Scholarships for Adults and Nontraditional Students
Scholarships are an essential way to help lower the cost of college. And there are financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to every kind of student, including nontraditional students.
Students who do not transition directly into college after graduating from high school are defined as “nontraditional students.” Most adult students choose to go back to school to earn the credentials needed for career advancement in their current field or to enter a new line of work.
Although colleges and universities dedicate a lot of their funding to scholarships for recent high school graduates, they also offer awards specifically for older students. And there are no age restrictions when it comes to filling out the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Popular Online Programs for Adults and Nontraditional Students
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
12 Scholarships for Adults and Nontraditional Learners
We’ve compiled a list of scholarships for adult students as a starting point — look into additional opportunities based on your background, achievements, and professional goals.
1. 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.
2. Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship
Amount: $2,500-$3,000
Deadline: April 19
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.
3. 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 non-traditional students and either veterans or spouses of service members.
4. “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship
Amount: $25,124
Deadline: June 1
Who is eligible? This scholarship is open to students of all ages, education levels, locations, and GPA. Award recipients are chosen based on how “bold” their Bold.org profile is — defined as earnest, determined, and moving.
5. College JumpStart Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15 (Spring) or October 17 (Fall)
Who is eligible? This award program supports traditional learners and adult students. Applicants submit an online form, providing some personal information and a 250-word statement of purpose responding to a designated prompt.
6. Courage to Grow Scholarship
Amount: $500
Deadline: May 31
Who is eligible? Applicants must be a US 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 chosen each month.
7. Imagine America Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 31
Who is eligible? The Adult Skills Education Program Award is open to older students attending one of 400 partnering career colleges. Candidates need to meet financial need requirements and complete the National Center for Competency Testing Educational Success Potential Assessment.
8. Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Who is eligible? This scholarship program supports older students with a cumulative gap in their undergraduate education of five or more years. Applicants need to demonstrate financial need and the willingness to participate in the workforce upon graduation. You must attend one of Osher’s 125 partnered colleges to qualify for funds, as the foundation does not award grants to applicants directly.
9. Return 2 College Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 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.
10. Royal Neighbors Scholarship Program
Amount: $500
Deadline: March 1
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.
11. 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.
12. Unigo $10K Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 31
Who is eligible? This scholarship is available to US citizens who are currently students. To apply, you must answer the question — would you rather be smart, funny, or rich? And why?
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult and Nontraditional Student Scholarships
What are adult learners and nontraditional students?
Adult students are people over 24 years old who are attending college for the first time or returning to school after a long hiatus.
Nontraditional students are individuals who do 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.
Can adults get college scholarships?
Yes. Adult students can access many of the same financial resources as traditional learners, including federal aid, state grants, private scholarships, and university awards.
Is there an age limit on scholarships?
The FAFSA does not have an age limit. Many scholarships filter applicants by characteristics like race/ethnicity, degree major, and career goals rather than age.
How do adults pay for college?
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 that’s 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.
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