The rising cost of higher education has left many students searching for creative ways to reduce or even eliminate their tuition burden. While scholarships, grants, and financial aid are common solutions, some accredited online colleges go a step further—they actually pay students to attend. These payments often come in the form of stipends, grants, or work-study opportunities, allowing learners to graduate with little or no debt. As online learning continues to grow in popularity, many institutions are offering incentives to attract talented students in 2025. Below is a list of the top 10 accredited online colleges that pay you to attend in 2025.
1. Berea College (Kentucky, USA)
Berea College has a long history of providing tuition-free education. While most of its programs are campus-based, Berea has expanded online learning opportunities, especially for adult and distance learners. Students don’t pay tuition; instead, they receive support through grants, work-study programs, and stipends.
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Highlights: Tuition-free education for all admitted students.
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Financial Benefit: Work-study jobs provide income to cover living costs.
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Best For: Low-income students seeking debt-free degrees.
2. University of the People (UoPeople)
As the world’s first tuition-free, fully online university, the University of the People continues to make higher education accessible. Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), UoPeople offers programs in business, education, computer science, and health science. While students pay small assessment fees, many scholarships cover these expenses, meaning some students effectively get paid to attend.
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Highlights: 100% online and globally recognized.
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Financial Benefit: Scholarships often cover all fees, leaving students with surplus stipends.
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Best For: International students seeking affordable accredited degrees.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
SNHU is one of the largest online education providers in the U.S. The university offers extensive financial aid packages, employer tuition assistance partnerships, and military benefits. In 2025, SNHU expanded its stipend-based scholarships that provide financial support beyond tuition.
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Highlights: Over 200 online programs with strong career support.
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Financial Benefit: Grants and stipends may exceed tuition, providing extra funds for living costs.
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Best For: Working professionals and military families.
4. Ashford University (now part of the University of Arizona Global Campus)
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers flexible online programs for adult learners. Through federal financial aid, grants, and scholarship programs, students may receive more funds than required for tuition, leaving them with additional financial support.
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Highlights: Career-focused online degrees with strong accreditation.
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Financial Benefit: Grants and scholarships often exceed tuition.
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Best For: Adult learners balancing education with work or family.
5. Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global, part of the Purdue University system, is known for affordable online programs tailored to working adults. Many students qualify for federal aid and employer reimbursement. Combined with scholarships, some students receive stipends that cover living expenses.
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Highlights: Career-aligned programs and flexible schedules.
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Financial Benefit: Certain aid packages result in surplus funds after tuition.
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Best For: Professionals seeking career advancement with a reputable institution.
6. Columbia Southern University (CSU)
CSU is an accredited online university offering affordable degree programs in fields like business, criminal justice, and healthcare. With generous financial aid options and employer partnerships, students often find themselves with stipends or reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
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Highlights: Military-friendly and career-focused.
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Financial Benefit: Excess aid funds are refunded to students.
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Best For: Students looking for affordable tuition combined with stipends.
7. Athabasca University (Canada)
As Canada’s leading online university, Athabasca offers affordable tuition and extensive scholarship opportunities for both domestic and international students. Some students qualify for government-funded grants and stipends that exceed tuition costs, effectively paying them to study.
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Highlights: Flexible enrollment and open access policies.
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Financial Benefit: Surplus grants support living costs.
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Best For: International students seeking Canadian education remotely.
8. Western Governors University (WGU)
WGU is a nonprofit, fully accredited online university based in the U.S. Known for its competency-based learning model, WGU allows students to move through coursework at their own pace. Many students receive federal aid, employer reimbursement, and need-based scholarships, which can result in financial surplus.
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Highlights: Competency-based education and career-focused programs.
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Financial Benefit: Scholarships and aid may exceed tuition costs.
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Best For: Self-motivated students who want to accelerate their learning.
9. Walden University
Walden University offers a wide range of online degree programs with a strong focus on social change. Many students qualify for financial aid packages that provide stipends and excess funds beyond tuition. Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, making it a reputable choice.
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Highlights: Strong focus on education, healthcare, and social impact.
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Financial Benefit: Federal and state aid often covers more than tuition.
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Best For: Students seeking socially responsible career paths.
10. Capella University
Capella University is well-known for its flexible online learning model. Its “FlexPath” program allows students to complete courses at their own pace, reducing costs. With the help of financial aid, scholarships, and employer partnerships, many students end up with financial support that exceeds tuition costs.
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Highlights: Flexible learning model with career-oriented degrees.
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Financial Benefit: Surplus funds from aid may be disbursed to students.
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Best For: Professionals wanting to balance work and study efficiently.
Final Thoughts
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, accredited online colleges that pay you to attend are becoming a lifeline for students. In 2025, institutions like Berea College, University of the People, and Purdue University Global are proving that it’s possible to earn a degree without falling into debt. By combining tuition-free programs, scholarships, and stipends, these universities offer students a chance to focus on education rather than finances.
When considering these opportunities, it’s important to carefully review each school’s accreditation, financial aid policies, and eligibility requirements. The right choice can mean not only a degree but also financial stability during your academic journey. For students determined to earn a high-quality education while minimizing costs, these online colleges present an excellent opportunity in 2025 and beyond.