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

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...

Scholarships for Single Parents: How to Get Help Paying for College

Going back to school as a single parent can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to create a brighter future for you and your family. Thankfully, there are scholarships and financial aid programs specifically designed to support single parents in achieving...

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

A strong scholarship essay can be the key to securing free money for college, but with so many applicants, standing out is essential. A well-crafted essay showcases your personality, achievements, and future goals in a way that grabs the reader’s attention. Learn...

Top Time Management Tips for College Students

College can feel like a juggling act, with academics, extracurriculars, and a social life all competing for your attention. Managing your time well is the key to balancing it all and reducing stress. Dive into these practical tips to take control of your schedule and...

Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for scholarships is one of the best ways to reduce college costs, but even the most qualified students can lose out on funding due to simple mistakes. A strong application can mean the difference between winning free money for school or missing out on...

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....

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

Scholarship essays are your chance to stand out and shine. Dive into strategies that will help you craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression on scholarship committees. Understand the Prompt The first step to writing a great essay is understanding what’s being...

Online Degree Programs: Are They Worth It for Non-Traditional Students?

For adult learners balancing work, family, and education, online degree programs offer a flexible and accessible way to earn a degree. But are they really worth it? While online education has grown in popularity, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making...

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...

Scholarships for Career Changers: Financial Aid for a Fresh Start

Switching careers is a bold and exciting step, but going back to school for a new degree or certification can be expensive. Fortunately, many scholarships are designed specifically for adults who are making a career transition. Whether you're moving from one industry...

Check out these scholarships:

Gladys Carol Scholarship

The Gladys Carol Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors, high school graduates, and current undergraduate level students who are United States citizens or permanent residents. Scholarship Sponsor The Gladys Carol Scholarship ProgramAward Type $5,000...

Susan T. Buffett Scholarship

Warren Buffett college scholarships are awarded each year by The Susan T. Buffett Foundation for kids who are doing well in school and want to study business. He has created a few foundations which help to give out these scholarships also he would like to encourage...

Oregon Sports Hall of Fame Scholarships

Every year the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame awards up to six $3,000 scholarships to outstanding Oregon student-athletes who will be attending Oregon colleges. These worthy scholarship recipients are routinely straight-A students with multiple All-League and All-State...

Mount Mercy University Honors Scholarships

The Honors Scholarships are offered to incoming freshmen at Mount Mercy University. Scholarship Sponsor Mount Mercy UniversityAward Type $4,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria / Requirements:Eligible applicants...

G. Napier and Ellen T. Wilson Scholarship Fund

G. Napier and Ellen T. Wilson Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to an outstanding high school student who has volunteered at a Veterans Administration Hospital, Clinic or similar organization providing services to military veterans, to attend an accredited...

Buenaventura Scholarship

CCSD Nevada High school seniors who have completed three years or more of a foreign language and have a 3.1 or higher GPA. Student must be planning to attend UNR as a full time student. One scholarship in the amount of $500.00 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The...

Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship

The Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance scholarship honors the memory of former California state treasurer, Matt Fong, for his dedication to public service, active involvement in state politics, and direct impact he had in opening up opportunities for Asian...

Nam Knights of America MC – Dellaware Valley Chapter

The Delaware Valley Chapter of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club established the Nam Knights M/C Memorial Scholarship to honor the memory of fallen military veterans and law enforcement officers, who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The scholarship...

Elbin Scholars

The Elbin Scholars scholarship is for students accepted for admission with at least a 3.75 high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), and at least an ACT composite score of 27. Scholarship Sponsor West Liberty UniversityAward Type $12,000 CashGender Eligibility...

Military Commanders’ Scholarship Fund

The New York Chapter of the American Logistics Association (ALA) has established a scholarship program to assist children of select active duty, reserve, National Guard or retired members of the United States military who plan to continue their education in college....

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

The Western Undergrauate Exchange (WUE) is a merit based scholarship for incoming freshmen who are non-resident applicants to the University of New Mexico. Scholarship Sponsor University of New Mexico Award Type $54,800 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

NSA Scholarship Foundation Awards

The NSA Scholarship Foundation Scholarship assists dedicated students who are committed to a career in accounting by providing financial assistance to support their education. Scholarship Sponsor National Society of AccountantsAward Type $2,200 CashGender Eligibility...

Edward D. Hendrickson SAE Engineering Scholarship

The Edward D. Hendrickson SAE Engineering Scholarship was established in memory of the late Edward D. Hendrickson. Hendrickson was deeply committed to the truck industry and was considered one of the foremost authorities on truck suspensions in the nation. He was...

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...

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...
Skip to content