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...

Choosing the Right Major: What to Consider for Career Success

Picking a college major is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your education, and it can shape your career path for years to come. While it's important to follow your passions, choosing a major that aligns with job market demand, salary potential, and career...

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....

Mental Health Resources for College Students: How to Stay Balanced

College can be an exciting but stressful time. Between academic pressure, financial stress, and personal challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You don’t have to handle everything alone. Many mental health resources are available to help students...

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...

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...

How to Build a Strong Resume in High School

Your high school resume is your ticket to showcasing your unique skills and achievements to colleges, scholarships, and potential employers. Set yourself apart by learning how to craft a standout resume that reflects your strengths and potential. Why a Resume Matters...

Financial Aid Tips for Adults Going Back to School

Why Financial Aid Looks Different for Adult Learners If you're an adult thinking about returning to school, you’re not alone—and you're definitely not out of options. Financial aid isn’t just for recent high school grads. There are grants, loans, scholarships, and...

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...

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...

Check out these scholarships:

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...

Tillman Scholars Program

The Tillman Scholars Program assists with academic expenses, including tuition and fees, books, and living expenses for U.S. veterans and active duty service members of all branches of the U.S. Military including the National Guard and Reserve. Current spouses of...

Hawaii Association of Public Accountants Big Island Scholarship

HAPA’s Big Island Chapter provides up awards to accounting scholars and future accountants each year. Applicants need not attend institutions located in Hawaii, but they must be accredited and students must be enrolled full-time to receive this award. Scholarship...

Eastern Michigan University Presidential Scholarship

Eastern Michigan University awards the Presidential Scholarship to incoming freshmen as a four-year, full-ride award. Scholarship Sponsor Eastern Michigan UniversityAward Type $90,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA...

The Purple Heart Scholarship Fund

The Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial support to Purple Heart recipients and their families for the direct costs of higher education. Scholarship Sponsor Purple Heart Foundation Award Type $5,000 CashGender...

Distinguished Alumni Scholarship

The Student Relations Committee established a new scholarship endowment in 1994 to honor the National Alumni Society’s Distinguished Alumni Award winners. Funds for the establishment of this endowment were generated by the NAS’s special fundraising events and other...

Iowa Engineering Society Central Iowa Chapter Scholarship

The Iowa Engineering Society’s Central Iowa Chapter offers a scholarship to graduating high school seniors interested in pursuing an engineering degree. IES Chapter scholarships are primarily directed to qualified students with the talent and commitment to succeed in...

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation is for high school seniors and college students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership qualities, community service and/or outstanding personal achievements. Special consideration will be given to students with...

The David And Dovetta Wilson Scholarship Fund

DDWSF provides nine scholarships annually on behalf of families and individuals invested in the support of education and leadership. DDWSF invites all Scholar Recipients into the Wilson Fund family, establishing connections with, and among, cohorts. DDWSF Scholarship...

Gertrud Delrogh Scholarship

CCSD Nevada seniors with a 2.80 or higher weighted GPA pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts may apply for this scholarship. Student must plan to attend an accredited college/university. One scholarship in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The...

1st Infantry Division Foundation Huebner Scholarship

The Society of the 1st Infantry Division offers a competitive scholarship for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of former members of the Division as well as children of active-duty 1st Infantry Division soldiers.Scholarship Sponsor Society of the 1st...

Jesse L. Jackson-Fellows Toyota Scholarship

The Jesse Jackson Fellows-Toyota Scholarship is a renewable scholarship that awards up to $25,000 dollars annually to deserving African-American college sophomores. Scholarship Sponsor Push Excel Award Type $25,00 Cash Gender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

NPG Essay Scholarship Contest

NPG, a national membership organization devoted to population issues invites students to compete in our annual essay scholarship contest with their own experience and insight guiding their ideas for a solution. Scholarship Sponsor NPGAward Type $2,000 CashGender...

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...

Make Your Day Scholarship

Female Clark County, Nevada, seniors who have a 3.0 or higher unweighted GPA, are involved in community service and have financial need may apply for this scholarship. Student must be planning to attend an accredited college/university. Two scholarships in the amount...
Skip to content