The pursuit of higher education can be a significant financial investment, but what if you could attend college and earn money while studying? In recent years, a number of accredited online colleges have launched initiatives that offer financial incentives for students to attend, making higher education more accessible and affordable. These programs vary from tuition reimbursement to direct stipends or hourly wages for participating in work-study programs. In 2025, online education is more flexible than ever, with opportunities to not only study from home but also get paid for it.
In this article, we explore the top 10 accredited online colleges that pay you to attend in 2025. Whether you're looking to reduce your student debt, cover living expenses, or earn while learning, these colleges provide incredible opportunities for financial assistance.
1. University of Phoenix
Program Type: Tuition Reimbursement and Paid Work-Study
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Website: www.phoenix.edu
The University of Phoenix offers a variety of financial aid options, including a Tuition Reimbursement Program for working adults. In partnership with various corporations, students may be eligible for financial support based on their employer's reimbursement policies. Additionally, the school offers paid internships and work-study programs, allowing students to earn while gaining real-world experience.
For 2025, the University of Phoenix is expected to enhance its career-focused programs with paid opportunities in fields like business administration, nursing, and information technology.
2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Program Type: Tuition Reduction and Paid Internships
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Website: www.snhu.edu
SNHU is well-known for offering affordable online programs and has taken it a step further by providing paid internships for certain degree programs. Their partnerships with businesses across various industries provide students with the chance to earn while studying. These internships often come with stipends and job placement opportunities after graduation, reducing the financial strain while also building professional experience.
SNHU's programs in business, IT, and marketing are particularly popular among students seeking paid internship opportunities.
3. University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Program Type: Work-Study Programs and Scholarships
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Website: www.umgc.edu
UMGC offers a variety of scholarships and work-study programs designed to make higher education more affordable for students. Through their Online Work-Study Program, students have the opportunity to work in administrative or academic positions within the university, gaining valuable experience while receiving hourly wages. This program is particularly beneficial for those pursuing degrees in fields like public health, criminal justice, and cybersecurity.
UMGC also provides access to a wide range of merit-based scholarships that can be used alongside work-study programs to further reduce the cost of attendance.
4. Capella University
Program Type: Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Assistance
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Website: www.capella.edu
Capella University offers various programs where students can earn money through employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement. In addition, Capella’s FlexPath learning format allows students to work at their own pace, making it easier to balance work and study commitments. Students enrolled in healthcare, business, or technology programs often qualify for employer-sponsored reimbursement, which can help cover the cost of their tuition.
Capella’s Learning and Career Services also provide job placement assistance and internship opportunities, ensuring that students not only graduate but are also positioned for success in the workforce.
5. Purdue University Global
Program Type: Paid Internships and Scholarships
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Website: www.purdueglobal.edu
Purdue University Global offers several online degree programs that provide paid internships, particularly in fields like business, marketing, and computer science. These internships allow students to gain practical, hands-on experience while earning income. Purdue’s Career Services department works closely with students to find appropriate internship opportunities, ensuring they align with both academic and career goals.
Additionally, Purdue Global offers various scholarships that are accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students, further reducing the financial burden.
6. Western Governors University (WGU)
Program Type: Competency-Based Education with Scholarships
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Website: www.wgu.edu
WGU is a pioneer in competency-based education, allowing students to progress through their degree programs at their own pace. While WGU does not traditionally offer paid work-study programs, it has an extensive network of scholarships that can cover most of the tuition costs. These scholarships are often awarded based on need, merit, or specific fields of study, such as business, healthcare, and IT.
WGU’s Student Success Center also helps students find part-time or freelance work that aligns with their academic goals, which can result in additional income.
7. Liberty University
Program Type: Tuition Discounts and Paid Work Programs
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Website: www.liberty.edu
Liberty University offers online degree programs that provide tuition discounts for military students, veterans, and first responders. Furthermore, Liberty has a work-study program where students can find paid on-campus positions in various administrative departments. For online students, the university also facilitates paid work experiences through remote internships and contract positions.
Liberty's focus on faith-based education often translates into unique work-study opportunities in Christian ministries or religious organizations.
8. Grand Canyon University (GCU)
Program Type: Tuition Assistance and Paid Clinical Placements
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Website: www.gcu.edu
Grand Canyon University offers a wide variety of financial aid packages, including tuition assistance for military students and employees. For students in healthcare programs, such as nursing and clinical psychology, GCU partners with hospitals and clinics for paid clinical placements. These placements not only provide students with hands-on experience but also pay stipends to help with living expenses.
GCU is a top choice for students looking for a robust financial aid package that includes both direct tuition aid and paid opportunities.
9. The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS)
Program Type: Paid Research and Work-Study Programs
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Website: www.uis.edu
UIS offers online degree programs that come with opportunities for paid research assistantships and work-study positions. These positions allow students to work alongside professors and researchers, gaining valuable academic experience while earning income. Students pursuing degrees in fields such as public administration, business, and social sciences are particularly well-positioned for paid assistantship roles.
UIS also provides financial aid packages that include grants and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students.
10. Ashford University (now part of the University of Arizona Global Campus)
Program Type: Work-Study Opportunities and Scholarships
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Website: www.uagc.edu
Now part of the University of Arizona Global Campus, Ashford University offers online students a variety of financial support options, including work-study opportunities and scholarships. Students can participate in remote internships and earn while gaining hands-on experience in fields like business, education, and health services.
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers generous financial aid packages for both undergraduate and graduate students, ensuring that finances do not become a barrier to achieving academic success.