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

UW-Eau Claire Charlotte L. Grinsel Scholarship

$5,300 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

U.S. service veterans currently majoring in biology, chemistry or physics at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are eligible for this award.

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UW-Eau Claire Ken and Mary Smith Veteran Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

Current or former military students who have been honorably discharged and attend the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire are eligible for this award.

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UW-Eau Claire Donald P. Weber Veterans Memorial Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 1 Deadline

Wisconsin residents who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for this award. Students must be current undergraduate or graduate students attending a University of Wisconsin institution.

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UW-Eau Claire PEO and AAUW Nontraditional Female Students Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

10 Awards

May 1 Deadline

Returning female students who are 23 years of age or older and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

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UW-Eau Claire Patricia H. Anderson Memorial PEO, Chapter AP Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

3 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

Non-traditional female students who are undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire are eligible for this award.

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UW-Eau Claire Blugold Promise-Sundstrom Scholarship

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Dec 1 Deadline

Non-traditional and first generation incoming students to the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire who have earned no more than 30 college credit hours and graduated from a Wisconsin high school are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate financial need; preference is given to students from Durand High School.

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UW-Eau Claire Lyla Flagler Award

$750 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

Mature U.S. students who are returning to the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire are eligible for this award. Students must not have graduated.

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UW-Eau Claire Ellen M. Imbody Memorial Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

5 Awards

Apr 1 Deadline

U.S. returning female students who demonstrate financial need and attend the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire are eligible for this award.

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UNF Dawn Blackledge Scholarship

$2,400 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to students at the University of North Florida who are enrolled in the College of Computing, Engineering & Construction. Students must be members of the UNF chapter of the Society of Women Engineers, and must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Amery Women's Club Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

$1,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

May 31 Deadline

This scholarship is provided annually to women in Amery, Wisconsin who are returning to higher education after a period of absence from studies. The scholarship will be awarded based on need.

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UW-Eau Claire Nan Pickett Memorial Scholarship

$400 Award Amount

1 Award

Apr 1 Deadline

Students who are 25 or older and currently enrolled in select majors at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are eligible for this award.

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Mary Lou Manzie Memorial Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

23 Awards

Apr 20 Deadline

U.S. non-traditional students who are enrolled in a program of higher education or a training program are eligible for this award. Students must live in public housing.

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Diane Endres Ballweg Scholarship

$500 Award Amount

1 Award

Nov 10 Deadline

The Diane Endres Ballweg Scholarship is available to women over the age of 30 who wish to learn how to fly or who already have a pilot certificate (private, sport, or recreational) and want to pursue an advanced certificate or rating. Applicants must be members of Women in Aviation, International.

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Marjorie A. Johnston Memorial Scholarship for Adult Students

$6,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Jul 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for adult re-entry students who are at least 25 years of age and residents of Butler County, OH. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and plan to major in nursing or a related healthcare field.

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Members-At-Large Re-Entry Award

$1,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is available for U.S. women who have returned to higher education after an absence of at least three years. Applicants must be majoring in chemistry and must demonstrate academic potential.

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Santa Fe College Altrusa International of Starke Scholarship

$6,400 Award Amount

4 Awards

Jun 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to Bradford County (FL) female residents who are 25 years of age or older and plan to attend Santa Fe College. Students must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

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Worthy Women's Professional Studies Scholarship

$2,500 Award Amount

3 Awards

Jun 15 Deadline

The Worthy Women's Professional Studies Scholarship is available for U.S. women over the age of 30 who are pursuing further education and professional studies.

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IBM Linda Sanford Women's Technical Advancement Scholarship

$1,250 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to women who are re-entry/non-traditional students majoring in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

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Mary V. Munger Scholarship

$6,000 Award Amount

2 Awards

Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to U.S. students who are college juniors or seniors or re-entry/non-traditional students studying engineering or computer science. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be members of SWE.

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SWE Central New Mexico - Reentry Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to female U.S. students who are re-entering education at the sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate level to study engineering. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, be members of SWE, and attend a New Mexico university.

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Ellyn Lancaster Scholarship

$2,400 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is available for women in Washington, Greene, and Sullivan Counties in TN. Applicants must be returning to college as non-traditional students, and must be pursuing a degree in social work at East Tennessee State University.

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American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

$2,000 Award Amount

5 Awards

Mar 1 Deadline

This scholarship is available for non-traditional students who are members of the American Legion Auxiliary. Applicants must be a non-traditional student who is returning to college after an extended absence or one who is beginning higher education for the first time at a non-traditional age. Learn more and apply today!

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Stepping-Stone Scholarship

$3,000 Award Amount

1 Award

Feb 15 Deadline

This scholarship is available for graduating seniors, adult students, and GED recipients who have a permanent residence in Knox or Laurel County, KY. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and demonstrate unmet financial need.

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Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Program - Teacher Credential Program Category

$2,500 Award Amount

1 Award

Mar 2 Deadline

This scholarship is open to California students who are pursuing a teaching credential program; undergraduate students and re-entry professionals are both eligible, and undergraduate students may be enrolled in an education major. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

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Hispanic Center Scholarship Fund - Non-Traditional Students

$2,100 Award Amount

6 Awards

Mar 15 Deadline

This scholarship is open to non-traditional students from Berks County, Pennsylvania, whose ethnic background originates from Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Central America or South America. Students must meet one of the following criteria: high school senior raising child(ren); part-time students of any age; and students who are 25 years of age or older.

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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.