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

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...

10 Study Hacks for College Success

College classes can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can stay on top of your coursework and excel academically. Uncover these simple yet effective study techniques to boost your skills and ace your classes. Create a Study Schedule Time management is...

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 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...

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...

Essential Tips for Acing College Interviews

College interviews are your chance to make a lasting impression beyond your application. Master the art of showcasing your personality, goals, and enthusiasm with these essential tips for acing admissions and scholarship interviews. Understand the Purpose of the...

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....

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...

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...

Scholarship Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for scholarships is one of the best ways to reduce college costs, but even the most qualified students can lose out on funding due to simple mistakes. A strong application can mean the difference between winning free money for school or missing out on...

EMU Presidential Scholarship

The EMU Presidential Scholarship is only available to incoming freshmen who have competed in the Presidential Scholarship Competition. Students must complete an EMU Admission Application as well as a separate application for the Competition. These applications are...

Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship

ASWP awards $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from our service area of Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties. Scholarship Sponsor Audobon Society of Western Pennsylvania Award Type $2,500 Cash Gender...

ABA Academic Merit Scholarship

The American Bus Association Academic Merit Scholarship is open to both ABA and non-ABA MembersScholarship Sponsor American Bus AssociationAward Type $5,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic Criteria: USA Criteria / Requirements:...

Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus Inspiring Women Scholarship

The Nebraska Democratic Women's Caucus Inspiring Women Scholarship is awarded to Nebraska Democratic women who are active in their communities and progressive politics. Scholarship Sponsor Nebraska Democratic Women’s CaucusAward Type $500 CashGender Eligibility...

Colorado Mesa University’s Distinguished Scholar Award

Colorado Mesa University's Distinguished Scholar Award is the most prestigious academic award for incoming freshmen and is valued at full tuition and fees for Colorado Residents and $6,000 per academic year for out-of-state students.Scholarship Sponsor Colorado Mesa...

The Mike Molino RV Learning Center’s Scholarship Program

The Mike Molino RV Learning Center's Scholarship Program encourages deserving college undergraduates majoring in business, finance, economics, accounting or other RV industry-related subjects to apply for the award. The program provides financial assistance to help...

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

Applicants for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation must be the child of an active duty or reserve U.S. Marine, a veteran U.S. Marine who has received an honorable discharge, or who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Children of U.S. Navy Corpsmen,...

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...

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...

Foothill High School Soaring Falcon Scholarship

Foothill High School Clark County, Nevada seniors who have case managers may apply. Student must be nominated by their Case Manager. One scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $500.Scholarship Sponsor The Public Education FoundationAward Type $500 CashGender...

CITe Incoming Student Tuition Scholarship

The CITe Incoming Student Tuition Scholarship was established to recruit outstanding students to the college’s Information Systems program. Scholarship Sponsor The University of Akron Award Type $2,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria Geographic...

Niagara University Achievement Award

This new and easy scholarship opportunity is a boon for students entering college in Fall 2021. All they have to do is learn more about The Power of Niagara. See what Niagara is like during an online, interactive admissions event or an in-person tour. Scholarship...

Trythall Family Scholarship for Excellence in Continuing Education Fund

This program recognizes the hardships imposed on individuals who are working and attending school to attain an undergraduate or graduate degree, or professional certification. These awards are made to individuals who have taken the initiative to reach a specific goal...

Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Scholarship

Each summer, the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless awards college scholarships to graduating seniors who experienced homelessness while in high school. Scholarship Sponsor Chicago Coalition for the HomelessAward Type $2500 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

Kobrin Family Scholarship

The Kobrin Family Scholarship is awarded to a qualified student from Orange, Osceola or Seminole County who will be attending the University of Central Florida. Please note that this scholarship is only available to students of the Jewish faith.Scholarship Sponsor...

Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students: Where to Look