Who are adult learners and nontraditional students?

Adult students are usually considered people over 24 years old who are attending college for the first time or returning to school after a long hiatus. 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.

How do adult students 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 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.

Can adult students get college scholarships?

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. Adult students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is a good starting point for state and federal scholarships and grants.

Is there an age limit on scholarships?

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.

Scholarships for Adults Nontraditional Students

Explore our guide of scholarships for adult and nontraditional students so you can make your college degree more affordable.

Updated on May 11, 2026

Edited by

Learn more about our editorial process

Key Takeaways

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.

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.

Read on to learn more about scholarships available to adults and nontraditional students.

8 Scholarships for Adults 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.

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 in a variety of transitional situations pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s degree, or a certification program. Candidates apply through one of the organization’s local chapters, and applicants must reside within the boundaries of a participating chapter. Requirements vary by chapter, but applicants generally need to demonstrate financial need and have clearly defined career goals.

2. Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship

Amount: $1,500-$3,000
Deadline: April 24
Who is eligible? Adult students attending a school with an active Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter can apply. Undergraduate applicants must have completed 12 to 24 credits of coursework with a minimum 3.5 GPA, while master’s applicants must have a minimum 3.8 GPA.

3. American Legion Auxiliary Nontraditional Student Scholarship

Amount: $2,000
Deadline: March 1
Who is eligible? This scholarship is open to nontraditional students who are members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion; honorably discharged veterans; or spouses of active-duty servicemembers or veterans.

4. Royal Neighbors of America Scholarship Program

Amount: $500
Deadline: March 6
Who is eligible? This scholarship supports beneficial members of Royal Neighbors who are enrolled in trade or vocational, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA but those who graduated more than 10 years ago can instead provide a strong work history and professional reference.li>