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 Aid Resources for Students in Rural Areas: Scholarships, State Grants, and Distance Learning Support

For students in rural or small-town communities, the road to higher education can feel a bit longer—literally and figuratively. Fewer local resources, limited access to college counseling, and geographic isolation often create barriers to finding and funding a college...

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...

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,...

Scholarships for Trade and Technical School Students

For decades, the push toward four-year college degrees has dominated the conversation around education and scholarships. But today, the spotlight is shifting. Trade and technical schools—offering hands-on training for in-demand careers—are gaining new respect. With...

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...

Transitioning from College to Career: How to Make a Smooth Financial Shift After Graduation

Graduating from college is a major milestone, but the financial transition that follows can feel overwhelming. Paychecks replace financial aid. Rent replaces dorm housing. Bills arrive regularly, and no one reminds you when they are due. The shift from student life to...

Fast-Track Degree Options for Adults: Are They Worth It?

Going back to school as an adult can feel like juggling flaming swords—between work, family, and life, who has time for a traditional four-year degree? That’s where fast-track degree programs come in. Designed with adult learners in mind, these options promise to...

Returning to School After a Break: What You Need to Know

Going back to school after a break can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to chase new goals and open doors to better opportunities. Whether you’re starting fresh or finishing what you started, returning to school as an adult requires planning, focus, and a bit...

Resources for Formerly Incarcerated Students Returning to Education

Going back to school after incarceration takes courage. For many people, higher education is not just about earning a degree—it’s about rebuilding a life, opening career doors, and finding a path forward. While the journey may come with unique challenges, there are...

Scholarships for Indigenous and Native American Students: Where to Find Real Funding Opportunities

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but for Indigenous and Native American students, there are targeted scholarships and grants that are often underutilized. These programs are designed not just to reduce financial burden, but to support long-term educational...

Tau Beta Pi/SAE Engineering Scholarship

The purpose of the Tau Beta Pi is to recognize engineering students of superior scholarship and exemplary character and to foster a spirit of liberal culture in engineering colleges. Headquartered in Knoxville, TN, the Association's largest national philanthropy is...

How to Win Small Scholarships (And Why They Add Up)

When most people think of scholarships, they picture those big, full-ride awards that cover all four years of college. But here’s the truth: small scholarships — those $250 to $2,000 awards — can be just as valuable. In fact, stacking several smaller scholarships can...

Women’s Overseas Service League Scholarship

Women's Overseas Service League scholarship assistance may be granted to women who are committed to advancement in military or other public service careers, have demonstrated such commitment through life experiences and have successfully completed a minimum of 12...

Corvias Foundation Scholarship for Spouses of Active-duty Service Members

Corvias Foundation strives to support the educational goals of the spouses of our active-duty service members.Scholarship Sponsor Corvias FoundationAward Type $5,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria /...

Dell Scholars Program

College costs can be a significant burden for many students and their families. Nationally, 500 Dell Scholars are selected each year to receive a scholarship plus lots of non-monetary supports. All Dell Scholars receive: A $20,000 scholarship Personalized,...

The Anthony Muñoz Scholarship Fund

The Anthony Muñoz Scholarship Fund was created by Anthony Muñoz and his family to support Greater Cincinnati high school youth in achieving their dreams of attending a local college or university. Scholarship Sponsor Munoz FoundationAward Type $20,000 CashGender...

Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP)

The purpose of the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program is to encourage students to become members of the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas State Guard, the United States Coast Guard, or the United States Merchant Marine, or to...

Richard J Holland Memorial Scholarship

Morgan Costa-Rhodes Memorial Scholarship is a one-time $2000 college scholarship for current high school seniors. Scholarship Sponsor PACE - Partnership for Academic Competition ExcellenceAward Type $2,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

Wings Over America Scholarships

The Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation is sponsoring scholarships to further the post-secondary education of deserving students. Scholarships are to be used only for tuition and tuition-based fees charged by the college for A.A, A.S., B.A, B.S. or technical...

Saint Louis University John Paul Fechter Service Scholarship

SLU's Paul Fechter service scholarship is awarded to transfer students who have demonstrated significant dedication to community service. A separate application is required.Scholarship Sponsor St Louis UniversityAward Type $10,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Pacific Gas & Electric Company Veterans ERG Scholarship

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is offering Better Together STEM Scholarships of $2,500 or $10,000 to students pursuing science, technology or engineering studies at universities in California. Students must be California residents and PG&E customers...

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...

OCCACCF Scholarship

Orange County Chinese-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation (‘OCCACCF’) is committed to helping our community by reaching out to those students who have succeeded both inside and outside of the classroom- but may not be able to attend college without financial...

Media Fellows Scholarship

The Washington Media Scholars Foundation (WMSF) provides the opportunity for college students to gain firsthand knowledge of the public policy advertising world through scholarship and networking opportunities. The Media Fellows program is the Foundation’s essay-based...

Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship

The Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship seeks to help talented young people make college more attainable through a $1000 scholarship. These one year awards are granted to exceptional high school seniors accepted to a US based college or university who...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look