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 Hacks for Busy Students: How to Learn More in Less Time

Balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s limited time to study. The good news? You don’t need to spend hours buried in textbooks to learn effectively. With the right study strategies, you can absorb...

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...

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...

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...

Balancing Family, Work, and Education: Time Management Tips for Adult Learners

Going back to school as an adult can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—especially if you’re juggling family, a full-time job, and coursework. Finding time for everything without feeling overwhelmed is possible with the right strategies. Learn how to...

Financial Aid vs. Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Navigating college funding can be confusing, especially when terms like "financial aid" and "scholarships" are thrown around. Understand the key differences between these two funding sources and how to maximize both for your education. What is Financial Aid? Financial...

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 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...

How to Choose the Right College for Your Needs

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and it’s not just about academics. Explore factors like cost, location, programs, and campus culture to find the best fit for your goals. Start with Self-Reflection Before diving into college...

Check out these scholarships:

Chicago Engineers Foundation Awards for Graduating HS Seniors

The Chicago Engineers' Foundation encourages Chicago students to pursue careers in engineering by recognizing their talents and providing them with financial assistance for their engineering studies. Scholarship Sponsor Chicago Engineers FoundationAward Type $1,000...

Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Scholarship

The Why Not You Scholarship program is in partnership with the College Success Foundation. Four students were awarded $20,000 ($5,000 annually, towards a four-year university), and four students were awarded $5,000 ($2,500 annually, towards a community college or...

Missouri Corn Scholarship

The Missouri Corn Growers Association and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council awards deserving college juniors and high school seniors $1000 scholarships for the coming academic year. Scholarship Sponsor Missouri Corn Award Type $1,000 Cash Gender Eligibility All...

Florence Smith Powers Memorial Scholarship

The Florence Smith Powers Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student attending a four-year college or university. Scholarship Sponsor North American Meat Institute Award Type $5,000 Cash Gender Eligibility FemaleOther Requirements/Criteria...

Illinois CPA Society Accounting Textbook 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. The Accounting Textbook Scholarship is offered to juniors, seniors, and...

NJ Society of CPAs Four-Year Scholarship

The NJCPA Scholarship Fund awards $7,000 scholarships to college-bound New Jersey high school seniors intending to major in accounting or obtain a concentration in accounting which includes not less than 24 accounting credits. Scholarships are awarded based on...

Donovan McNabb – Caris Sports Foundation scholarships

Caris Sports Foundation scholarships may be applied to any team sport including, but not limited to, football, baseball/softball, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and hockey. Scholarships may also be applied to more individualized sports such as wrestling. Our belief...

Samsung@First Scholars

The Samsung@First Scholars's goal is to support those outstanding scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians who will lead the world for the next 30 years and beyond. Scholarship Sponsor Silicone Valley Community FoundationAward Type $15,000 CashGender...

Lil Nas X Scholarship

Lil Nas X knows the student debt struggle all too well. Not long ago, he was in the same place many students find themselves today: in school and struggling to figure out how to pay for his student loans. With so many of his fans confronting the challenge of student...

Colorado Christian University Honors Scholarship

CCU awards academic scholarships to new freshmen who meet specific academic requirements and are guaranteed for up to eight semesters as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress (SAP) and is continuously enrolled in CCU's College of Undergraduate...

Smith’s Zero Hunger/Zero Waste Scholarship

College bound seniors living in Clark County, Nevada who are helping overcome hunger in their community through service may apply for this scholarshipScholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $1,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Greater St. Louis Art Association Scholarship

The Greater St. Louis Art Association is offering scholarships to college students in the St. Louis area who are majoring in Art. Scholarships are one-time awards up to $2500 per student. Scholarship Sponsor The Greater St. Louis Art AssociationAward Type $2,500...

Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Scholarship

To be eligible for the Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors/graduates and accepted to UAB. There are no applications for this scholarship: via audition and testing, the student must prove to be of substantial...

John Caoile Memorial Scholarship

Durango High School Clark County, Nevada, AFJROTC Program seniors who plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution and have excelled in the areas of leadership, community service and extra-curricular activities may apply. Other requirements include a...

Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and...
Skip to content