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 Planning for Your First Year After College: Budgeting, Student Loans, and Building a Strong Financial Foundation

Graduation feels like a finish line, but financially, it is a starting point. Your first year after college sets the tone for how you manage money, handle student loans, and build long-term stability. Without the structure of campus life, expenses shift quickly, and...

How to Build a Resume While You’re Still in School

Think you need a full-time job to start a resume? Think again. Even if you're still in school, you can build a strong, professional-looking resume that highlights your skills, achievements, and potential. The key is knowing how to spin your everyday experiences into...

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...

Scholarships for Career Changers: Financial Aid for a Fresh Start

Switching careers is a bold and exciting step, but going back to school for a new degree or certification can be expensive. Fortunately, many scholarships are designed specifically for adults who are making a career transition. Whether you're moving from one industry...

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...

Essential Apps Every College Student Should Download

College is a juggling act—classes, homework, social life, maybe even a part-time job. Luckily, there’s an app for pretty much everything. Whether you're trying to stay on top of deadlines, manage your money, or cram for midterms, having the right tools on your phone...

Financial Aid for Adults Without a High School Diploma

Returning to school as an adult without a high school diploma can feel overwhelming—but it’s far from impossible. Whether your goal is to earn a GED, enroll in a vocational program, or eventually attend college, there are real financial aid options available to help...

Scholarships for Students in Foster Care or Aging Out of the System: National and State Programs That Open Doors

For students who have experienced foster care, the path to college often comes with added obstacles. Frequent school changes, limited financial support, and housing instability can make higher education feel out of reach. Yet across the country, scholarships and...

Returning to School After a Break: What You Need to Know

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...

Scholarship Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them

When you’re applying for scholarships, the last thing you want is to fall into a trap that steals your time, money, or personal information. Unfortunately, scammers know students are eager for financial help and target them with fake opportunities that sound too good...

Women Techmakers Scholars Program

Through the Women Techmakers Scholars Program - formerly the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Program - Google is furthering Dr. Anita Borg's vision of creating gender equality in the tech industry by encouraging women to excel as active participants and leaders...

SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Assistance is available for career paths in the automotive industry in accounting, engineering, race car driver/crew,...

Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship

ASWP awards $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from our service area of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Scholarship Sponsor Audobon Society of Western Pennsylvania Award Type $2,500 Cash Gender...

Niagara University Achievement Award

This new and easy scholarship opportunity is a boon for students entering college in Fall 2021. All they have to do is learn more about The Power of Niagara. See what Niagara is like during an online, interactive admissions event or an in-person tour. Scholarship...

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...

Harry Heartland Goldens and Mini Goldendoodles Veterinarian ScholarshipMemorial Wildlife Fund Scholarship

Heartland Goldens and Mini Goldendoodles (HGMG) will award one $500 scholarships. Scholarship Sponsor Heartland Golden and Mini Goldendoodles Award Type $500 Cash Gender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria / Requirements: Must...

Pilot Pen G2 Overachievers Student Grant

The G2 Overachievers Student Grant will be awarded to an outstanding young scholar who is making a real difference in others’ lives outside of the classroom. Scholarship Sponsor Pilot Corporation of AmericaAward Type $15,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Pacific Gas & Electric Company Veterans ERG Scholarship

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering Better Together STEM Scholarships of $2,500 or $10,000 to students pursuing science, technology or engineering studies at universities in California. Students must be California residents and PG&E customers...

The 911 Promise Scholarship

The 9/11 Promise provides scholarships to qualified children of first responders and military service members who have been killed or injured and are unable to hold employment. Scholarship Sponsor 911 Promise Award Type $50,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

SMU Nancy Ann & Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program

Hunt Scholars are awarded full tuition and fees, less the amount of resident tuition and fees at the leading public university in the student's state of residency; for up to eight semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first as long as the student maintains...

Andrew J. Zabierek Memorial Scholarship for Massachusetts Veterans

The Andrew J. Zabierek Foundation is honored to give two awards yearly either to veterans in recognition of their military service and commitment to complete their college education, technical certificate or to organizations that support veterans. Scholarship Sponsor...

Irene and Daisy MacGregor Memorial Scholarship

The Irene and Daisy MacGregor Memorial Scholarship is awarded to two students of high scholastic standing and character who have been accepted into or are pursuing an approved course of study to become a medical doctor (no pre-med, veterinarian or physician assistant)...

Col. Loren J. And Mrs. Lawona R. Spencer Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible through a generous endowment from the Spencer estate. It provides funds to United States Air Force Personnel (officer or enlisted, Air Force civilian, full time National Guard and full time Reserve) to pursue graduate level education...

USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Scholarship

The Jesse Jackson Fellows-Toyota Scholarship is a renewable scholarship that awards up to $25,000 dollars annually to deserving African-American college sophomores. Scholarship Sponsor Push ExcelAward Type $25,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

Western Undergraduate Exchange Plus at University of New Mexico

The Western Undergraduate Exchange is a merit based scholarship for incoming freshmen who are non-resident applicants to the University of New Mexico. Scholarship Sponsor University of New MexicoAward Type $66,400 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look