Second Career Scholarships and Grants: Funding Your Future

Many believe scholarships are exclusively for recent high school graduates pursuing traditional careers like law, medicine, or accounting. However, numerous scholarships cater to students pursuing vocational careers or those returning to education for a second career. This article explores the financial aid opportunities available to adult learners, highlighting scholarships and grants that can make returning to school an achievable goal.

The Importance of Continuing Education for Adults

Continuing education is crucial for adults as it significantly improves career prospects and fosters personal development. It unlocks better job opportunities and promotions, increasing earning potential. It builds confidence, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Furthermore, continuing education fosters social connections and personal growth, offering opportunities to reduce isolation and encourage lifelong learning. It equips adults with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive personally and professionally.

Key Things to Know About Scholarships and Grants for Adults

No Age Restrictions for Federal Aid: Adult students can access the same federal grants, loans, and work-study programs as traditional students.
Reduced Student Loan Debt: Scholarships and grants significantly reduce the costs of returning to school, lowering overall student loan debt, which is especially beneficial for adult students with more bills and family responsibilities.
Gift Aid: Scholarships and grants are forms of gift aid that do not need to be repaid, unlike student loans.

How Scholarships for Adults Can Help Ease Their Financial Strain

Scholarships are an excellent financial aid option for adult students because they do not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, which accumulate interest and must be paid back after graduation, scholarship money can greatly reduce the cost of education. Families reported spending an average of $28,026 on college in the 2022-23 academic year, an 11% increase from $25,313 in 2021-22. Adult students often have extra financial responsibilities like family support or paying bills. Scholarships for adults can ease this financial burden by allowing them to focus on their studies without worrying about making ends meet.

Where to Find Scholarships for Adults

Many scholarships are available to students enrolling directly from high school. Therefore, college planning for high school students is a crucial process that involves researching potential colleges, preparing for standardized tests, understanding financial aid options, and making informed decisions about future academic and career paths. Adult learners, who may be completing a degree from another institution or returning to college after a break, may find themselves ineligible for these scholarships. CareerOneStop offers a scholarship finder tool to help you narrow down specific opportunities that apply to your situation. Here, you can find various less traditional scholarships for adult learners.

How Many Scholarships Can One Get?

As an adult returning to school, there is no limit to the number of scholarships you can receive. Some students may qualify for enough scholarships to cover their entire educational costs. However, nearly half (45%) still believe they are only for students with exceptional grades or abilities.

Scholarships vs. Grants: Understanding the Difference

Grants are typically based on financial need, determined by the difference between the college’s Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Student Aid Index (SAI). The federal and state governments, colleges, and universities award grants to qualified students. Scholarships, on the other hand, are typically merit-based. Private organizations, foundations, and institutions often award scholarships to students with academic, artistic, athletic, or other specific qualities. The grant application process includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Scholarship applications typically involve a separate submission to the specific scholarship provider, which may include essays, recommendations, and other supporting materials.

13 Scholarships and Grants for Returning Students

Scholarships and grants are a vital resource for reducing college costs. They are available for all types of students, including returning ones.

8 Scholarships for Adults Returning to College

Here are eight scholarships for adults returning to college:

Boomer Benefits Scholarship: This scholarship caters to adults aged 50 and above who have returned to school to complete their degree. It offers two $2,500 awards annually. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
College JumpStart Scholarship: This is an annual, merit-based competition open to 10th-12th graders, college students, and non-traditional students. Financial need is not considered. Adult learners who are committed to education and can express their goals for pursuing higher education can apply. The first-place prize is a $1,000 scholarship that can be used at any college or university in the United States to help cover educational expenses.
Job-Applications.com Working Parent College Scholarship: Employed parents enrolled in a college, trade school, or similarly accredited program may be eligible for the Working Parent Scholarship. To qualify, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA and work a minimum of 12 hours per week. Applicants must fill out a short form and submit a 600-1,000 word essay explaining how they balance parenting, working, and studying.
Return2College Scholarship: This scholarship offers $1,000 to qualified students. Interested applicants must be 17 years or older. There is no maximum age limit. The only requirement for this scholarship is to complete a short form, answering the question, “Why are you getting your degree?” in three sentences. You may also submit more than one entry.
Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST): The ASIST Scholarship is available to adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges who want to improve their situation through education. Local Chapters work with educational providers and social services agencies to identify potential candidates. Students first apply and compete at the local Chapter level. Chapter-level winners are then submitted to the Corporate level for a chance to win an additional scholarship ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
Ford Opportunity Program Scholarship: This scholarship assists parents of any age and adult learners over 25 who face significant barriers, financial or otherwise, to higher education. Each year, up to 96 renewable scholarships are awarded to students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. To qualify, you must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be no more than $10,000.
Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships: Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) is an honor society that offers scholarships to adults pursuing undergraduate degrees at institutions with active ASL chapters. Applicants must have completed at least 24 credits of coursework and have a minimum GPA of 3.2. For the 2024-25 academic year, ASL will award six $3,000 scholarships and 15 scholarships to qualified students worth $2,500.
Courage to Grow Scholarship: This is a monthly scholarship program that awards $500 to one student monthly. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better to be eligible.

5 Grants for Adult Students

Here are five grants for adult students:

Federal Pell Grant: Federal Pell Grants are usually awarded only to undergraduate students of any age who demonstrate financial need. Interested applicants must not have earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. However, students enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program may also qualify. Additionally, individuals who have been incarcerated and are enrolled in an approved Prison Education Program may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. This also applies to those subject to involuntary civil commitment after completing a period of incarceration for a sexual offense. Unlike loans, Federal Pell Grants do not have to be repaid, except in certain situations. However, you cannot receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at the same time.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The financial aid office at each participating school administers the FSEOG program. To receive an FSEOG, you must complete the FAFSA form so your college can assess your financial need. The financial aid office will award FSEOGs to students with the greatest financial need. You can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year based on your monetary need, the timing of your application, the amount of other aid you receive, and the availability of funds at your school.
Patsy Mink Education Support Award: The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award is a scholarship for low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training at a nonprofit, accredited institution. To be eligible, applicants must have an annual family income of less than $20,000 for a family of two, less than $25,000 for a family of three, and less than $30,000 for a family of four.
Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program: The Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) is a scholarship program for adult students who are at least 19 years old and enrolling in a participating career college. Additionally, you need a high school diploma, GED, or a passing score on an Ability to Benefit test. You should not have previously received any Imagine America Foundation scholarships or awards. Finally, you must complete the NCCT Educational Success Potential Assessment.
Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant: The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant provides unrestricted non-tuition funding and support to women and nonbinary students aged 35 and older. The grant amount is $2,000 to $10,000 and is renewable for up to five years.