Returning to college as a working adult can be a significant step towards achieving your educational and career goals. However, the financial aspect can often be a major concern. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants are specifically designed to support non-traditional students like you. This blog post will highlight some of the top scholarships available, providing you with valuable resources to help fund your education.
Understanding the Landscape of Financial Aid for Adult Learners
Before diving into specific scholarships, it’s essential to understand the broader financial aid landscape for adult learners. Unlike traditional college students, working adults often have different life circumstances, including work experience, financial independence, and sometimes family responsibilities. This is why many scholarships and grants cater to these unique situations.
Key things to keep in mind:
- FAFSA is Your Starting Point: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial. Completing it will determine your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many scholarships also require FAFSA information. There is no age limit for federal aid, and as an adult learner (typically over 24), you are often considered an independent student, meaning your parents’ income won’t be factored into your eligibility.
- Grants vs. Scholarships: Remember the difference: grants are usually need-based and don’t have to be repaid, while scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or based on specific criteria (e.g., field of study, background).
- Explore All Avenues: Don’t limit your search to just national scholarships. Investigate opportunities at the state and local levels, as well as those offered directly by the colleges you are considering.
Featured Scholarships for Working Adults
Here are some noteworthy scholarships that working adults returning to college should explore:
1. Executive Women International (EWI) Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: This scholarship is for adult students facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are looking to improve their lives through education. Applicants can be single parents, displaced homemakers, or individuals entering the workforce for the first time.
- Award Amount: Scholarships range from $2,000 to $10,000.
- Application Process: You typically need to apply through a local EWI chapter. Contact your local chapter or check the EWI website for more details.
2. The Bernard Osher Foundation Reentry Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: This program supports students aged 25 to 50 who have experienced a gap of five or more years in their education and are pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
- Award Amount: Varies depending on the participating institution.
- Application Process: You cannot apply directly to the Osher Foundation. Scholarships are awarded through participating colleges and universities. Check with the financial aid office of the schools you are interested in to see if they participate in this program.
3. Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) Scholarships
- Eligibility: Alpha Sigma Lambda is an honor society for non-traditional students. They offer scholarships to adult students pursuing undergraduate degrees at institutions with active ASL chapters. Applicants must have completed at least 24 credits 1 and have a minimum GPA of 3.2. 1. research.com research.com
- Award Amount: Scholarship amounts vary, with some being $2,500 or $3,000.
- Application Process: You need to attend a school with an ASL chapter and apply through their chapter counselor. Membership in ASL is not always required to apply for the scholarship.
4. College JumpStart Scholarship
- Eligibility: This is an annual merit-based scholarship open to students of all ages, including non-traditional students. It focuses on your commitment to education and your goals for pursuing higher education. Financial need is not a primary consideration.
- Award Amount: $1,000.
- Application Process: You need to complete a short online form and answer a brief essay question about your educational goals.
5. Return2College Scholarship
- Eligibility: This scholarship is open to students aged 17 or older who are starting or returning to a higher education program. There is no maximum age limit, but you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
- Award Amount: $1,000.
- Application Process: You need to complete a short form answering the question, “Why are you getting your degree?” in three sentences. Multiple entries may be allowed.
6. Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)
- Eligibility: This program is for adult students (at least 19 years old) enrolling in participating career colleges for job training programs.
- Award Amount: A one-time tuition grant of $1,000.
- Application Process: You need to be attending a partner school to be eligible. Check the Imagine America Foundation website for a list of participating institutions.
7. The American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
- Eligibility: This scholarship is for members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion who are non-traditional students (veterans or spouses/children of service members).
- Award Amount: $2,000.
- Application Process: Application details and deadlines are available on the American Legion Auxiliary website.
8. Courage to Grow Scholarship
- Eligibility: Any college student with at least a 2.5 GPA who is a U.S. citizen can apply.
- Award Amount: $500 awarded monthly.
- Application Process: You need to submit a short essay (around 250 words) explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
9. Job-Applications.com Working Parent College Scholarship
- Eligibility: Employed parents enrolled in a college, trade school, or accredited program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, working at least 12 hours per week.
- Award Amount: Varies.
- Application Process: Requires filling out a form and submitting an essay (600-1,000 words) about balancing parenting, work, and studies.
10. Boomer Benefits Scholarship
- Eligibility: Adults aged 50 and above returning to school to complete a degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S.
- Award Amount: Two $2,500 awards annually.
- Application Process: Requires an application and a statement describing career goals and community service experience.
Additional Avenues for Financial Aid
Beyond these specific scholarships, consider these other resources:
- Federal Grants:
- Pell Grant: Need-based grant for undergraduate students of any age.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): For undergraduates with exceptional financial need; awarded by participating schools.
- State Grants: Many states offer grants to residents attending in-state colleges. Check your state’s Department of Education website.
- University-Sponsored Aid: Colleges and universities often have their own grants and scholarships specifically for adult learners or returning students. Check the financial aid section of the websites of the schools you are interested in.
- Employer Tuition Assistance: Many companies offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for employees pursuing further education, especially if it’s relevant to their work. Check with your HR department.
- Professional Organizations: If you are pursuing a specific field of study, look into scholarships offered by professional organizations related to that field.
- Local Community Foundations: These organizations often provide scholarships to residents within a specific geographic area.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well in advance of application deadlines.
- Be Specific: Use keywords like “scholarships for adult learners,” “non-traditional student scholarships,” and your field of study in your searches.
- Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully: Ensure you meet all the criteria before spending time on an application.
- Tailor Your Applications: Personalize your essays and application materials to each specific scholarship, highlighting your relevant experiences and goals.
- Proofread Everything: Ensure your applications are free of grammatical errors and typos.
- Don’t Pay for Scholarship Searches: Legitimate scholarship resources are free. Be wary of websites that ask for a fee to access scholarship lists.
- Follow Instructions Meticulously: Pay close attention to deadlines and all required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Am I too old to apply for scholarships? A: No, there is generally no age limit for most scholarships and federal aid. Many scholarships specifically target non-traditional or adult learners.
Q: Do I need to be a full-time student to receive scholarships? A: Some scholarships may require full-time enrollment, while others are available for part-time students. Check the eligibility criteria of each scholarship.
Q: Can I get scholarships if I already have a degree? A: Some scholarships are for students pursuing their first degree, while others may be available for graduate studies or specific certificate programs. Again, check the eligibility requirements.
Q: How do I prove I’m a “non-traditional” student? A: The definition can vary, but it often includes factors like being older than the typical college age, having a significant gap in education, working full-time, and/or having family responsibilities. Scholarship applications may ask you to describe your situation.
Q: Is financial need the only factor for scholarship eligibility? A: No, scholarships can be based on merit, academic achievement, specific backgrounds, fields of study, and various other criteria in addition to or instead of financial need.
Q: How many scholarships can I apply for? A: You can apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for. The more you apply for, the higher your chances of receiving funding.
Q: What if I don’t meet all the criteria for a specific scholarship? Should I still apply? A: It’s generally best to focus on scholarships where you meet most, if not all, of the eligibility requirements to maximize your chances.
Q: Where else can I look for financial aid information? A: Besides online scholarship databases, check with the financial aid offices of the colleges you are interested in, your state’s Department of Education, and professional organizations in your field.
Conclusion
Returning to college as a working adult is an investment in your future. While the financial aspect might seem daunting, numerous scholarship opportunities exist to help make your educational dreams a reality. By thoroughly researching and diligently applying for the scholarships that fit your profile, you can significantly reduce the financial burden and focus on achieving your academic and career goals. Remember to start with the FAFSA and explore all available avenues for financial aid. Your unique experiences and determination as a returning adult learner are valuable assets that many scholarship programs recognize and support. Good luck with your studies!
