Scholarships for Returning Adult Students: A Comprehensive Guide
Going back to school as an adult can feel overwhelming, especially when figuring out how to pay for it. The good news is that scholarships for adult students can make a real difference, whether you’re finishing a degree, switching careers, or returning to school after a break.
What are Adult Scholarships?
Adult scholarships are financial awards designed for students who are typically age 25 or older and returning to school after time away. Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. This means free money you can use for tuition, books, supplies, and sometimes even living expenses. Many adult learners assume scholarships are only for high school seniors or full-time students.
Why Apply for Adult Scholarships?
Scholarships can help reduce your reliance on loans, lower out-of-pocket costs, and make returning to school feel more financially manageable. Even smaller awards can add up quickly when combined. Qualifications vary depending on the scholarship, but adult scholarships often look at more than just grades. Many adult scholarships are flexible and designed to meet you where you are-especially if you’re balancing school with work or family responsibilities. More mature students often have more financial obligations than most freshmen. Fortunately, that's where scholarships for adults come in.
Key Takeaways for Adult Learners
Adults returning to college can apply for scholarships tailored to career changers, parents, veterans, and low-income students. Many awards do not have age limits and support associate, bachelor’s, or certificate programs at accredited institutions. Completing the FAFSA can help adult learners and nontraditional students access scholarships, grants, and aid that reduce the need for student loans. The cost of college can be expensive no matter your age, but financial aid can help relieve some of this burden. Scholarships can help students of all ages and backgrounds afford college. Some scholarships are catered to support students of certain backgrounds or identities.
Understanding Nontraditional Students
Many scholarships and other student resources are aimed at students who are fresh out of high school. However, these may not meet the needs of nontraditional students. Nontraditional students often choose to go back to school to earn additional credentials or skills to change careers or progress in their current roles. They also may have family or work responsibilities, which means they have different financial considerations and needs. While there is no singular definition of “nontraditional students,” these learners are often individuals who did not enroll in a campus-based college program immediately after graduating from high school. This can include adult students, online students, and students with children.
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
How to Find Adult Scholarships
Applying for scholarships as an adult doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re expanding your scholarship search, browsing by category can help you uncover opportunities you may not realize you qualify for.
Scholarships by Major
These scholarships are tied to what you’re studying.
Scholarships for College Students
Already enrolled? You don’t have to stop applying once classes start.
Scholarships by State
Find scholarships offered by your state government, as well as local scholarships that often have fewer applicants. 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.
STEM Scholarships
If you’re studying science, technology, engineering, or math, STEM scholarships can help fund programs that lead to in-demand careers.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Scholarships Based on Unique Characteristics
You should also search for scholarships that fit other unique characteristics. For example, 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. 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.
Key Steps in the Scholarship Application Process
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for adult scholarships.
Complete the FAFSA: Every student, no matter their age, should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 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. 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.
Search for Third-Party Scholarships: 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.
Check with Your Employer: Also, if you're going to continue to work while attending school, then your employer may even offer scholarships for staff members. You will usually have to maintain a certain GPA, and you'll only get the money after successfully completing the classes. Talk to your HR department about all your potential options.
Read also: Scholarship Guide
Verify Accreditation: Most scholarships require that you attend an accredited school. Some may accept part-time students, as well as full-time students.
Understand Deadlines: 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.
Essay Requirements: 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.
Featured Scholarships for Adult and Nontraditional Learners
We’ve compiled a list of scholarships for adult and nontraditional students as a starting point - look into additional opportunities based on your background, achievements, and professional goals.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship Program
- Amount: $2,000-$10,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Who is eligible? The ASIST award is available to adult students facing physical, economic, and/or social challenges. Candidates apply through one of the organization’s local chapters. Requirements vary by chapter, but applicants generally need to demonstrate financial need and have clearly defined career goals.
Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000-$3,000
- Deadline: April
- Who is eligible? Adult students attending a school with an active Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter can apply. Applicants must have completed at least 24 credits of coursework with a minimum 3.2 GPA.
American Legion Auxiliary Nontraditional Student Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: March 1
- Who is eligible? This scholarship is open to members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion. Applicants must also be considered nontraditional students and either veterans or spouses of service members.
‘Be Bold’ No-Essay Scholarship
- Amount: $25,000
- Deadline: June
- Who is eligible? This scholarship is open to students of all ages, education levels, locations, and GPAs. Award recipients are chosen based on how “bold” their Bold.org profile is - defined as earnest, determined, and moving.
College JumpStart Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: June 30
- Who is eligible? This award program is for traditional learners as well as nontraditional and adult students. Applicants submit an online form, providing some personal information and a 250-word statement of purpose responding to a designated prompt.
Courage to Grow Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: June 30
- Who is eligible? citizen and a college student with a minimum GPA of 2.5. You must submit a 250-word essay on why you deserve the scholarship. A new winner is named each month.
DAR Edward G. and Helen A. Borgens Teacher Scholarships
- Amount: $1,500
- Deadline: January 31, 2027
- 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.
Return 2 College Scholarship Program
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Sept. 30
- Who is eligible? This program accepts applications from students currently enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as those who plan on enrolling within the next 12 months. Applicants must be at least 17 years old. They must submit an online form that includes a three-sentence essay explaining their reasons for getting a college degree.
Royal Neighbors of America Scholarship Program
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: Jan. 31
- Who is eligible? This scholarship supports beneficial members of Royal Neighbors who are enrolled in two-year or four-year colleges or vocational/skilled trade programs. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA.
SuperCollege Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: May 31
- Who is eligible? This program accepts applications from traditional and adult students. Applicants must submit an online form that includes information about their target degree and career goals. SuperCollege draws the winner randomly.
Unigo $10K Scholarship
- Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: Dec. 31
- Who is eligible? citizens who are currently students. To apply, you must answer the questions: Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich? And why?
Adult Skills Education Program Grant
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Dec. 31
- Who is eligible? Students over 19 who have a high school diploma or equivalent and are attending one of the 400 participating schools. It is a one-time scholarship, and students must demonstrate financial need.
Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
- Who is eligible? Eligible applicants must have a cumulative gap in their education of at least five years, be pursuing their first undergraduate degree, and demonstrate financial need and academic promise. Students must attend one of the partner colleges as the foundation distributes funds to schools and not applicants directly. The scholarship is meant to benefit students typically between the ages of 25 and 50.
Empower Her Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000
- Deadline: Varies
- Who is eligible? Any pregnant or parenting student attending a college or university in Nebraska. Applying students must have at least a 2.5 GPA.
Folded Flag Foundation
- Amount: $5,000-$7,500 a year
- Deadline: May 15 for fall and spring semesters, April 15 for summer scholarships
- Who is eligible? military. To apply, you will need to provide proof of eligibility, need, and enrollment.
Geneva Fund
- Amount: $20,000 distributed over four years
- Deadline: May 15
- Who is eligible? Applicants must have become a teen mother or be currently pregnant. They must have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and be a first-time college student or returning to college after a pause due to parenting. Application requires submission of a 500-word essay.
AIAS Foundation Scholarship
- Amount: $2,000-$2,500
- Deadline: May 31
- Who is eligible? Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students, at least 21 years of age, and have a 3.3 minimum GPA. Applicants must be pursuing a career or working as a professional in game development.
Fully Bloomed Scholarship
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: May 31
- Who is eligible? Applicants must be from a household with an annual combined income of less than $45,000, have a high school diploma, and be in pursuit of a degree or certificate from a college, university, or trade school. Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation.
Understanding Eligibility for Adult Scholarships
Qualifying for an adult scholarship depends on the award’s specific requirements. 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.
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.
Dispelling Common Misconceptions
Many adult learners assume scholarships are only for high school seniors or full-time students. There is usually no age limit for adult scholarships.
Paying for College as an Adult Student
Adult students typically pay for college in the same ways younger students do. Scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study programs are all available to adult students. Depending on their financial situation, adult students may have had the time and resources to pay for college out of pocket by using savings or other personal assets.
Is it Too Late to Go Back to School?
It’s never too late to return to school. Anyone can find some benefit to going back to school, whether it’s pursuing better career opportunities, a higher earning potential, or increased expertise. With the flexibility of night and weekend classes and asynchronous online education, older students can earn their degrees while meeting professional and family obligations. Adult students can have the same access to college scholarships as younger students. This can include federal financial aid, state scholarships, university scholarships, and grants from local businesses or organizations. Some scholarships may have age limits, but many do not. You can check with the scholarship provider to learn if a scholarship has an age limit for applicants. Some scholarships have preferences or restrictions on race, gender, state of residence, and program of study.
Additional Resources
Explore More College Resources:
- Financial Aid for Undocumented Students: Finding financial resources can be challenging for undocumented students, but it’s not impossible. Discover the resources available for you to apply to college.
- 7 Useful Budgeting Tips for First-Year College Students: Want to keep a college budget? We’ve sourced the seven most important budgeting tips for first-year students from experts.
- The Student’s Guide to Saving for College: It’s no secret that college is expensive.
- Adult-Friendly, In-Demand Degrees: Are you an adult who started college but never finished? You're not alone, and it's never too late to complete your journey. Our FlexFinish degree programs in organizational leadership and enterprise development are tailored to fit your busy life. These programs are transferable between Reach Higher institutions, giving you the flexibility you need. Scholarship amounts may vary based on available funds. Our degree completion specialists are ready to help you find the best options available to complete your degree. Our Reach Higher institutional representatives will review applications and notify scholarship recipients. Note that a scholarship award may impact other financial aid opportunities.
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