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 Resources for Students in Rural Areas: Scholarships, State Grants, and Distance Learning Support

For students in rural or small-town communities, the road to higher education can feel a bit longer—literally and figuratively. Fewer local resources, limited access to college counseling, and geographic isolation often create barriers to finding and funding a college...

What Employers Really Look for in Recent Grads

You’ve worked hard for that degree. But here’s the truth: when it comes to landing your first job, employers aren’t only looking at your GPA or even your major. In fact, surveys show that many hiring managers value skills, experiences, and personal qualities more than...

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...

Essential Tips for Acing College Interviews

College interviews are your chance to make a lasting impression beyond your application. Master the art of showcasing your personality, goals, and enthusiasm with these essential tips for acing admissions and scholarship interviews. Understand the Purpose of the...

Making the Most of Work-Study Programs

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is often seen as just another line on a financial aid award letter. But when used strategically, it can be more than a paycheck. It can help reduce borrowing, build professional skills, and create connections that last beyond graduation. If...

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...

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...

How to Find Scholarships That Fit Your Unique Background

Scholarships can open the door to a debt-free education, but finding the right ones requires knowing where to look. Many scholarships are tailored to specific groups or interests, meaning your unique background could qualify you for financial aid others can’t access....

Financial Planning for College as a Parent

Going back to school is a big decision, but going back while raising kids? That’s next-level. Whether you’re finishing a degree, starting one for the first time, or pursuing a career change, balancing parent life with college is no small task—especially when it comes...

Employer Tuition Reimbursement: How to Use It Wisely

Going back to school or earning a degree while working can be expensive—but if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, you’ve got one of the best education benefits around. Many companies now help employees pay for college or graduate school, giving workers the...

Elbin Scholars

The Elbin Scholars scholarship is for students accepted for admission with at least a 3.75 high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and at least an ACT composite score of 27. Scholarship Sponsor West Liberty UniversityAward Type $12,000 CashGender Eligibility...

The Dolly Parton Scholarship

The Dolly Parton Scholarship is a $15,000 scholarship awarded annually at each high school. The scholarships are for students who have a dream they wish to pursue and who can successfully communicate their plan and commitment to realize their dreams.Scholarship...

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...

I’m Still a Dreamer Scholarship

Atlanta rapper Future is stepping up big time to help out students heading to college this fall. Many students’ summer job plans were thrown off by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and it’s put more financial pressure on the students and their families. Future is...

NCFRW Caring for America Scholarship

The NCFRW Caring for America Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship intended to assist eligible children of North Carolina service members desiring to pursue a degree (or vocational certification) from an accredited North Carolina college, vocational or technical...

Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship Fund

The Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship is awarded to a South Asian student enrolled full-time in his/her second, third, or fourth year at a Pennsylvania medical school.Scholarship Sponsor The Foundation of Pennsylvania Medical...

James A. Wells Sr., Veterans Scholarship

To honor her late father, attorney Cara Wells Stigger, of Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, has offered a scholarship for a U.S. Military Veteran, or to a spouse or child, of a Veteran living or deceased. Two students will be awarded $1,000.Scholarship Sponsor Kauffman and...

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....

Disciples Leadership Program

This top-tier, competitive scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen based on leadership, academic excellence, and the commitment to explore during college a life of faith-based servant leadership.Scholarship Sponsor Eureka CollegeAward Type $6,000 CashGender...

Santa Rosa Ninety-Nines Aviation Scholarship

The Santa Rosa 99s Aviation Scholarship awards a local woman pilot who holds at least a current private license, a current medical and a current flight review. Applicants should be planning a career in any area of aviation, with flight training or education in mind...

Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship

Eastern Michigan University awards the Presidential Scholarship to incoming freshmen as a four-year, full-ride award. Scholarship Sponsor Eastern Michigan UniversityAward Type $90,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA...

Jake Brandon Harris Scholarship

One $1,500 Jake Brandon Harris Scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student.Scholarship Sponsor In Memory of Jake Brandon HarrisAward Type $1,500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria / Requirements: Applicants...

Tillman Scholars Program

The Tillman Scholars Program assists with academic expenses, including tuition and fees, books, and living expenses for U.S. veterans and active duty service members of all branches of the U.S. Military including the National Guard and Reserve. Current spouses of...

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences sponsors programs, seminars, and scholarships for high school and colleges in cities served by the 19 local chapters and awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who intend to pursue a bachelor's...

Hanover College Crowe Scholars Award

The Crowe Scholars Award is given to top applicants in Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts and Letters and Undecided majors are invited to compete for a renewable, stackable scholarship ranging from $2,500 - $5,000. Scholarship Sponsor Hanover...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look