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

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...

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...

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 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....

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,...

Graduate School Scholarships and Fellowships: Where to Find Them

Graduate school can open doors to career advancement, higher pay, and specialized expertise—but it can also come with a hefty price tag. Luckily, there are countless scholarships and fellowships designed specifically for master’s and doctoral students. Whether you’re...

Scholarship Application 101: Your Guide to Success

Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, or looking for financial help with continuing education, scholarships can make a big difference. Dive into this guide to uncover the basics and...

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...

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 Choose Between Online, In-Person, and Hybrid Classes

Picking the right class format is a bigger deal than it used to be. With online, in-person, and hybrid options now available for everything from community college to master’s degrees, students have more flexibility—but also more decisions to make. Each learning format...

Lisa Kaminski Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of this scholarship is to inspire and encourage high school students wanting to continue and complete higher education in a technology field, while promoting community service with high impact programs in our communitiesScholarship Sponsor Pay it Forward...

Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic

The Judy Corman Memorial Scholarship and Internship from Scholastic is awarded to a student interested in communications and media relations and is a rising junior/senior in college who is able to fulfill a paid internship at the company's New York City headquarters...

Karen George Chicago Speech Therapy Scholarship

In an effort to support the field of speech-language pathology, we are offering a scholarship to select candidates who share our passion for helping children. The scholarship is based on many factors, so do not get discouraged based on your grades or GRE score. Must...

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and...

Colorado Christian University Trustees’ Scholarship

CCU awards academic scholarships to new freshmen who meet specific academic requirements and are guaranteed for up to eight semesters as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and is continuously enrolled in CCU's College of Undergraduate...

The Best Websites for Finding Scholarships

Searching for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but the right websites can make the process much easier. Instead of manually sifting through hundreds of programs, scholarship search engines allow you to filter by eligibility, deadlines, and award amounts. Whether...

Arnold/Jones/Evans 2020 Scholarship Fund

Nevada high school seniors in the graduating class of 2021 with a 2.0 or higher GPA may apply for this scholarship One parent must be an active or retired member in good standing of any local union affiliated with the Nevada State AFL-CIO. Student must be planning to...

Tau Beta Pi/SAE Engineering Scholarship

The purpose of the Tau Beta Pi is to recognize engineering students of superior scholarship and exemplary character and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, the Association's largest national philanthropy is...

Dan Phillips Memorial Scholarship II

Doral Academy Red Rock High School in Las Vegas college bound seniors who participated in the school sponsored ACT Boot Camp AND scored a 23 or higher composite score during the March 12th, 2019 ACT assessment may apply for this scholarship. Student must have a 3.5 or...

Horatio Alger National Scholarship

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. Scholarship Sponsor Horatio Alger AssociationAward Type $25,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Sister John Martin Communications Scholarship

Seniors attending CCSD (clark county school district), private, or charter schools with a 3.0 or higher GPA and pursuing a degree in journalism, advertising, or other communications related fields, may apply for this scholarship. Financial need will be considered. Two...

NCTA/AWMF Scholarship

To be eligible for the NCTA/AWMF Scholarship, applicants must submit a project concept based on the internet and television industry, cable operators, content providers, or affiliated vendors, and include a statement about why they believe the topic to be important. A...

Kantner Foundation Scholarship

The Kantner Foundation Scholarship is a $2,000 to $3,000 one-time college scholarship awarded to outstanding high school students who have a record of academic achievement, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Scholarship Sponsor Kantner FoundationAward Type...

Iowa Farm Bureau Scholarship

Iowa Farm Bureau Federation awards 54 students $1,000 scholarships on an annual basis. Scholarship Sponsor Eaton Family Credit UnionAward Type $1,000 Cash Gender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: Iowa Criteria / Requirements: Sons and...

$2,000 PixelPlex Bi-Annual STEM Scholarship

The $2000 PixelPlex Bi-Annual Scholarship was established to help support students pursuing education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as economics and business.Scholarship Sponsor Pixel PlexAward Type $2,000 CashGender...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look