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

Study Abroad Scholarships: How to Fund Your International Experience

Studying abroad is one of the most transformative experiences a student can have—an opportunity to explore new cultures, gain global perspective, and build valuable independence. But it’s no secret that international education can be expensive. From airfare to housing...

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...

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...

How Internships Can Help You Get Ahead in Your Career

Landing your dream job often requires more than just a degree—real-world experience is key. That’s where internships come in. Whether paid or unpaid, internships provide valuable skills, networking opportunities, and hands-on experience that can give you a competitive...

Scholarships That Don’t Require Essays: Where to Find Them

Not every scholarship requires hours of writing. While essays are common, there’s a growing number of opportunities that skip them entirely. These scholarships can be a smart way to increase your chances of winning without adding more stress to your workload. Why...

Hidden College Costs No One Talks About (And How to Plan for Them)

Every family that goes through the college financial planning process focuses intensely on the big numbers: tuition, room, and board. Those figures appear prominently on every cost of attendance estimate, they drive the financial aid calculation, and they anchor the...

Loan Forgiveness Programs You May Not Know About

Most borrowers have heard of Public Service Loan Forgiveness or basic income-driven repayment plans. What often goes unnoticed are the lesser-known forgiveness programs tied to specific careers, state initiatives, or unique personal circumstances. These programs can...

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...

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...

Employer Tuition Reimbursement: How to Use It Wisely

Going back to school or earning a degree while working can be expensive—but if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, you’ve got one of the best education benefits around. Many companies now help employees pay for college or graduate school, giving workers the...

PSEG Foundation Scholarship

PSEG is a diversified energy company headquartered in New Jersey. PSEG is also recognized as one of the top ten electric companies within the United States. The PSEG Foundation executes the organization's outstanding corporate citizenship and community impact...

Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship Fund

The Nellie Martin Carman Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from public high schools in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties in Washington state (and a US citizen). Application forms are only available through these high schools and candidates for the...

Princeton Prize in Race Relations

The Princeton Prize in Race Relations recognizes and rewards high school students who have had a significant positive effect on race relations in their schools or communities through their volunteer efforts.Scholarship Sponsor Princeton UniversityAward Type $1,000...

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...

Illinois CPA Society Accounting Tuition Scholarship

The CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, the Illinois CPA Society’s charitable partner, provides life-changing scholarships and training programs to deserving accounting students across the state.Scholarship Sponsor Illinois CPA SocietyAward Type $4,000 CashGender...

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...

Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship

The Scarlett Family Foundation offers scholarships to Tennessee students pursuing a business or STEM-related degree. Applicants must have graduated high school (or GED) Scholarship Sponsor Scarlett Family FoundationAward Type $15,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Out To Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ+STEM Students

NOGLSTP established the Out To Innovate Scholarships for LGBTQ STEM students which are intended for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) programs who are either lesbian, gay, bisexual,...

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...

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...

NDSGC Lillian Goettler Scholarship

The NDSGC has established the prestigious Lillian Goettler Space Grant Award for a female student at North Dakota State University. Applicants must be majoring in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) fieldScholarship Sponsor ND Space Grant...

Hope College Presidential Scholarships

To be eligible for the Hope College Presidential Scholarships, applicants must have a 3.8 GPA, and have an ACT of 28 or an SAT of 1300. Renewable upon a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship Sponsor Hope CollegeAward Type $52,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

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...

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....

Scholarships for Graduate Certificates and Short-Term Credentials

Not every career boost requires a full master’s degree. Graduate certificates and short-term credentials are becoming popular options for professionals who want targeted skills without committing to years of study or six-figure tuition. The good news is that funding...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look