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 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,...

The Best Free Online Resources for College Students

College can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay for everything. From study tools to financial management apps, there are plenty of free online resources designed to help students succeed. Whether you need help with coursework, budgeting, or staying...

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....

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...

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...

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...

How to Build a Resume While You’re Still in School

Think you need a full-time job to start a resume? Think again. Even if you're still in school, you can build a strong, professional-looking resume that highlights your skills, achievements, and potential. The key is knowing how to spin your everyday experiences into...

Budgeting 101: How to Stretch Your College Dollars

Winning a scholarship is an incredible achievement, but it’s just the beginning. Once you’ve secured funding, it’s essential to use it wisely and strategically. Learn how to stretch your scholarship dollars, stay eligible, and make the most of this opportunity for a...

Balancing Full-Time Work and College: Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Juggling a full-time job while going to college is no small feat. Between work deadlines, class assignments, and trying to maintain a social life (or even just sleep), it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Yet, more adults than ever are proving it can...

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...

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...

Alabama Golf Association Women’s Scholarship Fund

The 2020 Scholarship is valued at $20,000 over four years ($2,500 per semester and renewed on a fall and spring semester basis for eight consecutive semesters), given that all Scholarship requirements are maintained. This is not an athletic scholarship, rather it is...

President’s Award Program

The President’s Award Program (PAP) assists the University of Illinois to enroll highly capable students who have been admitted to one of the U of I campuses and are members of historically underrepresented groups and groups that have been less likely to enroll at the...

Nevada Donor Network – Hope, Strength, Life Scholarship

Nevada high school seniors with a 3.5 or higher who plan to attend college in Nevada and major in a medical related field may apply for this scholarship. One scholarship in the amount of $2,000 will be offered.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward...

I’m Still a Dreamer Scholarship

Atlanta rapper Future is stepping up big time to help out students heading to college this fall. Many students’ summer job plans were thrown off by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and it’s put more financial pressure on the students and their families. Future is...

Two Ten Higher Education Scholarship

Two Ten Higher Education Scholarships is a need-based scholarship program, with awards based on financial need in addition to academic performance and personal character. Scholarship Sponsor Two Ten Footwear FoundationAward Type $16,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Dr. Wynetta A. Frazier “Sister to Sister” Scholarship

The Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister-to-Sister" Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to mature African American women in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Scholarship Sponsor NHBW, Inc.Award Type $500 CashGender Eligibility FemaleOther...

Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship Fund

The Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent Scholarship is awarded to a South Asian student enrolled full-time in his/her second, third, or fourth year at a Pennsylvania medical school.Scholarship Sponsor The Foundation of Pennsylvania Medical...

NEWH Women Leaders Scholarship

The NEWH Women Leaders Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship open to female students pursuing a career objective in the hospitality industry with an emphasis towards hospitality management.Scholarship Sponsor Boutique Design GroupAward Type $500 CashGender Eligibility...

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...

Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship

The Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship is open to seniors in high school who have demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work and/or advocacy and intend to pursue a career that will ultimately reduce animal suffering. Scholarship Sponsor...

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...

NV5 Engineering Scholarship

Southern Nevada college-bound high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA who plan to major in engineering may apply for this scholarship. Students may attend CCSD, charter, private or home schools. Finalists may be interviewed. Two scholarships in the amount of...

Niagara University Trustees Scholarships

All of Niagara University's merit-based scholarships, achievement awards and grants for incoming, first-year students are based on your cumulative high school average and standardized test scores. Best of all, these awards are for each of your four years at...

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...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look