Going back to school after a break can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to chase new goals and open doors to better opportunities. Whether you’re starting fresh or finishing what you started, returning to school as an adult requires planning, focus, and a bit of strategy. Dive into these practical tips to help you manage finances, find scholarships for non-traditional students, and balance your education with life’s other responsibilities.

Assess Your Financial Situation

One of the biggest concerns for adults returning to school is the cost. The good news is that with proper planning, you can make higher education more affordable.

Understand Your Costs
Start by calculating the total cost of your education. Include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and any other expenses like transportation or childcare. Check if the school offers a net price calculator to estimate costs after financial aid.

Create a Budget
Outline your current income, expenses, and savings. Identify areas where you can cut back to allocate funds for school-related costs. Budgeting will give you a clearer picture of what you can afford and where you may need additional help.

Explore Payment Plans
Many schools offer payment plans that allow you to spread tuition payments over the semester, making it easier to manage expenses without taking on large loans.

Find Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students

Scholarships aren’t just for recent high school graduates. Many organizations specifically support non-traditional students, including adults returning to school.

Start with Local Opportunities
Community organizations, local businesses, and civic groups often offer scholarships for adult learners. Check with your local library, community center, or Chamber of Commerce for leads.

Search Online
Use scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Bold.org. Look for scholarships aimed at non-traditional students, single parents, veterans, or working adults.

Check Professional Organizations
If you’re studying in a specific field, professional associations may offer scholarships to support career development. For example, the National Association of Returning Citizens (NARC) supports students re-entering higher education.

Employer Tuition Assistance
If you’re employed, check if your company offers tuition reimbursement or scholarships. Many employers provide financial support to help workers advance their education.

Specialized Scholarships
Look for scholarships targeting unique groups, such as women returning to school, veterans, or those pursuing careers in high-demand fields like healthcare or technology.

Consider Financial Aid and Grants

Scholarships aren’t the only way to fund your education. Financial aid and grants can help fill in the gaps.

Complete the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical first step in accessing federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth applying.

Look for State and School Grants
Many states and colleges offer grants for adult learners. These are typically need-based and don’t have to be repaid.

Research Employer Assistance Programs
Some employers partner with local colleges to offer tuition discounts or additional grants to employees pursuing education.

Balance School with Other Responsibilities

Returning to school as an adult often means juggling education with work, family, and other commitments. Setting up a system to manage your time and responsibilities is key.

Create a Schedule
Design a realistic schedule that accounts for classes, study time, work, and personal responsibilities. Use a planner or digital calendar to stay organized.

Prioritize Tasks
Identify the most critical tasks each day and tackle them first. Break large assignments into smaller, manageable steps to avoid last-minute stress.

Communicate with Your Employer
If you’re working while in school, talk to your employer about your goals. They may offer flexible scheduling, remote work options, or reduced hours to support your education.

Lean on Your Support Network
Ask family and friends for help with childcare, errands, or emotional support. Many people in your life will want to see you succeed and can help lighten your load.

Build a Supportive Learning Environment

Being in a classroom again—or taking online courses—can feel unfamiliar at first. Setting yourself up for success means creating the right environment and using available resources.

Designate a Study Space
Create a quiet, organized space for studying and completing assignments. A dedicated area can help you focus and stay productive.

Use Campus Resources
Many schools offer resources for non-traditional students, such as academic advisors, tutoring services, and counseling. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of these services.

Connect with Peers
Building relationships with classmates, even in online courses, can help you feel more connected and motivated. Study groups or discussion boards are great ways to collaborate and share advice.

Stay Motivated

Returning to school is a significant commitment, but staying motivated will keep you on track.

Set Clear Goals
Write down your reasons for returning to school and the goals you hope to achieve. Remind yourself of these goals whenever you feel overwhelmed.

Celebrate Small Wins
Acing a test, finishing a tough assignment, or completing a semester are all reasons to celebrate. Recognize your achievements to keep your momentum going.

Keep Your End Goal in Mind
Whether it’s a degree, a certification, or new career opportunities, visualize the benefits of finishing your program to stay focused.

Final Insights

Returning to school after a break is both a challenge and an opportunity to achieve new milestones. By managing your finances, seeking scholarships, and balancing responsibilities effectively, you can make the transition smoother and more rewarding.

Consider how this step can reshape your future and set you on the path to personal and professional success.

Related Content

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

Scholarship essays are your chance to stand out and shine. Dive into strategies that will help you craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression on scholarship committees. Understand the Prompt The first step to writing a great essay is understanding what’s being...

Fast-Track Degree Options for Adults: Are They Worth It?

Going back to school as an adult can feel like juggling flaming swords—between work, family, and life, who has time for a traditional four-year degree? That’s where fast-track degree programs come in. Designed with adult learners in mind, these options promise to...

Is Community College a Smart Choice for Adult Learners?

Rethinking the College Path For adult learners going back to school, community college often flies under the radar. But with flexible schedules, lower costs, and programs designed to fast-track careers, it might just be one of the smartest moves you can make. Whether...

Making the Most of Your Scholarships: A Guide to Maximizing Your Benefits

Winning a scholarship is an incredible achievement, but it’s just the beginning. Once you’ve secured funding, it’s essential to use it wisely and strategically. Learn how to stretch your scholarship dollars, stay eligible, and make the most of this opportunity for a...

How to Choose the Right College for Your Needs

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and it’s not just about academics. Explore factors like cost, location, programs, and campus culture to find the best fit for your goals. Start with Self-Reflection Before diving into college...

How to Turn Campus Jobs Into Career Experience

For many college students, a campus job is simply a way to pay for books, food, or late-night coffee runs. You might be working in the dining hall, shelving books at the library, or checking IDs at the gym. At first glance, these roles might not feel like they connect...

Online Degree Programs: Are They Worth It for Non-Traditional Students?

For adult learners balancing work, family, and education, online degree programs offer a flexible and accessible way to earn a degree. But are they really worth it? While online education has grown in popularity, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making...

How to Maximize FAFSA: Getting the Most Out of Federal Aid

Every year, millions of students miss out on free financial aid simply because they don’t fully understand how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) works—or how to make it work for them. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your form for...

The Best Free Online Resources for College Students

College can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay for everything. From study tools to financial management apps, there are plenty of free online resources designed to help students succeed. Whether you need help with coursework, budgeting, or staying...

Choosing the Right Major: What to Consider for Career Success

Picking a college major is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your education, and it can shape your career path for years to come. While it's important to follow your passions, choosing a major that aligns with job market demand, salary potential, and career...

Check out these scholarships:

LGBTQ+ Scholarships and Campus Resources You Should Know About

For many students, paying for college is a major challenge. Between tuition, housing, and books, the costs add up quickly. For LGBTQ+ students, financial stress can sometimes feel even heavier. Some may face family situations where support is limited, or they may be...

A Better Slice for Education – Papa John’s Pizza Scholarship

CCSD Nevada college bound high school seniors with a 3.5 or higher GPA who are involved in community service with 50 or more hours this year may apply for this scholarship. Two scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each will be offered.Scholarship Sponsor The Public...

College of Wooster College Scholar Award

The College Scholar Award recognizes exceptional academic and extracurricular achievement among the 6,000 applications Wooster receives annually. The Scholarship Committee awards the highest academically qualified students, those who typically fall in the top 5% of...

Iowa Farm Bureau Scholarship

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation awards 54 students $1,000 scholarships on an annual basis. Scholarship Sponsor Eaton Family Credit UnionAward Type $1,000 Cash Gender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: Iowa Criteria / Requirements: Sons and...

Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Scholarship

The Why Not You Scholarship program is in partnership with the College Success Foundation. Four students were awarded $20,000 ($5,000 annually, towards a four-year university), and four students were awarded $5,000 ($2,500 annually, towards a community college or...

John Lennon Scholarships

Yoko Ono and Gibson Musical Instruments founded these memorial scholarships in order to help the next great musical artists. The competition requires students to submit an original song, complete with lyrics and a recording with the accompanying instrument....

Derek Jeter/Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

Administered by the Jackie Robinson Foundation and provides four-year college scholarships and mentoring to high-achieving minority students from the New York City area that display excellent leadership potential. Scholarship was endowed in 2001, but Derek and Turn...

Powell Scholarship at University of the Pacific

The Powell Scholarship is the university's premier academic merit award, and is designed to cultivate future leaders through mentoring, instruction, and service.Scholarship Sponsor University of the PacificAward Type $42,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

NV5 Engineering Scholarship

Southern Nevada college-bound high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA who plan to major in engineering may apply for this scholarship. Students may attend CCSD, charter, private or home schools. Finalists may be interviewed. Two scholarships in the amount of...

EMU Presidential Scholarship

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is only available to incoming freshmen who have competed in the Presidential Scholarship Competition. Students must complete an EMU Admission Application as well as a separate application for the Competition. These applications are...

VFW Voice of Democracy Competition

The Voice of Democracy audio-essay provides high school students with the opportunity to express themselves in regards to a democratic and patriotic-themed recorded essay. Scholarship Sponsor VFWAward Type $30,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

Mount Mercy University Honors Scholarships

The Honors Scholarships are offered to incoming freshmen at Mount Mercy University. Scholarship Sponsor Mount Mercy UniversityAward Type $4,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria / Requirements:Eligible applicants...

Missouri Corn Scholarship

The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council awards deserving college juniors and high school seniors $1000 scholarships for the coming academic year. Scholarship Sponsor Missouri Corn Award Type $1,000 Cash Gender Eligibility All...

Hudson & Holland Scholars Program

The Hudson & Holland Scholars Program (HHSP) is a scholarship and support program for high-achieving minority students who are historically underrepresented. It is the largest merit-based scholarship and support program at Indiana University and serves nearly 2,000...

Colorado Mesa University’s Distinguished Scholar Award

Colorado Mesa University's Distinguished Scholar Award is the most prestigious academic award for incoming freshmen and is valued at full tuition and fees for Colorado Residents and $6,000 per academic year for out-of-state students.Scholarship Sponsor Colorado Mesa...
Skip to content