Adults seeking a career shift or a bigger paycheck frequently look to higher education to earn an associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree.But returning students confront major obstacles when enrolling in college, including adding student loan obligations to an already tight household budget. Thankfully, there are a number of scholarships specifically aimed at adult learners that help reduce the cost of going back to school. We’ve also highlighted grants that give nontraditional students a chance to pursue a degree without derailing their long-term financial plans.
How Adult Students Differ
Scholarship eligibility varies, but “adult student” or “nontraditional student” typically describes anyone older than a recent high school graduate. That could be someone who delayed college after high school, a member of the workforce returning to school, a single parent,a learner later in life,or a grad student seeking relief from mountingstudent loans. In short, “adult student” covers many situations.
When applying, emphasize whatever sets you apart and be sure you meet the criteria. Some awards are restricted to women, while others target particular fields of study.
Your standout qualities might include being a single parent, returning to advance your career in fields like hospitality or engineering, or demonstrating financial need — a common requirement for many scholarships.
Also consider the level of degree you plan to pursue, since some scholarships are earmarked for undergraduate, graduate or vocational programs.
Financial Aid Options for All College Students
Before exploring the list below, one key tip:Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There’s no age cap for federal aid, including Pell Grants, which don’t need to be repaid after you complete school.
FAFSA details often feed into school-based aid decisions. Additionally, many need-based scholarship applications request information from your FAFSA.
The FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2025. Seewhat to do if you miss itand when next year’s federal aid application window opens.
19 Scholarships for Adult and Other Nontraditional Students
After you file your FAFSA, review the scholarships below. Many returning students qualify for these awards if they enroll at an accredited college seeking an undergraduate or graduate credential.
1. Ford Opportunity Scholarships
One of the largest programs for adult learners is administered by The Ford Family Foundation. TheFord Opportunity Scholarshipoffers 96 renewable awards, with up to $40,000 per year.
Grants are available to parents of any age or adult learners over 25 pursuing a degree who live in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California. Applications typically open Dec. 1 and close March 3 each year.
2. Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships
Alpha Sigma Lambda, the honor society for nontraditional students, awards scholarships in various amounts. Applicants don’t have to belong to their school’s ASL chapter, but they must attend a college with an active chapter and submit materials to a chapter counselor for review.
Applicants should be enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s program and have completed at least 10% of coursework with a minimum 3.2 GPA.
The scholarship asks for a personal statement and a faculty recommendation, and applicants must show financial need.
For 2025–26, the ASLapplicationdeadline was April 18, 2025. Check the site for next year’s application dates.
3. College JumpStart Scholarship
TheCollege JumpStart Scholarshipis open to nontraditional students and awards $1,000 to a student who demonstrates grit, persistence and a passion for learning. Financial need and standardized test scores are not factors.
Applicants submit a personal statement responding to one of several prompts. You must be enrolled in a two- or four-year college, a vocational program, or plan to enroll within the next 12 months.
The fall deadline to qualify for the spring JumpStart award is Sept. 30, 2025.
4. Courage To Grow Scholarship
Any college student with at least a 2.5 GPA can apply for this$1,000 monthly scholarship. Applicants explain why they deserve the award, which is paid directly to the winner’s institution.
Past recipients noted some winners applied multiple times before being selected.
5. Dr. Angela Grant Memorial Scholarship
Cancer survivors or students with family members impacted by cancer may be eligible for a scholarship up to $5,000.
Applicants submit an essay about their achievements and career aims and provide two personal references. Both undergraduate and graduate students may apply between Jan. 1 and May 1; one to three scholarships are awarded annually.
6. Boomer Benefits Scholarship
The age requirement is explicit for this award. The Boomer Benefits Scholarship targets adult students aged 50 and over who are enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program or pursuing a graduate degree.
Two $2,500 scholarships are awarded each year. Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 27, 2025.
7. Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship
Executive Women International administers theAdult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarshipfor individuals seeking to enhance their economic prospects through education. Applicants apply through their school’s EWI chapter, and qualifying candidates advance to a national stage where awards range from $2,000 to $10,000.
The application window opens each January.
EWI prioritizes applicants facing economic, social or physical hardships.
8. Imagine America Adult College Grants
Adult learners enrolled in an approved Adult Skills Education Program can apply for a $1,000 award from theImagine America Foundation.
Applicants must complete the National Center for Competency Testing Student Success Assessment before applying.
9. Niche “No Essay” Scholarship
Create afree Niche profileto enter this competition for a $2,000 prize — no essay required. The funds may be used for tuition, books, housing or other education-related costs.
10. Return 2 College Scholarship Program
Anyone 17 or older who plans to start college within the next year or is currently enrolled can apply for this $1,000 scholarship.
Applicants submit a three-sentence essay explaining why they’re pursuing a degree. You may submit up to 12 entries if you need more space to convey your goals. Winners may use the award for any degree level.
If you qualify, apply before the next deadline: Sept. 30, 2025.
11. Scholarship Detective Launch Scholarship
Scholarship Detective is a new resource for students searching for college funding. To celebrate, the site is awarding scholarships to launch its mission.
If you describe in fewer than 140 characters how you would spend the scholarship, you can compete for one of two $1,000 awards. The application deadline is Aug. 31, 2025.
12. SuperCollege Scholarship
Any student pursuing or preparing to pursue higher education can enter thisannual random drawingfor $1,000 — incomplete submissions are disqualified. The winner may apply the funds to tuition, books or other school-related expenses.
The next application deadline is June 30, 2025.
13. Unigo $10K Scholarship
If you’re enrolled in college, you can compete for this$10,000 prize. Applicants must submit a 250-word essay responding to: Would you rather be smart, funny or rich … and why?
The deadline is Dec. 31, 2025.
Check Unigo for additional scholarships; many have short essay requirements.
14. Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
This competitive program provides up to $55,000 annually for up to three years to students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions to finish a bachelor’s degree. There’s no explicit age limit, but the award is typically aimed at community college students moving on to a four-year college.
The application requires multiple short essays, recommendations and documentation of academic goals and financial need; priority goes to those with substantial financial need.
The next application window begins in fall 2025.
Scholarships Exclusively for Women and Non-Binary Students
Below are five awards specifically for adult women or students who identify as non-binary.
15. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant
Lower-income women and non-binary students aged 35 and older pursuing technical or vocational training, an associate degree or their first bachelor’s degree are eligible for this grant.
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation also offers theEmerge Grantfor women or non-binary students over 25 residing in Georgia or Montana. The grant may be renewed for up to five years.
The2025–26 Grant Cycleis currently closed. Monitor the page for next year’s application opening.
16. PEO Program for Continuing Education Scholarship
PEO provides up to $4,000 to a woman in the U.S. or Canada whose education was interrupted.
This need-based grant is available to women who have had at least 24 consecutive months as non-students during adulthood and are within 18 consecutive months of finishing their degree.
Applicants must complete an interview at the chapter level. Contact your local chapter to apply.
17. Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
Students who identify as women and are enrolled in ABET-accredited undergraduate or graduate programs in engineering, technology or computer science may compete for various awards from theSociety of Women Engineers.
Nontraditional and re-entry students who have been out of school for at least two years before starting the current program are eligible. Scholarships are open to full- and part-time students at any level, including graduate studies.
18. Patsy Mink Education Support Award
In 2023, the Patsy Mink Foundation granted fiveEducation Support Awardsof up to $5,000 to help low-income mothers pursue education or training at accredited institutions.
Applications are open for the 2025–26 academic year. Applicants must be women at least 17 years old, mothers with minor children, and pursuing their first degree.
19. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award
Offered annually, theLive Your Dream Awardprovides three tiers of cash assistance up to $16,000 to eligible women who are the primary financial providers for dependents.
Applications are accepted from Aug. 1 through Nov. 15.
