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

Balancing Family, Work, and Education: Time Management Tips for Adult Learners

Going back to school as an adult can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—especially if you’re juggling family, a full-time job, and coursework. Finding time for everything without feeling overwhelmed is possible with the right strategies. Learn how 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...

Transitioning from College to Career: How to Make a Smooth Financial Shift After Graduation

Graduating from college is a major milestone, but the financial transition that follows can feel overwhelming. Paychecks replace financial aid. Rent replaces dorm housing. Bills arrive regularly, and no one reminds you when they are due. The shift from student life to...

Summer Classes: Should You Take Them to Save Time and Money?

Summer break used to mean three full months away from school. But for many college students today, summer classes are becoming a strategic tool. Taking courses between spring and fall semesters can help you graduate faster, reduce long-term costs, and ease pressure...

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...

Should You Refinance Your Student Loans? Pros and Cons Explained

Refinancing student loans can look like an easy win. Lower interest rates, smaller monthly payments, and a simpler repayment structure are all appealing on the surface. But refinancing is not just a rate adjustment. It is a structural change that can affect your...

Creating a Study Space That Actually Works

Studying at home sounds easy—until the laundry, dishes, and Netflix start calling your name. Whether you're taking online classes or just need a spot to focus between shifts or after the kids are asleep, a dedicated study space can make a huge difference in how...

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...

Balancing Full-Time Work and College: Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Juggling a full-time job while going to college is no small feat. Between work deadlines, class assignments, and trying to maintain a social life (or even just sleep), it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Yet, more adults than ever are proving it can...

Budgeting 101: How to Stretch Your College Dollars

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...

The Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholars Program

The Oprah Winfrey Endowed Scholars Program provides financial support, leadership development experiences, and service opportunities for students with demonstrated financial need, strong academic potential, and interest in and commitment to community service. The...

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...

The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship

The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship is for female students currently enrolled or planning to attend a college within the San Mateo County Community College District. Applicants must be female graduating high school seniors or re-entry students planning to attend...

Jonathan Baldwin Turner Scholarships

Jonathan Baldwin Turner Scholarships are awarded to outstanding incoming freshmen enrolling in the diversity of programs offered within the College of ACES. Jonathan Baldwin Turner Scholarships are renewable and have a potential value of $10,000 over four years. A...

The Nolan Ryan Foundation Scholarship

The Nolan Ryan Foundation is pitching in for a better future by promoting youth, education and community development. Over the Years, the Foundation has been able to provide over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students. We hope this Scholarship can truly impact...

SILA Post Secondary College Scholarship

The SILA Foundation awards five (5) $2,500 scholarships for use at an accredited post-secondary college or university. Scholarship Sponsor Sila FoundationAward Type $2,500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria /...

Destin Flight Works Pilot Training Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by a Vertol Systems Company to fund one student’s pilot training towards a private pilot's license at Destin Flight Works located in Destin, Florida. The scholarship will be up to $10,000 and will be applied towards instructor training...

Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship Program

To assist worthy students in Georgia (and who plan on attending a Georgia college/university) with college tuitionScholarship Sponsor The Georgia Mining AssociationAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: Georgia...

Hennessy Fellows Program

Rapper and entrepreneur, Nas, has teamed up with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Hennessy to promote the Hennessy Fellows Program to promote a $10 million scholarship program that will award talented college students from HBCUs.Scholarship Sponsor...

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...

Youth Foundation Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarships

Established in 1968, the Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally worthy high school seniors with demonstrated financial need, for up to four years of college undergraduate studyScholarship Sponsor Youth FoundationAward Type $4,000 CashGender...

Marketing for Change

The American Marketing Association of SF is giving out a $2500 scholarship to a high school senior that has been accepted to an accredited college or university that has plans to major in a marketing related field. Scholarship Sponsor American Marketing...

ACF Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program

The ACF Woodcock Family Education Scholarship Program was established in 1993 by Albuquerque businessman C.E. (Woody) Woodcock and his wife, Dixie, to support students of exceptional promise in the fields of science and math. Intended for students with strong math and...

NeW Essay Contest

In 1919, an amendment to the Constitution giving women the right to vote.To honor this significant moment in history, the Network of enlightened Women (NeW) Essay Contest is giving women the opportunity to reflect on and write about the importance of this movement and...

Naval Intelligence Essay Contest

The U.S. Naval Institute sponsors the Naval Intelligence Essay Contest. Applicants must write an essay no more than 2,500 words on one of the topics of choice. The contest is open to all contributors--active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look