Are there scholarships for adults returning to college? As an adult learner, you may feel like many opportunities are geared toward students transitioning from high school to college.
But there are scholarship opportunities that exist for all students, regardless of what age you go to college. In fact, there are even specific scholarships for older students.
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Read on to learn more about adult scholarships and financial assistance for those who are returning to school to further their education.
Scholarships for Adults Returning to College
There can be many reasons why you may have taken a break from your studies, but more and more adults are returning to school to take advantage of the latest educational opportunities.
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An “adult student” is typically considered someone who is at least 24 years old. Keep in mind that some scholarships are offered to students of specific demographics—including age groups. Whether you are starting college for the first time, returning after a break, or branching off on a new educational path, there can be many benefits to going back to college.
Many adult students find that returning to college:
- Helps them gain insight into the current professional trends, theories, and procedures
- Refreshes their communication skills
- Provides them with a renewed perspective in their chosen field
- Prepares them for the challenges of their prospective professional roles
- Enhances their analytical skills and decision-making ability
Earning a college degree can be beneficial for those who wish to enhance their current skills as well as for those who are interested in earning advanced licensing or certification in certain fields. Scholarships for older students help make these opportunities possible.
Types of Financial Aid for Adult Learners
Many experts recommend that college students pursue multiple types of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and student loans.
You might be surprised to learn that all three options are available no matter what age you go to college. Each option can have its own stipulations and requirements.
Scholarships
Adult scholarships are often specifically offered to students who are returning to college or their educational path following a hiatus. These may be offered by schools, private donors, large corporations, or professional organizations.
Scholarships are also offered based on your financial status, personal identity, and area of study or major.
Grants
Like scholarships, grants provide students with money to attend school that does not need to be paid back.
There are many opportunities available for adult students who qualify. These can include grants to go back to school for the unemployed and grants offered to students who have a compelling goal in returning to their studies.
Student Loans
You may qualify for a variety of student loans, from federal programs to tuition assistance programs offered by the school you choose to attend.
A loan is money that you will generally pay back with interest over a set period, so you may wish to review the terms closely.
Grants for Adult Students
Adult students may qualify for a variety of grants. Opportunities may be very well known, or you may have to do some research within your community, industry, or prospective professional field to learn more.
Types of grants can include:
- Federal Pell Grants. This type of grant is offered to students who have not received a college or professional degree and who demonstrate financial need. You can complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Known as the FSEOG, this grant considers an adult student’s financial status. It’s important to note that the FSEOG is only offered to those who attend a participating school.
- Private Grants. These grants are issued from private donors, non-profit or professional organizations, or within a specific industry. Each grant may have its own unique application process and requirements.
- State Grants. Each state within the US may offer a specific grant for returning adult students living and attending college in that state. These can range from grants to go back to school for the unemployed to those based on personal identity.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant. The TEACH grant is offered to those who are interested in teaching or education administration. Stipulations include teaching at a low-income school for 4 years following graduation.
- University Grants. Some schools provide their own grants for adult students who are currently working toward a degree. These grants can help with the costs of tuition, books, and often living expenses.
These are just a handful of the many grant opportunities that can be available to older, returning students.
How to Win Scholarships for Returning Students
While there is often significant competition for scholarships, there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best possible chance of winning.
First, you can research each scholarship in detail. It helps to double check that you understand the application process and fit the eligibility requirements. You may also wish to determine the amount of the award and how it may be used.
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If an essay or project is requested, you can plan accordingly. The awarding committee is often looking at not just the final execution but also the process and personality in its creation. It’s strategic to know the rules and limitations and to consider the details carefully before you submit your final version.
Lastly, it could be beneficial to apply for many different scholarships to allow you the greatest possible chance of receiving an award.
Resources for Adult Learners
Searching for scholarships for adults going back to college on top of choosing a school and educational path can often be overwhelming for many students.
These resources can help you get started on your journey back to school:
- US Department of Education: Each state has contacts for adult educational opportunities, and the US Department of Education has a map that acts as a directory across the country.
- College for Adults: This resource is designed to help adult students with assistance navigating through many of the steps of returning to school, including financial aid.
- American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE): This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing adults with enrichment through education.
- GoCollege: This resource provides financial aid research opportunities as well as guidance through the college search and application process.
- Adult Literacy League: This organization provides direct assistance for those living in Central Florida as well as resources for those around the nation.
Each resource may help you on your journey toward your educational goals.
Is There an Age Limit for College Scholarships?
While there’s no age limit for going to college, scholarships can have their own requirements and stipulations. Some are issued strictly to students who have just graduated high school. That being said, there are many scholarship opportunities specifically for adult students. In fact, some scholarships are connected to a particular age group.
Many scholarship opportunities—like the FAFSA—have no age restrictions at all. They are generally issued based on financial need or other specific qualifications, such as your personal identity or area of study.
Can Adults Get Scholarships?
There are many opportunities for scholarships for older students. Some financial assistance options for tuition are tied to a traditional learning path of attending college immediately after high school. But there is a growing number of adult scholarships as well.
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Your first steps can include completing the FAFSA and connecting with your school to determine what financial opportunities they have for adult students. These might include scholarships, grants, and financing or loans. You could consider community, professional, private, and corporate groups as a source of financial assistance as well.
Best 50 Adults Returning to College Scholarships
If you’re considering returning to college as an adult, here are a variety of scholarships you can explore.
- AAUW Re-entry Women Scholarships – $2,000
- Adult Student Grant – $2,000
- Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship – Up to $2,500 to $3,000
- American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship – $2,000
- Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship – Up to $1,000 to $3,000
- Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Leadership – $1,000
- Be Bold No-Essay Scholarship – Up to $25,161
- Bismarck State College Scholarships – Up to $250 to $6,000
- Boomer Benefits Scholarship – $2,500
- Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship – Up to $10,000
- CFWV HEAPS Workforce – Up to $2,000
- Charles Shelton Foundation Scholarships – $2,000
- College Jumpstart Scholarship – $1,000
- Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship – Up to $55,000 per year
- Courage to Grow Scholarship – $500
- Custody X Change Single Parent Scholarships – $500 to $1,000
- Daniels Fund Boundless Opportunity Scholarship – Funds may be applied to Direct/Indirect Expenses
- Dr. Angela E. Grant Memorial Scholarship – Amounts vary
- EFWA Undergraduate Scholarships – $1,000 to $2,500
- Executive Women ASIST Scholarships – Up to $2,000 to $10,000
- Federal Pell Grant – Up to $6,895
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – $100 – $4,000
- Ford Opportunity – Up to $40,000 per year
- Georgia Harkness Scholarships – $5,000
- Imagine America Trade School Scholarships for Adult Students – $1,000
- Job-applications.com scholarship – $1,000
- KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarships – Up to $10,000
- Kendrick Foundation Scholarship – Up to $15,000 per year
- Live Your Dream Award – Up to $16,000
- Methodist University Senior Citizens Scholarship – Tuition-free undergraduate classes
- NCCF Survivor Scholarship Program – $1,000
- Niche No Essay Scholarship – $2,000
- Patsy Mink Education Support Reward – Up to $5,000
- Peter T. Buecher Memorial Scholarship – $500
- Peterson’s Undergraduate Scholarship – $2,500
- Re-entry Women Scholarships – Four $2,000
- Return2College Scholarship – $1,000
- Scholarship Detective Launch Scholarship – $1,000
- South Carolina Federal Credit Union Scholarships – $2,500 to $10,000
- St. Cloud State University Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance Scholarships – from $250 to $2,500
- SuperCollege Scholarship – $1,000
- Susan and Marvin Whatley Scholarship – $1,250
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant – Up to $4,000 a year
- Tennessee Hope Scholarship Non-traditional – Up to $2,250 for freshmen and sophomores and $2,850 for junior and senior.
- The 1000 Dreams Scholarship Fund – $1,000
- The Herbert Lehman Education Fund Scholarship – $3,000
- Tony Alviani Memorial Scholarship – $500
- Unigo $10K Scholarship – $10,000
- University of Maine Adult Degree Completion Scholarship – Up to $500 to $1,000 per semester
- WGU Back to School Scholarship – Up to $2,500
Each scholarship opportunity will have its own qualifications and application process. You can also research any local scholarships that may be available near you.
Applying for Adult Learner Scholarships
Many individuals put their educational and professional dreams on hold due to their financial circumstances. Thankfully, there are many options that can help provide you with assistance in paying for your education.
While the process of returning to school can be both exciting and a little daunting, adult learners have many opportunities for assistance. You might consider these resources as a springboard for helping you make your educational dreams come true.
There are many scholarship opportunities for adult learners who are returning to college. You could start exploring some of these options and begin planning your return to school today!
