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 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....

Mental Health Resources for College Students: How to Stay Balanced

College can be an exciting but stressful time. Between academic pressure, financial stress, and personal challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You don’t have to handle everything alone. Many mental health resources are available to help students...

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 Access Free or Low-Cost Childcare While You Study

Balancing school and parenting can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding affordable childcare. For student parents, the high cost of daycare can make pursuing an education feel out of reach. The good news? There are free and low-cost childcare options...

Networking in College: Building Connections That Pay Off Later

When people talk about success after college, they often focus on grades, internships, or résumés. But there’s another powerful factor that can open doors long before you graduate: your network. The relationships you build in college—with professors, classmates,...

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...

Choosing the Right Major: What to Consider for Career Success

Picking a college major is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your education, and it can shape your career path for years to come. While it's important to follow your passions, choosing a major that aligns with job market demand, salary potential, and career...

Merit-Based vs. Need-Based Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Why It Matters to Know the Difference When it comes to paying for college, scholarships can make a major dent in your expenses—but not all scholarships are created equal. Understanding the difference between merit-based and need-based scholarships can help you target...

How to Create a Budget as a College Student

Managing money in college can feel overwhelming, but creating a budget is one of the best ways to stay on top of your finances. Whether you’re dealing with financial aid, part-time income, or family support, budgeting helps you take control and avoid unnecessary debt....

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...

ACF Trythall Family Scholarship for Excellence in Continuing Education

Barbara and Duane Trythall recognize the difficulties faced by individuals who are working while furthering their education by attending a nonprofit or public educational institution of higher learning. The Trythall's established this fund to assist those individuals...

Alfred State Academic Distinction Scholarships

The Alfred State Academic Distinction Scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen students who possess an 87 or better cumulative high school average through the end of their junior year; at least a 1140 combined SAT or 23 composite ACT score is required Scholarship...

The LeBron James Family Foundation Scholarship

The Lebron James Family Foundation Scholarship was established by basketball star Lebron James and pays for four years of tuition at the University of Akron for more than 2,000 at-risk students.Scholarship Sponsor The LeBron James Family FoundationAward Type $5,000...

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...

Hawaii Association of Public Accountants Big Island Scholarship

HAPA’s Big Island Chapter provides up awards to accounting scholars and future accountants each year. Applicants need not attend institutions located in Hawaii, but they must be accredited and students must be enrolled full-time to receive this award. Scholarship...

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...

The R.L. Gillette Scholarship

The R.L. Gillette Scholarship offers two scholarships to women who are enrolled in a four-year undergraduate degree program in literature or music.Scholarship Sponsor American Foundation for the BlindAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility FemaleOther...

Pentagon Federal Credit Union Pilot Training Scholarship

This scholarship is sponsored by Pentagon Federal Credit Union to fund pilot training towards a private pilot's license for three AFA members at a facility of their choice. The scholarship will be up to $10,000 and will be applied towards instructor training and...

Michigan Retailers Association Scholarships

Michigan Retailers Foundation, established in 1968, provides college scholarships annually to benefit retailers and their employees and families. Scholarship Sponsor Michigan Retailers FoundationAward Type $1,500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

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 Loren Gruber Scholarship for Literary Studies

Missouri Valley College offers the Loren Gruber Scholarship for Literary Studies to incoming English majors. Applicants must have an ACT of 21 or an SAT of 976, and have a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must write a 500-word essay about their favorite book, blog, poem, play,...

Mel C. Marshall Student Scholarship

The Mel C. Marshall Student Scholarship was developed to encourage high school seniors or college students to enroll in careers related to the precast concrete industry and to provide opportunities for those students who receive financial support to liaise with CPCA....

UNL Beta Sigma Psi Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for Christian men who are enrolling full time at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the upcoming academic year. The scholarship(s) is awarded annually to young men who demonstrate the ideals of a Christian gentlemen. Along with the...

West Virginia PROMISE Scholarships

The PROMISE (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-State Student Excellence) Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that is designed to make college more affordable to all qualified West Virginia students.Scholarship Sponsor Dell ScholarsAward Type...

ABA Academic Merit Scholarship

The American Bus Association Academic Merit Scholarship is open to both ABA and non-ABA MembersScholarship Sponsor American Bus AssociationAward Type $5,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria / Requirements:...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look