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Edited By: Scholarships for Adult Students
Key takeaways:
- According to the Lumina Foundation, about 40% of all students are adults 25 years old or older. That’s a far cry from how teen movies portray college students.
- Mature students often have greater financial responsibilities compared to traditional freshmen.
- Most adult scholarships have no age restrictions and accept both part-time and full-time students, allowing for the flexibility most adult students need in order to attend college.
More mature students often have more financial obligations than most freshmen. Fortunately, that's where scholarships for adults come in. These awards can help cover tuition, living expenses and more.
Keep reading to learn more about these scholarships, including how to apply, where to find them and how to figure out if you're eligible.
What is a scholarship for an adult?
Scholarships for adults are generally offerd exclusively for "non-traditional" or "independent" students who are currently not enrolled or are considerably older than the typical 18-22 year old undergrad student. These scholarships are not going to be geared toward "traditional" students, or the typical 18-year-old who will be beginning undergrad school in the coming fall or current undergraduate students.
These students may have attended college previously, but not completed a degree, or they may have never attended school. Scholarship providers that give awards to adult students are aware that these students may be working while attending school so it may be harder for them to stay focused on school.
How to qualify for adult scholarships
Qualifying for an adult scholarship depends on the award’s specific requirements. For example, some adult scholarships are only given to students who are also parents. Some may also require that you not have previously completed any degree program or be at least a certain age. There may also be income requirements.
For example, the Executive Women International Scholarship Program offers the EWISP Scholarship and the ASIST Scholarship, both of which support non-traditional adult students. You must be a woman getting a certificate, associate’s, bachelor's or master's degree.
Before you start writing an essay or submitting an application, make sure to thoroughly read the scholarship eligibility requirements to see if you qualify. If you're unsure, you can contact the scholarship committee and find out more information.
How to apply for adult scholarships
Every student - no matter their age - should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a federal form that provides access to several types of financial aid, including federal student loans, grants and work-study.
The best part of submitting the FAFSA is that you’ll usually be classified as an independent student. Most importantly, the FAFSA provides more financial aid for independent students than dependent students.
As far as the federal government is concerned, to qualify as an independent student, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- 24 or older
- Married
- Attending a professional or graduate school
- Veteran or current member of the military
- Orphan or a ward of the court
- Have legal dependents other than a spouse
- Emancipated minor
- Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
Many schools also only give out internal grants and scholarships if you have submitted the FAFSA. Plus, many private scholarships also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility. There is no fee to complete the FAFSA. You need to submit the FAFSA every year you want financial aid.
You should also try to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. While some awards, like the Pell Grant, are unlimited, others like work-study or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are only given on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Some scholarships may also accept the CSS Profile either instead of or in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile does come with a small fee. However, this may be waived if you fall below certain income thresholds.
Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.
25 Scholarships for Adult Students with Approaching Deadlines
Where to find adult scholarships
When you submit the FAFSA, you can add up to 20 schools that will receive your financial aid information. These schools will evaluate your FAFSA results and determine what kind of financial aid you are eligible for.
Once you’re accepted, you’ll also receive an aid award letter detailing what kind of aid you qualify for. Schools are in charge of deciding how much need-based and merit-based aid you’re eligible for.
You can also search for third-party scholarships from nonprofit and private companies. The directory at Scholarships.com divides scholarships into a variety of categories. You can also create an account to be notified of scholarships that best fit your profile.
Also, if you're going to continue to work while attending school, then your employer may even offer scholarships for staff members. Many employers also provide tuition reimbursement if you're receiving a degree that is relevant to your job.
You will usually have to maintain a certain GPA, and you'll only get the money after successfully completing the classes. Talk to your HR department about all your potential options. Some employers provide tuition assistance even if you're a part-time employee.
There is usually no age limit for adult scholarships. Most scholarships require that you attend an accredited school. Some may accept part-time students, as well as full-time students. Even graduate or doctoral students can find adult scholarships, although these scholarships are usually geared toward undergraduate students.
You should also search for scholarships that fit other unique characteristics. For example, if you are a parent, look for scholarships for moms or dads.
For example, the Women With Promise Scholarship is given to female students who are either returning or new college students. You must be either from or attending school in Dallas and Collin counties in Texas. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible. This scholarship is worth $5,000.
Many scholarships are given to students from a particular ethnic or racial demographic. Or if you're entering a field where you're the minority, you may be able to find special scholarships. If you're in a low-income bracket, look for scholarships with need-based components.
Some states also have their own programs for adult students. For example, the MassReconnect program offers free community college for students who are 25 years or older and do not have a college degree. You must be a Massachusetts resident. Check with your own state’s Department of Education to see what they offer, especially if you’re attending a local school.