Scholarships for Adult Students: A Comprehensive Guide

More mature students often face unique financial challenges compared to their younger counterparts. Fortunately, a variety of scholarships are available specifically for adult learners, offering crucial support for their educational pursuits. These scholarships recognize the distinct circumstances and needs of adults returning to school or enrolling in college for the first time.

Understanding Scholarships for Adult Students

Adult scholarships are financial aid opportunities designed to help adult students attain higher education opportunities that otherwise may be out of reach due to financial reasons. Scholarships for adults are generally offered exclusively for "non-traditional" or "independent" students who are currently not enrolled or are considerably older than the typical 18-22 year old undergrad student. These students may have attended college previously, but not completed a degree, or they may have never attended school. All scholarships are free money for college that you don’t have to pay back.

Eligibility Requirements

Qualifying for an adult scholarship depends on the award’s specific requirements. Before you apply for adult scholarships, make sure you check the eligibility requirements. Some common eligibility requirements may include your GPA, community service, citizenship, plan to attend an accredited program, leadership potential, and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Scholarship eligibility requirements vary, so don’t assume you won’t qualify.

For example, some adult scholarships are only given to students who are also parents. Some may also require that you not have previously completed any degree program or be at least a certain age. For example, the Executive Women International Scholarship Program offers the EWISP Scholarship and the ASIST Scholarship, both of which support non-traditional adult students. Before you start writing an essay or submitting an application, make sure to thoroughly read the scholarship eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

The Importance of FAFSA

Every student, no matter their age, should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid is a vital piece of the puzzle for adults and non-traditional students heading off to college. You'll want to begin by filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Typically, this form becomes available each year on October 1st for financial aid consideration in the upcoming school year. For example, if you’ll begin college in fall of 2025, you’ll want to complete the FAFSA soon after October 1st, 2024. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the Department of Education has announced that the new FAFSA will be released later than usual and is expected in December of 2023.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

The best part of submitting the FAFSA is that you’ll usually be classified as an independent student. Many schools also only give out internal grants and scholarships if you have submitted the FAFSA. Plus, many private scholarships also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility. There is no fee to complete the FAFSA. You should also try to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.

The FAFSA will need to be completed each year and is based on your income and some assets. When you complete the FAFSA, you are applying for federal and state grants, federal work-study, and federal student loans. Many scholarships and some institutional aid also require the FAFSA form to be on file as part of the application process.

Some scholarships may also accept the CSS Profile either instead of or in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile does come with a small fee. When you submit the FAFSA, you can add up to 20 schools that will receive your financial aid information. Once you’re accepted, you’ll also receive an aid award letter detailing what kind of aid you qualify for.

Types of Scholarships

Scholarships Based on Financial Need

These are scholarships for students who have demonstrated a financial need. There’s no universal number or set income level that tells you if you qualify. How each scholarship defines what financial need means varies.

Merit Scholarships

Merit scholarships are for students who have shown high academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievement over their high school careers. Not all schools/colleges offer merit-aid-highly selective schools typically don’t. The process for applying for merit scholarships varies. For merit scholarships offered through colleges and universities, you generally don’t have to do anything other than complete the application to the school itself.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

Career-Specific Scholarships

These are awarded to students who know they want a career in a specific industry. Maybe they know they want to be a teacher, a nurse, or an engineer.

Grants

To be eligible for grants, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

Where to Find Scholarships

You’ll also want to research scholarships for adults. Remember that scholarships are gift aid and do not need to be repaid. Also research national, statewide, and local scholarships. CFNC.org has a scholarship tool to help you, as well. Scholarship information should always be free; never pay someone to help you find “hidden” or “special” opportunities.

You can also search for third-party scholarships from nonprofit and private companies. The directory at Scholarships.com divides scholarships into a variety of categories. Also, if you're going to continue to work while attending school, then your employer may even offer scholarships for staff members. Talk to your HR department about all your potential options.

Your high school guidance office is a great place to start when looking for local scholarships.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

Specific Scholarship Examples

DAR Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Teacher Scholarships: The DAR, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. Amount: $1,500. Deadline: January 31, 2026.
Women With Promise Scholarship: The Women With Promise Scholarship is given to female students who are either returning or new college students. You must be either from or attending school in Dallas and Collin counties in Texas. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible.
MassReconnect: Some states also have their own programs for adult students. For example, the MassReconnect program offers free community college for students who are 25 years or older and do not have a college degree. You must be a Massachusetts resident.
Great Jobs KC - KC Scholars Scholarship Program Adult Learners Scholarship: Through offering adult education scholarships to adults (24+) with a high school diploma or equivalent who have not earned a bachelor’s degree, we provide the opportunity many thought they’d never have. Adult learners can receive up to $25,000 paid directly to the college through these generous adult education grants and can enroll either full or part-time.

Tips for Applying

Some scholarships are quick and easy to apply for. Others require time and effort. Pro tip: Don’t skip over scholarships for adults with smaller award amounts ($). There’s typically less competition for them-and they add up!

There is usually no age limit for adult scholarships. Most scholarships require that you attend an accredited school. Some may accept part-time students, as well as full-time students. You should also search for scholarships that fit other unique characteristics. Many scholarships are given to students from a particular ethnic or racial demographic. Or if you're entering a field where you're the minority, you may be able to find special scholarships.

Application Strategies

If you need a recommendation letter or letters for a scholarship, request them early.
If you’re writing a scholarship essay, follow the prompt, answer the essay question completely, and write from your experience. Talk about your financial need and what you would use the scholarship money for if you won.
If you have to interview for a scholarship, dress to impress in a professional outfit. And do your research! Look into how/why the scholarship was created. Try to bring up why it’s meaningful to you.
Keep track of all the deadlines for the scholarships you’re applying to.
Apply for scholarships year after year, all through college. These tips can help as you get ready to apply for adult scholarships.

Additional Financial Aid Options

Employer Programs

Be sure to ask your employer about scholarships or reimbursement programs. You will usually have to maintain a certain GPA, and you'll only get the money after successfully completing the classes.

State Programs

Some states also have their own programs for adult students.

Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)

Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS) - FELS is a program open to students in North Carolina who are going into specific careers. Funds are available for students working on Certificates, Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral Degrees. Complete an application for the funds if your career falls into one of the Approved Education Programs (AEP).

Private Loans

If you are considering private or alternative loans, be sure to do your research. Many lenders have different interest rates, fees, and terms. These loans have competitive, low fixed interest rates and no fees.

Dispelling Myths

There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out! Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay-different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.

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