Are you planning to advance your career through online degree programs? If so, you can find ways to finance that online college education through various grants. Anyone who takes the time and effort to apply for scholarships might be happily relieved to discover that these funds – unlike loans – do not need to be repaid upon graduation.

Grants can be found through federal and state government programs, colleges and universities and through public and private organizations. Federal grants include the Pell Grant, the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant). Grants supplied by state governments may vary, but usually those grants – like federal grants – are based upon merit or financial need. Additionally, grants can be divided into four searchable categories including student-specific, subject-specific, degree level or minority grants.

Although you can apply for these grants separately, you can apply for all these grants and more through FAFSA , or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. While FAFSA offers grants, the U.S. government also provides scholarships. You can search for various national grants and scholarships through the Students.gov Web site.

Usually, by filling out the FAFSA application, many students may discover the information they may need for many other grant applications offered by national and state governments, colleges and private or public organizations and groups. These grants may be offered annually, but read the criteria carefully. Often, students who received grants in a previous year may not be eligible, especially if grade averages or financial conditions have changed for the student.

You also may find grants for minority populations including those with a focus on African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American students. Grants also are available specifically for women, non-traditional students, low-income and disadvantaged populations, grants by degree (graduate and doctoral) or military or other organizational grants.

If you plan to study in the health care field or in education, you may find grants designed specifically for those occupations. Grant monies administered by many government and university sources may be designed as grant for service programs. These successful programs provide students with the financial support necessary to cover tuition and they secure talented and well-educated staff to serve in their medically or educationally under-served facilities for a certain length of time either during school or after graduation.

In all cases, however, you do not need to repay funds offered through grants. Grants usually are tax exempt and seen as ‘gifts’ to an aspiring student. These funding sources usually require that students attend an accredited institution for learning as well, however. So, choose your school carefully, and check with their financial aid department to find grants and scholarships available there, too. Depending upon your grades, your financial need, your past and your future goals, you may graduate with little to no college debt if you seek scholarships for your online college education.