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 Planning for Your First Year After College: Budgeting, Student Loans, and Building a Strong Financial Foundation

Graduation feels like a finish line, but financially, it is a starting point. Your first year after college sets the tone for how you manage money, handle student loans, and build long-term stability. Without the structure of campus life, expenses shift quickly, and...

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...

The Ultimate Guide to College Applications

Applying to college can feel overwhelming, but breaking the process into manageable steps makes it much easier. Get step-by-step advice to craft a standout application, from choosing the right schools to nailing your personal statement. Start with Self-Reflection...

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,...

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...

Essential Apps Every College Student Should Download

College is a juggling act—classes, homework, social life, maybe even a part-time job. Luckily, there’s an app for pretty much everything. Whether you're trying to stay on top of deadlines, manage your money, or cram for midterms, having the right tools on your phone...

Financial Aid Tips for Homeless or Housing-Insecure Students: FAFSA Guidance, Scholarships, and Campus Support

For students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, college can feel both hopeful and overwhelming. Pursuing higher education while worrying about where you will sleep or how you will pay for food creates stress that many classmates may never see. The good...

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...

Financial Aid for Adults Without a High School Diploma

Returning to school as an adult without a high school diploma can feel overwhelming—but it’s far from impossible. Whether your goal is to earn a GED, enroll in a vocational program, or eventually attend college, there are real financial aid options available to help...

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...

The Edmund F. Maxwell Foundation

The Maxwell Scholarship was established to assist high school seniors from Western Washington in obtaining a higher education.Scholarship Sponsor Edmund F Maxwell FoundationAward Type $20,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria:...

SMU Nancy Ann & Ray L. Hunt Leadership Scholars Program

Hunt Scholars are awarded full tuition and fees, less the amount of resident tuition and fees at the leading public university in the student's state of residency; for up to eight semesters or until graduation, whichever comes first as long as the student maintains...

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...

National Buckeye Scholarship

Those considered are non-Ohio residents (U.S. citizens or permanent residents) who are highly competitive as demonstrated through grade point average, class rank (if available), and ACT or SAT scores (if available).Scholarship Sponsor Ohio State UniversityAward Type...

Lenise Christopher Memorial Scholarship

Western High School Clark County, Nevada, seniors planning to attend an accredited college/university may apply for this scholarship. Students must have a 3.5 or higher weighted GPA and be active in school and/or community. Up to two scholarships in the amount of...

The Seinfeld Scholarship

The Seinfeld Scholarship Program was established by Jerry Seinfeld and his family to give back to the city he loves. It awards high school students who have achieved academic excellence and committed themselves to community service.Scholarship Sponsor Seinfeld...

CME Beef Industry Scholarship

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation and CME Group are committed to the future of the cattle industry and continue to recognize and support outstanding youth in the beef community. The tradition remains strong today, each year a total of ten $1,500.00 scholarships are...

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...

Norma Ross Walter Scholarship

The purpose of the Norma Ross Walter Scholarship is to provide financial assistance to female graduates of Nebraska high schools who plan to enroll as English majors in accredited colleges or universities.Scholarship Sponsor Willa Cather FoundationAward Type $2500...

Dan Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Somerset Academy Losee Campus college-bound seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA may apply for this scholarship. One scholarship in the amount of $500 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

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...

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,...

The Vincentian Scholars Program

The Vincentian Scholars Program is creating a new generation of local leaders. It is an elite four-year scholarship program that forms leaders in the Vincentian tradition academically, practically and spiritually. Each scholar accepted into the program not only...

Dorrance Scholarship

The Dorrance Scholarship for first-generation students is a need-based award providing financial and academic support for Arizona high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree at one of Arizona’s public universities. The award is renewable for a total of...

CCMW Educators Scholarships

The Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) is pleased to offer $1000 scholarships each year to United States Service members (active duty/veterans) and spouses of Service members who are working towards the completion of higher education degrees. Scholarship...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look