Switching careers is a bold and exciting step, but going back to school for a new degree or certification can be expensive. Fortunately, many scholarships are designed specifically for adults who are making a career transition. Whether you’re moving from one industry to another, upgrading your skills, or starting over entirely, financial aid can help make your new path more affordable. Learn where to find scholarships for career changers and how to maximize your chances of getting funding.

Why Scholarships Matter for Career Changers

Many adults hesitate to return to school due to financial concerns, but scholarships provide free money that doesn’t need to be repaid. Unlike student loans, scholarships can help reduce or eliminate tuition costs, making a career change more accessible.

Some career-changing fields—such as healthcare, education, and technology—offer generous scholarship opportunities due to high demand for skilled workers. Others provide funding to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds or those transitioning out of military service. No matter your situation, there’s likely a scholarship designed for your journey.

Top Scholarships for Career Changers

1. The Unigo $10K Scholarship

  • Open to students of all ages pursuing a new degree or training.
  • Requires a short essay on how education will shape your future.
  • Award: $10,000

2. 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 based on financial need.

3. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

  • For low-income women age 35 and older who are pursuing a new career.
  • Must be enrolled in a technical, vocational, associate’s, or bachelor’s program.
  • Awards range from $2,000 to $5,000.

4. The Imagine America Foundation Adult Skills Education Program

  • Available to students age 19 and older seeking vocational or trade school training.
  • Designed for career changers looking for hands-on skills in growing industries.
  • Award: $1,000.

5. Return2College Scholarship

  • Open to students age 25 or older.
  • No GPA or financial need requirements.
  • Requires a 3-sentence essay on why you’re returning to school.
  • Award: $1,000.

Scholarships for Career Changers in High-Demand Fields

Some scholarships focus on specific industries that are actively seeking skilled professionals. If you’re transitioning into one of these fields, you may qualify for additional funding.

Healthcare & Nursing

6. The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

  • For students pursuing degrees in healthcare, nursing, or medical-related fields.
  • Awards range from $5,000 to $10,000.

7. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

  • Covers full tuition and fees for nursing students who commit to working in underserved communities after graduation.

Education & Teaching

8. The TEACH Grant

  • Provides up to $4,000 per year for students pursuing a teaching degree.
  • Requires a commitment to teaching in high-need schools for at least four years.

9. The Educators for Tomorrow Scholarship

  • For adults returning to school to become teachers or education professionals.
  • Awards range from $500 to $2,500.

STEM & Technology

10. Google Career Certificates Scholarship

  • Covers the cost of Google’s online certification programs in IT support, data analytics, project management, and UX design.

11. The Women Techmakers Scholarship

  • For women transitioning into computer science or engineering careers.
  • Award: Varies based on need.

Business & Entrepreneurship

12. The National Black MBA Association Scholarship

  • Supports adults pursuing MBAs or business-related degrees.
  • Award: $1,000 to $5,000.

13. The Hagan Scholarship

  • For adults returning to school to study business, finance, or management.
  • Covers tuition, books, and living expenses.

Where Else to Find Scholarships for Career Changers

Local Community Foundations

Many local and state organizations offer scholarships for career changers. Search for “[your state] career change scholarships” or check community college websites for funding opportunities.

Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

If you’re currently employed, check if your company offers tuition reimbursement for career advancement. Many businesses support employees who want to gain new skills or move into higher positions.

Professional Associations

Many industries have associations that offer scholarships to career changers. Examples include:

  • The American Association of University Women (AAUW) for women in new careers.
  • The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) for women entering STEM fields.
  • The National Restaurant Association for adults transitioning into culinary careers.

College Financial Aid Offices

When applying to schools, ask about:

  • Scholarships for adult learners.
  • Grants for career changers.
  • Work-study programs that fit around your schedule.

Tips for Winning Scholarships as a Career Changer

1. Highlight Your Unique Story

Scholarship committees love applicants who show determination, resilience, and a clear career vision. Share your journey—why you’re switching careers, what challenges you’ve faced, and how this scholarship will help you succeed.

2. Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Many non-traditional students underestimate the number of scholarships available to them. Apply to as many as possible to increase your chances of receiving funding.

3. Meet Deadlines and Follow Directions

Missing a deadline or failing to submit required documents could disqualify your application. Stay organized by creating a scholarship calendar and setting reminders.

4. Write a Strong Personal Statement

A compelling essay can make you stand out. Explain:

  • Why you’re changing careers.
  • How this scholarship will help you achieve your goals.
  • What impact you hope to make in your new field.

5. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation

Ask professors, employers, or mentors to write letters that highlight your work ethic, leadership skills, and potential for success in your new field.

Final Thoughts

Changing careers is a big decision, but financial aid can make it easier. Scholarships for career changers provide the financial support needed to earn a second degree, gain new certifications, or enter a growing industry without overwhelming debt. Whether you’re pursuing healthcare, education, STEM, business, or a skilled trade, there are scholarships designed to help. Explore these opportunities, apply early, and take the next step toward your new career with confidence.

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...

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...

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...

Resources for Students with Disabilities: How to Get the Support You Need

College can be both exciting and challenging, but students with disabilities often face additional obstacles when it comes to accessibility, financial aid, and campus resources. The good news? There are scholarships, grants, and support services designed to help...

Scholarship Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them

When you’re applying for scholarships, the last thing you want is to fall into a trap that steals your time, money, or personal information. Unfortunately, scammers know students are eager for financial help and target them with fake opportunities that sound too good...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look

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...

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...

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...

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:

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...

Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship

The Wisconsin Women's Alliance Foundation Scholarship awarded to a female Wisconsin student attending a Wisconsin technical college or an accredited two-year or four-year Wisconsin college or universityScholarship Sponsor Community Foundation for the Fox Valley...

Austin Alliance for Women in Media Scholarship

AWM Austin is proud to award scholarships to college Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors studying media or a related field at a university in the Austin area (within a 40-mile radius from Austin). Consideration will also be given to students attending other colleges who...

Jim & Anna Hyonjoo Lint Scholarship

The Jim & Anna Hyonjoo Lint National Security Scholarships offers to help further the education and career development of scholars, especially in the areas of International Affairs, Counterintelligence and National Security. Workers in these fields and their...

Kena Maria Corbett Memorial Scholarship

Latina Eldorado High School Clark County, Nevada college bound seniors currently enrolled in Dance may apply for this scholarship. Financial need will be considered. One $1,000 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $1,000...

NSHSS Greg Goff Leadership Awards

The Greg Goff Leadership Award sponsors college scholarships based on outstanding leadership to help encourage and recognize young leaders in their schools and communities and to help invest in their higher education. Applicants must be high school seniors with a...

Georgia Association of Environmental Professionals 2020 Environmental Scholarship

The Georgia Association of Environmental Professionals (GAEP) is seeking to identify and recognize deserving students in our state by soliciting applications for scholarship aid. To support the academic advancement of students in the environmental field, we are...

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences

The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences sponsors programs, seminars, and scholarships for high school and colleges in cities served by the 19 local chapters and awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who intend to pursue a bachelor's...

AMWA Medical Student Kaplan Scholarships

National AMWA is partnered with Kaplan to provide scholarships for Kaplan Medical Test Prep. Each scholarship can be used towards Kaplan Test Prep for the USMLE or COMLEX exams. Scholarship Sponsor American Medical Women's AssociationAward Type $1000 CashGender...

Derek Jeter/Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholarship

The Derek Jeter/Hillsborough Education Foundation Scholarship is awarded by the Hillsborough Education Foundation, an educational enterprise that helps in promoting civil academics in Hillsborough via support, investment, and initiatives that authorizes every aspiring...

The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship

The Marie A. Calderilla Scholarship is for female students currently enrolled or planning to attend a college within the San Mateo County Community College District. Applicants must be female graduating high school seniors or re-entry students planning to attend...

Pacific Collection Group Scholarship

Pacific Collection Group's Annual Scholarship - Pacific Collection Group is offering a $1,000 scholarship to any undergraduate or graduate student pursuits a career in business or legal based educational programs. Scholarship Sponsor Pacific Collection GroupAward Type...

Principia College President’s Scholarship

The President's Scholarship is an academic four-year scholarship awarded to first-time freshmen in the fall or winter quarter. Scholarship Sponsor Principia CollegeAward Type $36,500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA...

Eaton Family Credit Union Member Scholarships

For the Eaton Family Credit Union College Scholarship, $14,000 in scholarship money will be provided to Members who are seniors graduating high school in 2021. Two scholarships of $5,000 each will be available for students planning to attend a 4-year college or...

Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship

Since 1989, WCA has donated more than $75,000 to support 50+ students in Central Texas via its scholarship efforts. Eligible Central Texas college students are encouraged to apply for the Jo Caldwell Meyer Scholarship.Scholarship Sponsor Women Communicators of...
Skip to content