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

How to Get Letters of Recommendation for Scholarship Applications

Why Recommendation Letters Matter A strong letter of recommendation can be the deciding factor in a competitive scholarship application. While your grades and essay tell one story, a recommendation provides a trusted outside perspective that confirms your strengths,...

Leveraging Your College Education for Career Growth

Your college education is more than just a degree—it’s a launchpad for career success. By taking advantage of networking opportunities, internships, and campus resources, you can build a strong foundation for your future. Discover practical tips to help you make the...

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...

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...

How to Pay Off Student Loans Faster Without Burning Out

Student loans can feel like a long-term companion you never asked for—one that lingers long after graduation. With the average U.S. graduate owing over $30,000, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start. But here’s the good news: paying off student loans...

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...

Financial Aid Options for DACA and Undocumented Students

Paying for college is tough enough — and it can be even harder if you’re undocumented or a DACA recipient. Federal financial aid is off the table, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. From private scholarships to in-state tuition programs and university...

How to Use a 529 Plan as an Adult Learner

Most people think of 529 plans as tools for saving for a child’s college education—but they’re far more flexible than that. In fact, many adult learners are surprised to discover they can use 529 plan funds for their own education, whether they’re going back to...

How Internships Can Help You Get Ahead in Your Career

Landing your dream job often requires more than just a degree—real-world experience is key. That’s where internships come in. Whether paid or unpaid, internships provide valuable skills, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience that can give you a competitive...

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...

James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship

The McLamore Family Foundation created the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship awards students who have graduated from high school within the last three years or full-time students who are seniors at a high school or home school. Scholarship Sponsor Burger King...

Jennifer Wilson Memorial Scholarship

Boulder City High School Clark County, Nevada, Seniors earning a minimum 2.5 GPA may apply for this scholarship. One award of $1,000 will be given.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Mercatus Joseph Schumpeter Undergraduate Fellowship

The Joseph Schumpeter Undergraduate Fellowship is a competitive, renewable fellowship program for undergraduate students at George Mason University. Fellowships are open to full- and part-time degree-seeking Mason students from any discipline who are interested in...

University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa Out of State Merit Scholarships

First time freshmen admitted to the University of Alabama by May 1, have a qualifying score on the ACT or SAT in February, and have at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA through December of the senior year will be eligible for an Out-of-State Merit...

Villa Park Junior Women’s Club Scholarship

Every year, the VPJWC sponsors a scholarship to benefit a female Villa Park student. This scholarship promotes and rewards women’s involvement in a variety of community service activities.Scholarship Sponsor Villa Park Junior Women’s ClubAward Type $1500 CashGender...

Donald H. Fey Memorial Scholarship Fund

The scholarship, a fund set up by Tina Fey's family, awards money to returning veterans who want to study journalism at Temple University's School of Media and Communication. Scholarship Sponsor Temple UniversityAward Type Varies CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Samsung@First Scholars

The Samsung@First Scholars's goal is to support those outstanding scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who will lead the world for the next 30 years and beyond. Scholarship Sponsor Silicone Valley Community FoundationAward Type $15,000 CashGender...

The Jackie Robinson Foundation

The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides scholarships of up to $30,000/four years to minority high school students showing leadership potential and demonstrating financial need to attend an accredited four-year college or university of their choice.Scholarship Sponsor...

MIT THINK Out of the Box Scholars Program

The MIT THINK Scholars Program is an educational outreach initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by supporting and funding projects developed by high school students. The program is run by a team of undergraduate students at the...

Michael and Juanita Jordan Scholarship

Annual awards for Chicago, Illinois residents who are junior undergraduate students attending a UNCF member college or university. Scholarship Sponsor Michael & Juanita Jordan Award Type $5,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria:...

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Scholarship

The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Scholarship was established to promote literacy among underrepresented students in public schools by encouraging Sacramento State students to enter the teaching profession.Scholarship Sponsor Sacramento StateAward Type Varies CashGender...

Alec Baldwin Drama Scholarship

The oldest Hollywood-working actor of the famous Baldwin brothers, Alec Baldwin received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama from New York University in 1994. The philanthropic celebrity has established an endowed scholarship for NYU students in the Tisch School...

Unclaimed Scholarships: Why So Many Go Unused (and How to Find Them)

Every year, millions of dollars in scholarship funds go unclaimed—not because students aren’t interested, but because they either don’t know these scholarships exist or assume they don’t qualify. While some high-profile awards get thousands of applicants, others...

Actuarial Diversity Scholarship

The Actuarial Diversity Scholarship promotes diversity within the profession through an annual scholarship program for Black/African American, Hispanic, Native North American and Pacific Islander students.Scholarship Sponsor The Actuarial FoundationAward Type $4,000...

Harlem YMCA bai Corporate Scholarship Award

The Corporate Scholarship Program helps to develop future leaders through the provision of college scholarships to dynamic New York City students. Scholarship Sponsor Harlem YMCAAward Type $10,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look