19 Scholarships for Adults Going Back to School
Discover 19 scholarships designed for adult learners, parents, women, and nontraditional students returning to college.
19 Scholarships for Adults That Can Help You Go Back to School
Adults seeking career changes or higher earnings often pursue college degrees, but financial hurdles like student debt loom large. These 19 scholarships target nontraditional students, including parents, women, and older learners, offering aid to make returning to school feasible without derailing finances.
How Adult Students Are Different
Adult students, or nontraditional learners, typically exceed high school senior age. This group includes those pausing after high school, workforce returnees, single parents, late-life learners, or graduate students combating loan debt. Eligibility varies, but many scholarships prioritize unique circumstances like parenthood, financial need, or specific fields such as hospitality or engineering.
To stand out, emphasize what sets you apart in applications. Highlight single parenthood, career advancement goals, or demonstrated need. Always verify qualifications, as some restrict to women or majors. Completing the FAFSA first unlocks federal aid alongside these opportunities.
19 College Scholarships for Adults and Other Nontraditional Students
After submitting your FAFSA, explore these scholarships tailored for adult learners pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at accredited institutions. Many renew annually, with deadlines throughout the year.
1. Ford Opportunity Scholarships
The Ford Family Foundation offers 96 renewable scholarships up to $40,000 yearly for parents or adults over 25 in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California, seeking degrees. Applications open December 1 and close March 3 annually.
2. AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship
This $500 award requires a free AfterCollege profile and 200-word resume-style statement on goals. Eligible for degree-seekers (associate to graduate) with 2.5+ GPA in accredited programs.
3. College JumpStart Scholarship
Open to adult learners committed to improving lives via education, this $1,000 scholarship needs a 250-word statement on provided prompts. For two- or four-year college or vocational enrollees/planned within 12 months. Deadlines: October 17 (fall), April 15 (spring).
4. Courage To Grow Scholarship
Monthly $1,000 award for 2.5+ GPA college students explaining merit. Paid directly to school; persistence pays, as some winners applied multiple times.
5. Stanwood Democrats/Delores Haglund Jones Memorial Scholarship
$1,000 for single parents 21+ via Stanwood-Camano Area Foundation. Deadline: mid-July.
6. Boomer Benefits Scholarship
For students 50+, two $2,500 annual awards for accredited undergraduate/graduate pursuits. Postmark by August 27, 2025.
7. Steven K. Wright Scholarship
$500 at Westminster College for single parents with 3.0+ GPA and financial need. Deadlines vary.
8. Imagine America Adult College Grants
$1,000 for eligible Adult Skills Education Program enrollees after National Center for Competency Testing assessment.
9. Niche “No Essay” Scholarship
$2,000 no-essay prize via free Niche account for education expenses like tuition or housing.
10. The Donald E. and Esther L. Harbison Pingree Park Scholarship
Varies for Colorado State University nontraditional students in family/consumer sciences majors. Deadlines vary.
11. Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship
$2,000–$10,000 from Executive Women’s International for economically, socially, physically disadvantaged women. Deadlines vary.
12. Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
Up to $55,000/year (three years) for community college transfers to four-year schools. Competitive; requires essays, recommendations, financial details. Priority for need. Next window: fall 2025.
13. PEO Program for Continuing Education Scholarship
Up to $4,000 need-based grant for U.S./Canada women with 24+ consecutive non-student adult months, within 18 months of degree completion. Requires local chapter interview.
Additional Tips for Winning Adult Scholarships
Search college financial aid offices, community foundations, and terms like “adult learner scholarships.” Track local winners via newspapers. Tailor essays to prompts, showcasing resilience and goals. Apply broadly and repeatedly—persistence boosts odds.
Nontraditional status strengthens applications: detail life experiences, family duties, or career shifts. Prove need via FAFSA data or statements. Many overlook adults; targeted searches yield hidden gems.
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Eligibility Highlights | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Opportunity | Up to $40,000/year | Parents/adults 25+ in OR/CA counties | March 3 |
| Courage To Grow | $1,000 monthly | 2.5+ GPA college students | Monthly |
| Boomer Benefits | $2,500 x2 | 50+ students | Aug 27, 2025 |
| PEO Continuing Ed | Up to $4,000 | Women, interrupted education | Varies by chapter |
| Cooke Transfer | Up to $55,000/year | Community college transfers | Fall 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who qualifies as an adult or nontraditional student?
A: Generally, anyone past high school senior age, including parents, career changers, or those with education gaps.
Q: Do I need essays for all scholarships?
A: No; options like Niche “No Essay” exist, but most require short statements highlighting uniqueness or need.
Q: Are scholarships only for undergrads?
A: No, many cover graduate degrees, like Boomer Benefits.
Q: How to find local scholarships?
A: Check community foundations, college aid offices, local papers for winners and announcements.
Q: Can single parents apply widely?
A: Yes, scholarships like Stanwood Democrats and Steven K. Wright target them specifically.
Q: What if I don’t live in specific states?
A: Many are national, like Courage To Grow or PEO (U.S./Canada).
Returning to school as an adult demands strategy. Start with FAFSA, then layer scholarships. These 19 options provide a strong foundation, potentially covering thousands without loans. Customize applications, meet deadlines, and persist—financial freedom awaits.
References
- Student Financial Aid Handbook — U.S. Department of Education. 2025-08-15. https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/sfsf-25-complete.pdf
- Nontraditional Undergraduate Students — National Center for Education Statistics. 2024-12-01. https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2019/2019120.pdf
- Scholarship Opportunities for Adult Learners — Imagine America Foundation. 2025-06-30. https://www.imagine-america.org/adult-skills-grants/
- FAFSA for Nontraditional Students — Federal Student Aid. 2025-10-01. https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-traditional
- Trends in Adult Learner Enrollment — National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. 2025-11-15. https://nscresearchcenter.org/current-term-enrollment-estimates/
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