. Unfortunately, the economy is almost certainly going to get worse before it gets better. An online degree can insulate you from the global financial crisis that has been putting people out of their homes and driving hard-working men and women to the brink of foreclosure.
Here is a partial listing of colleges identified by our editors as offering free application under all or some circumstances. Check with the respective admissions office for specifics.
American Sentinel University
Ashworth College
Colorado Technical University
Grand Canyon University
Lasell College
Norwich University
If you know anyone who has taken the first step toward securing a brighter tomorrow for themselves, you likely already know that federal student loans, Pell grants, and scholarships put a college degree within virtually anyone’s reach – with one exception: application fees. Fortunately, there are a number of top online colleges with no application fee that still manage to provide a top quality education.
More Top Online Colleges With No Application Fee
Chadron State College
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Chadron has a reputation for providing top quality education at an affordable price. To prove their dedication to providing every eager learner with the opportunity to earn a degree, they offer a fee-free online application process, excellent federal financial aid support, and a wide range of online programs ranging from Agriculture to Theatre.
Harrison College
Also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Harrison College makes your success a top priority from the moment you apply to the day you graduate. For online studies, there are four broad categories of courses you can enroll in: Health Sciences, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, and Business. With popular degree programs such as their BS in Human Resources and BS in Criminal Justice, you’d have no trouble starting a great career in a field you love. The online application process is 100% free and, since they are regionally accredited, you’ll likely pay $0 in out-of-pocket tuition fees with federal student aid.
Resource: Top Online Colleges for Nursing
American Public University System
Regionally Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the American Public University System consists of two separate online universities: American Public University and American Military University. One of the leading online universities in the US, APUS offers a revolutionary online learning platform and top-of-the-line student support. There are no application fees but, like most universities, they do charge a fee to consider your transcripts if you are transferring from another university. In addition to Military and Government financial aid, they also accept employer tuition assistance and have made partnerships with major companies such as Walmart to offer tuition discounts.
University of Phoenix
While all University of Phoenix programs are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University also holds a number of industry accreditations specific to individual degree programs. Highly respected in nearly every industry, University of Phoenix is well-known for offering quality distance education and for standing behind their students every step of the way. There are no application fees, tuition is very affordable, and all courses are taught by industry leaders. The University has a wide range of Associate and Bachelor-level degrees in Business, Health Science and Information Technology.
Oakland University
Though not an online-only university, Oakland offers a handful of 100% online degree courses via distance education. Regionally Accredited and fully eligible for government tuition assistance, Oakland University offers a zero-fee online application and an opportunity to earn a Bachelor’s or Masters Degree from the comfort of your own home. Unfortunately, they only offer 3 Bachelor’s degree programs online at this time: a BS in Occupational Safety and Health, a BS in Nursing, and a Bachelor’s in Integrative Studies.
The above list barely scratches the surface of the top online colleges with no application fee. This is the information age – it has never been easier to earn a degree from home!
