Getting a professional-level degree is not cheap. And, just a few years ago, if you wanted financial assistance most traditional tuition programs required students to be present a certain amount of hours in order to qualify for financial assistance. However, as the popularity of online learning grows so does the opportunity to fund your online education.

If you want to get your degree online but are concerned about the cost, don’t panic. There are several tuition programs designed to help distance learners obtain a degree. In fact, the popularity of online learning prompted the Department of Education to re- consider amending the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA).

This HEA authorizes several Federal programs, such as teacher quality, institutional aid, student assistance, graduate fellowships and international education. And, in order to qualify for any Federal tuition assistance, the HEA required university students be physically present, in class, for a specified amount of hours, according to JustColleges.com.

But, as more students obtained online degrees, the need to amend this Act became clear. In 1999, the HEA was amended to include a trial run of Distance Education Demonstration Project. This project removes all financial aid restrictions for online students. And, if distance learners meet the necessary financial aid requirements — taking the required amount of credit hours, etc.— then they qualify for the same amount of financial aid as any on-campus student.

Additionally, several accredited universities have their own financial aid programs for online learners. If you plan to take classes online, research the university’s website and contact the financial aid department for more information. And, if you have a full-time job, check with your Human Resources department to see if your company has a tuition reimbursement plan.

With all of the financial resources available to you, there’s nothing keeping you from continuing your education.