What is a Scholarship for Non Traditional Students?

Scholarships for returning students are for people who are pursuing college later in their adult life. It could also be adults returning to school after being in the workforce.

How Do You Qualify for Non Traditional Scholarships?

In general, you may qualify for a scholarship as a non traditional student if you meet one or more of the following six criteria: Non traditional students are over the age of 24, Enroll in college after graduating from high school after 1 year or more, attend college part time, have family duties and limited finances, work full time,

Which Colleges Offer Scholarships for Non Traditional Students?

There are many colleges offering this scholarship. Albright College and Beloit College are some schools that offer this award.

Scholarships for Non Traditional Students

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Written by Dave Moniz

✔️ Edited by Unigo Staff

If you postponed earning your college degree, you may be eligible for scholarships for non-traditional students. Scholarships for returning students are for people who are pursuing college later in their adult life as well as those returning to school after being in the workforce or serving in the military. Learn more about non traditional scholarships below.

List of Scholarships for Non Traditional Students

Check out our list of 25,097 Scholarships for Non Traditional Students worth $132M.

Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship

$10,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Maine undergraduate and graduate students who have completed at least one year of a community college program or two years at a four-year college or university. Applications will be selected on the basis of academic achievement and unmet financial need.

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Minnesota Child Care Grant

$2,074 Award Amount

2,700 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

This award is for Minnesota resident students who have a child 12 years old or younger and are attending or planning to attend a Minnesota public or private postsecondary institution. The student must demonstrate financial need and cannot have completed four years of postsecondary education.

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Kathy Johnson Outreach Scholarship

$600 Award Amount

1 Award

Dec 7 Deadline

This award is for a non-traditional undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student. Applicants must attend an Oregon school and pursue a degree in a field of study related to wildlife science.

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Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship - High School Seniors

$5,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jul 1 Deadline

This award is available for Arkansas high school seniors who are planning to attend a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution in Arkansas. Students must successfully complete the Smart Core curriculum established by the Arkansas Department of Education and have an ACT (or ACT equivalent) score of 19 or higher.

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Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program

$948 Award Amount

3,122 Awards

Jul 1 Deadline

This award is available for West Virginia undergraduate students who are enrolled part-time at an eligible postsecondary institution in West Virginia.

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Kazimour Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

2 Awards

Mar 9 Deadline

U.S. citizens who are current undergraduate student members of the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) are eligible for this award. Students must have completed 15 or more credit hours and have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher. Click to learn more and apply today!

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A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. college graduate students who are currently teaching K-12 gifted education. Students must have been a member of the National Association for Gifted Children for one year or more and be returning to college to receive advanced training in gifted education.

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Boston City Federation Scholarship for Women Returning to School

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

This award is available to women from Massachusetts who are returning to college as a non-traditional student.

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Fresh Start Scholarship Fund

$2,188 Award Amount

16 Awards

May 15 Deadline

This award is available for Delaware female undergraduate students who have had a break in education of two or more years either after completing high school or during postsecondary studies. Students must be 20 years of age or older, have a grade point average of 'C' or higher (if currently enrolled in college), and be admitted to or currently enrolled in an accredited Delaware college in a two- or four-year degree program at the undergraduate level.

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Jeannette Rankin Foundation Award

$8,000 Award Amount

4 Awards

Feb 26 Deadline

This award is for U.S. women who are 35 years of age or older as of March 1, 2019. Students must be pursuing a technical/vocational education, an associate's degree, or a first bachelor's degree. The student's family must have an annual income that meets the described financial need guidelines.

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Lunday Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Feb 16 Deadline

This scholarship is available to graduate students in the Communications Department at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. Students must be single parents or citizens of a country other than the United States, Canada, or Mexico.

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Second Chance Endowment Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 1 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. and international residents of Illinois who have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must be 25 years of age or older.

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Dr. Hans & Clara Zimmerman Foundation Education Scholarship

$2,825 Award Amount

28 Awards

Feb 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for Hawaii undergraduate and graduate students who are majoring in education with an emphasis on teaching and have a grade point average of 2.8 or higher. Preference is given to non-traditional students with at least two years of teaching experience and to students of Hawaiian ethnicity.

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Winthrop L. & Bernice Perry Scholarship

$3,106 Award Amount

14 Awards

Apr 13 Deadline

This award is available for U.S. students who are residents of Wilton, Lyndeborough, or Milford in New Hampshire. Students must be planning to enroll during the following school year as undergraduate or graduate students at a two- or four-year college.

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Curry Award for Girls and Young Women

$10,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Feb 14 Deadline

This award is available U.S. undergraduate and/or graduate young women who are 16 to 26 years of age. Students must be a resident of San Mateo County, California.

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Steven L. Coffey Memorial Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This award is for high school seniors and graduates of Anderson County High School, Clinton Senior High School, or Oak Ridge High School in Tennessee. Returning adult students and non-traditional students are also eligible to apply. Students must plan to attend Roane State Technical Community College or Pellissippi State Technical Community College.

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GFWC Women's Club of South County Scholarship

$14,600 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for female Washington County (RI) residents who are 21 years of age or older. Students must be enrolled or registered in an educational or job skills training program and working toward their first degree (associate or bachelor's) or certificate.

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Bernice Murray Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 11 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. undergraduate students. The applicant must demonstrate financial need and be a single parent with primary custody of one or more children under the age of 12. The scholarship was established to honor Bernice Murray’s unselfish contributions to improving the lives of Vermonters.

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Rhode Island Commission on Women/Freda Goldman Education Award

$1,250 Award Amount

2 Awards

May 10 Deadline

This award will be given to Rhode Island women to assist with transportation, child-care, tutoring, educational materials, and/or other support services. Preference will be given to highly motivated, self-supporting, low-income women who are completing their first undergraduate degree or certificate program.

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Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship

$750 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 26 Deadline

Applicants for this scholarship must be 25 years of age or older and attending any degree-conferring, non-parochial educational college or university within Rhode Island. Students must demonstrate financial need; preference will be given to first-time applicants.

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Sister Elizabeth Candon Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 11 Deadline

This scholarship is available for female Vermont undergraduate students who are single parents with primary custody of one or more children 12 years of age or younger. Students must demonstrate financial need.

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Gloria and Joseph Mattera National Scholarship Fund for Migrant Children

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

Students who show recent history of movement for agricultural employment and are enrolled or accepted at a postsecondary institution OR are high school dropouts or potential dropouts are eligible to apply. Applications are available by contacting the Geneseo Migrant Center.

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AR Second Effort Scholarship

$4,000 Award Amount

10 Awards

Jun 1 Deadline

This award is available to Arkansas resident high school students who have passed the Arkansas High School Diploma (GED) test and are planning to attend an Arkansas state-supported college or university.

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Northwest Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship

$4,800 Award Amount

4 Awards

Oct 15 Deadline

This award is for U.S. high school graduates who are single parents with near poverty-level income. The applicant must be a resident of Carroll County, AR, Madison County, AR, or Washington County, AR, and must have received or be in the process of applying for a Pell Grant. Click to learn more and apply today!

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Martin Duffy Adult Learner Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

2 Awards

Apr 30 Deadline

This award is available for members of the Minnesota AFL-CIO who are attending any accredited college, university, or trade school. Selection is made by random drawing and there are no past academic qualifications or records required. Spouses and dependants of Minnesota AFL-CIO members are not eligible for this award.

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Scholarships for non-traditional students often help pay for tuition and fees along with other educational expenses. Unlike a loan, a non-traditional scholarship typically does not need to be paid back. So, if you abide by the terms of the award, it should not add to your college debt.

Who Offers Non Traditional Scholarships?

Diverse group of smiling adult students in a bright corridor.

Providers of non-traditional student scholarships are diverse. You may find them through corporations, professional associations, faith-based organizations, and foundations as well as colleges and universities.

One example is the Founders Scholarship. These awards are for members of Association for Non Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE), which offers awards of $500 up to full tuition, to students attending four year colleges and universities.

Who Is A Non Traditional Student

Generally, students who did not go from high school right into college are “non-traditional.” Many students start working after earning their diploma or opt to go into military service.However, some may want to pursue college later in their life. This includes students who may have gone to college in the past but did not complete their degree or did and want to earn a new degree

In general, you may qualify for a scholarship as a non-traditional student if you meet one or more of the following six criteria from the NCES:

At least 24 years of age

Did not immediately enroll in college after high school

Work full time

Only attend school part time

Has dependents other than a spouse or partner

Financially independent from parents

Examples of Non Traditional Students

Thoughtful woman studying at laptop in a cozy, plant-filled room.

Non traditional students come from all walks of life. They may be older or younger, starting college after a “gap year” of even over the age of 65! Many non-traditional students are the first in their family to attend college while others may have made substantial progress in completing a degree years ago and have been inspired to return to school to achieve the goal of earning a college degree.

One thing that non-traditional students have in common is they make up the majority of students going to college these days. According to the Hechinger Report, nearly 75% of college students are classified as non-traditional.

Can Non Traditional Students Get Financial Aid?

As a non-traditional student, you may be eligible to participate in federal student financial aid programs. Like any traditional student, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Doing so is a key step as it is required to receive any federal student aid including the Pell Grant which can provide eligible non-traditional students with awards of up to $7,395 in 2024-25.

Completing the FAFSA will also be important for qualifying for state financial aid grants and scholarships as well as those awarded by many colleges and universities.

Many scholarships and grants do not distinguish between traditional and non-traditional students, however, since many non-traditional students go to school on a part time basis, the amount of scholarship awards may be less for non-traditional students. There is no age limit for federal student aid programs and most state financial aid programs as well as the vast majority of scholarships awarded by private providers or colleges and universities.

Types of Financial Aid for Non-Traditional Students

Cheerful adult learner smiling while using a laptop in a lively café setting.

Non-traditional students are generally eligible for many of the same types of financial aid traditional students receive. This includes:

Federal Grants: Including Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). For 2024-25, the maximum award for Pell Grants is $7,395 and $4,000 for the FSEOG program. Both these federal grants are need based.

State Grants and Scholarships: Many states including Indiana, Vermont, Oregon, Virginia, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Tennessee, New York, and Missouri to name a few offer grants and scholarships to non-traditional students who are residents. These programs are often need-based, however, there are programs that are merit-based. Certain states do offer grants and scholarships that focus on non-traditional students and adult learners.

Military & Veterans Benefits: If you or your spouse served in the United States Armed Forces and/or are on active duty, or in the reserves, you may be eligible for benefits that can pay up to your entire tuition, fees, and potentially provide a stipend for living expenses while you are in school. You can learn more about various benefits available to active duty service members, reservists, and veterans here.

College Scholarships and Grants: Many schools offer scholarships and grants to help make the college more affordable. These grants can be merit or need-based. Often, colleges and universities will provide eligible students with scholarships and grants in order to encourage

Private Scholarships: Many foundations, corporations, faith-based organizations, and community groups offer non-traditional students generous scholarships. Private scholarships can play an important role for keeping college costs affordable for non-traditional students. This is because grants and scholarships you may receive from the federal government, your state, or school may not always cover all your tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.

Tuition Assistance From Your Employer: Many public and private sector employers offer their employees valuable benefits that can cover tuition and fees for you to attend college as a non-traditional student.

Student Loans: Non-traditional students are often eligible for student loans to help finance the cost of their education. Unlike grants and scholarships, loans must be repaid so it is important to give careful thought before you take out a student loan. Student loans are available through the federal government as well as private student loan providers. Loans you receive from the federal government will typically have more favorable terms as it relates to repayment and the amount of interest you will pay to borrow.

Can You Get a Scholarship at the Age of 25?

There are scholarships that you may apply to if you are age 25. You may need to show financial need and have at least a GED. One example is the Tennessee Hope Scholarship. It awards up to $2,850 annually. You must also be a resident of Tennessee. Many other states offer similar scholarship and grant opportunities for their residents.

Scholarships for Adult Learners Over the Age of 50

If you are a non-traditional student over the age of 50, there are a number of scholarship opportunities to help you fulfill your dream of earning your college degree. One such opportunity is the Boomer Benefits Scholarship, which provides awards of up to $2,500 to non-traditional students over the age of 50 who are attending a 4 year or graduate degree program. Eligible recipients must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average.

Why Consider Non Traditional Student Scholarships

Smiling man with glasses working on laptop at a bright, modern desk.

Grants and scholarships may help a non-traditional student re enter college and help pay for school. Grants and scholarships can make the cost of getting your degree much more affordable. Some non-traditional students can fully subsidize the cost of their college education through grants and scholarships!

Studies show lifetime earnings are higher with a college degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, individuals with a college degree experienced an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. For those individuals with just a high school diploma, the unemployment rate was nearly double this. The difference in weekly earnings was even more pronounced with individuals with a high school diploma receiving average weekly wages of $899 compared to $1,493 for an individual with a college degree.

How Many College Students are Considered Non Traditional?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there were 6.42 million students over the age of 25, attending colleges and universities in the U.S. as of fall 2021. That’s nearly 34% of all students attending college. Overall, 75% of all college students can be classified as non-traditional.