by The USA Scholarship Guide Team | Feb 19, 2025 | Resources & Tips, Scholarships

Going back to school as a non-traditional student can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to paying for tuition. Many scholarships are designed for recent high school graduates, but plenty of funding opportunities exist for adults returning to school after raising a family, changing careers, or serving in the military. Learn where to find scholarships specifically for non-traditional students and how to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid.

What Is a Non-Traditional Student?

A non-traditional student is anyone pursuing higher education outside the typical path of going to college right after high school. This includes:

Adults returning to school after several years in the workforce
Parents or caregivers balancing education with family responsibilities
Career changers seeking new skills or degrees
Military veterans transitioning to civilian careers
Part-time students who can’t attend school full-time due to work or family obligations

Many organizations recognize the unique challenges non-traditional students face and offer scholarships to support their education.

National Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students

Several major organizations provide scholarships specifically for adult learners. These programs offer financial support to help cover tuition, books, and other expenses.

1. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

For low-income women age 35 and older
Must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Awards range from $2,000 to $5,000

2. Return2College Scholarship

Open to students age 25 or older
No GPA or financial need requirements
Requires a short essay of 3 sentences on why you’re returning to school
Award: $1,000

3. Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

For adult students returning to school due to career changes or life transitions
Offered by Executive Women International (EWI)
Amount varies by local EWI chapters

4. Imagine America Foundation Adult Skills Education Program

Available to students age 19 and older pursuing vocational or trade school programs
Award: $1,000

5. Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships

For part-time and full-time adult students
Must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
Award: Up to $3,000

Scholarships for Parents Returning to School

Balancing school and family life is challenging, but scholarships can ease the financial burden. These programs specifically help parents who are furthering their education.

6. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship

For low-income women with children
Must be enrolled in a vocational, associate’s, or bachelor’s program
Awards up to $5,000

7. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

Open to women who are the primary financial support for their families
Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational program
Awards between $1,000 and $16,000

8. Custody X Change Single Parent Scholarship

For single parents enrolled in college
Requires a short essay about how education will improve your life as a parent
Award: $1,000

Scholarships for Career Changers

If you’re heading back to school to switch careers, certain scholarships can help fund your education in high-demand fields.

9. Unigo $10K Scholarship

Open to students of all ages pursuing higher education
Requires a short essay on how education will shape your future
Award: $10,000

10. Ford ReStart Program

Available to adults age 25 or older who have been out of school for at least five years
Must be pursuing a vocational, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree
Award: Varies by financial need

11. The Educators for Tomorrow Scholarship

For adults returning to school to become teachers or education professionals
Open to undergraduates and graduate students
Award: $500 – $2,500

Scholarships for Veterans and Military Spouses

Many scholarships are available for military members transitioning to civilian careers and for their spouses who are pursuing higher education.

12. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship

For military veterans and spouses
Must be pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or professional degree
Award: Varies based on need

13. AMVETS National Scholarship Program

For veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses
Must be enrolled in a vocational, associate’s, or bachelor’s program
Awards between $1,000 and $12,000

14. MyCAA Scholarship (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account)

For spouses of active-duty military members
Covers tuition for certificate, licensing, and associate’s degree programs
Award: Up to $4,000

Where Else to Look for Non-Traditional Student Scholarships

Local Community Foundations

Many cities and states offer adult learner scholarships through local foundations. Search for “[your state] adult student scholarships” or check with local universities for funding opportunities.

Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

Some companies provide tuition reimbursement or scholarships for employees returning to school. Check with your HR department to see if your employer offers educational benefits.

College Financial Aid Offices

Many universities have scholarships specifically for non-traditional students. When applying to schools, ask about:

Adult learner scholarships
Work-study programs
Grants for career changers

Tips for Winning Scholarships as a Non-Traditional Student

Highlight your unique experiences. Scholarship committees value life experience and perseverance, so emphasize how returning to school will impact your future.
Apply for multiple scholarships. Many non-traditional students underestimate the number of opportunities available to them. The more you apply for, the better your chances.
Meet deadlines and follow directions. Missing a deadline or failing to submit required documents could disqualify your application.
Write a strong personal statement. Clearly explain why you’re returning to school, what you hope to accomplish, and how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals.

Final Thoughts

Going back to school as a non-traditional student is a big step, but financial aid is available to help make it more affordable. Whether you’re a parent, career changer, veteran, or part-time student, there are scholarships designed to support your education. Explore the options listed here, apply to as many as possible, and take the next step toward your academic and career goals.

Related Content

Financial Aid Tips for Adults Going Back to School

Why Financial Aid Looks Different for Adult Learners If you're an adult thinking about returning to school, you’re not alone—and you're definitely not out of options. Financial aid isn’t just for recent high school grads. There are grants, loans, scholarships, and...

Resources for Students with Disabilities: How to Get the Support You Need

College can be both exciting and challenging, but students with disabilities often face additional obstacles when it comes to accessibility, financial aid, and campus resources. The good news? There are scholarships, grants, and support services designed to help...

Study Abroad Scholarships: How to Fund Your International Experience

Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences a student can have—an opportunity to explore new cultures, gain global perspective, and build valuable independence. But it’s no secret that international education can be expensive. From airfare to housing...

Scholarships for Veterans and Military Families: How to Apply

For veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, pursuing higher education is not just a career goal—it’s a well-earned opportunity. But navigating how to pay for college can be confusing, especially when trying to combine GI Bill benefits, federal aid,...

Scholarships for Single Parents: How to Get Help Paying for College

Going back to school as a single parent can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to create a brighter future for you and your family. Thankfully, there are scholarships and financial aid programs specifically designed to support single parents in achieving...

Scholarships for First-Generation College Students: Where to Look

Being the first in your family to attend college is a major achievement — and a major challenge. From navigating applications to figuring out how to pay for it all, the process can feel overwhelming. The good news? There are scholarships out there designed...

Study Hacks for Busy Students: How to Learn More in Less Time

Balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s limited time to study. The good news? You don’t need to spend hours buried in textbooks to learn effectively. With the right study strategies, you can absorb...

How to Save Money on College Textbooks (Legally)

College is already expensive enough—tuition, housing, meal plans, and yes, those infamous textbooks. The average college student spends over $1,200 a year on books and supplies, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few smart (and totally legal) strategies, you...

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...

Scholarships for Trade and Technical School Students

For decades, the push toward four-year college degrees has dominated the conversation around education and scholarships. But today, the spotlight is shifting. Trade and technical schools—offering hands-on training for in-demand careers—are gaining new respect. With...

Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation Education Scholarship

With the mission to drive equity in terms of the ratio of women-owned business and women in the construction industry, we offer financial support in the form of scholarships to female students and apprentices who are pursuing careers in the construction industry....

President’s Award Program

The President’s Award Program (PAP) assists the University of Illinois to enroll highly capable students who have been admitted to one of the U of I campuses and are members of historically underrepresented groups and groups that have been less likely to enroll at the...

Alumnae Panhellenic Association of Washington DC Scholarship

Each year, the Washington, DC Alumnae Panhellenic Association presents a scholarship to young women who have demonstrated their outstanding commitment to NPC's core values of friendship, leadership, service, knowledge, integrity, and community in their daily...

Hope College Distinguished Scholar Awards

The Hope College Distinguished Scholar Awards are awarded to students who have achieved a 3.6 GPA and a 26 ACT or 1230 SAT. Renewable upon a 2.75 GPA. Scholarship Sponsor Hope CollegeAward Type $44,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic...

Derek Jeter/Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholarship

The Derek Jeter/Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholarship is awarded by the Hillsborough Education Foundation, an educational enterprise that helps in promoting civil academics in Hillsborough via support, investment, and initiatives that authorizes every aspiring...

Hope College Presidential Scholarships

To be eligible for the Hope College Presidential Scholarships, applicants must have a 3.8 GPA, and have an ACT of 28 or an SAT of 1300. Renewable upon a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship Sponsor Hope CollegeAward Type $52,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

American Warrior Association Tier One Scholarship

The American Warrior Association (AWA) grants scholarships up to $15,000 per year (based on financial need) to offset tuition costs per year to foundation approved universities or to any top 20 university MBA, law or medical program in the nation for any transitioning...

Prep Expert Clark High School SAT Excellence Scholarship

Clark High School sophomores, juniors or seniors who scored 1500 or higher on the SAT may apply for this $500 college scholarship.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic...

The Dan Van Dyke Scholarship

The Dan Van Dyke Scholarship award is to provide college scholarship awards to students who have shown life passion to the service of those in the community around themScholarship Sponsor The Van Dyke foundationAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

ABC Humane Wildlife Control & Prevention, Inc. Academic Scholarship

At ABC Wildlife, we believe diversity is critical in every scientific field from biology to chemical engineering. While women represent 48% of the American workforce, they make up only 13% of engineering professionals and a mere 7.2% in the field of mechanical...

Dan Marino | Step Up For Students Hope Scholarship

Has your child been bullied? If so, there’s hope. Your child may qualify for a Hope Scholarship. The Hope Scholarship gives parents options to place their child in a safer academic environment. Scholarship Sponsor Step Up For StudentsAward Type Varies CashGender...

STEM for Budding Ivey Scholarship

CCSD seniors and previous recipients who are planning to pursue a field of study in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) living in Clark County, Nevada and have a 3.5 or higher GPA may apply for this scholarship. Student must be active in community service...

Assistance League of Las Vegas – Scholarship for Former Recipients

Former recipients of Assistance League of Las Vegas’ scholarships may apply for an additional scholarship to attend an accredited Nevada school. Scholarship(s) in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $5,000...

1st Infantry Division Foundation Huebner Scholarship

The Society of the 1st Infantry Division offers a competitive scholarship for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of former members of the Division as well as children of active-duty 1st Infantry Division soldiers.Scholarship Sponsor Society of the 1st...

MC Lyte Scholarship

#EducateOURMen is the signature educational initiative of Hip Hop Sisters Foundation that aims to support and develop males by providing academic scholarships to obtain baccalaureate degrees primarily from HBCU’s; provide access to career and personal mentoring; and...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look