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.
$4,000
Award Amount
11
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
Single Parent Scholarships are awarded to eligible single parents who are residents of Greene County, Arkansas. The applicant must have a grade point average of 2.0 or better and apply for a Pell Grant to be eligible for this award.
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$5,000
Award Amount
104
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
This award is available to U.S. high school juniors and seniors serving as elected student body participants in a selected student government, civic, or educational organization. Selection will be based on outstanding ability and demonstrated qualities of leadership.
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$500
Award Amount
6
Awards
Jun 15
Deadline
Current undergraduate single parents who reside in Clay County, Arkansas are eligible for this award. Students must be the head of household and be living at or near the poverty level.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 15
Deadline
This award is available for female engineering students who are returning to school after a period of absence of two or more years. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, except for first-year re-entry students.
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$500
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international Kansas residents who are enrolled or planning to enroll in any Kansas college or university. Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and must be 25 years of age or older.
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$1,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This undergraduate and graduate award is for adult students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). The student must be seeking to make a significant change in his/her life by taking classes in the arts and/or humanities. The student must also reside in Oregon, OR Clark County, WA.
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$1,117
Award Amount
2,686
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This grant is available for Arkansas non-traditional adult students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at an eligible Arkansas institution. The student must demonstrate financial need and must be 24 years of age or older.
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$1,000
Award Amount
267
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is for Kentucky resident undergraduate students who are 24 years of age or older and enrolled in fewer than six credit hours or eight quarter hours at a Kentucky college or university.
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$1,276
Award Amount
2,537
Awards
Jan 6
Deadline
This award is for Virginia senior citizens who are taking courses at a state-supported postsecondary institution in Virginia. The student must be 60 years of age or older and must not have a taxable income of over $15,000.
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$3,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 4
Deadline
This award is for mothers of multiples currently attending or planning to attend a college, university, trade or vocational school.
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$12,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
U.S. single custodial parents with dependent children who are enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire are eligible for this award. Preference will be given to returning female students.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Sep 30
Deadline
San Diego female students who wish to obtain a private pilot certificate are eligible for this award. Students must have a passing score on the written test and have completed a solo flight.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Aug 31
Deadline
Female residents who are members of the Southwest Section of Ninety-Nines (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Utah, Nevada) and are pursuing an advanced certificate or rating are eligible for this award.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Students who graduated from a Wisconsin high school and have earned less than 30 undergraduate credit hours are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; preference will be given to single parents.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
Students who graduated from a Wisconsin high school and have earned less than 30 undergraduate credit hours are eligible for this award at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Students must demonstrate significant financial need; preference is given to single parents and students who have experienced other non-traditional paths to university.
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$5,000
Award Amount
5
Awards
Apr 30
Deadline
U.S. non-traditional students who are enrolled full time in an undergraduate nursing program are eligible for this award.
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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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$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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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?
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
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
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
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.
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
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Edited by Unigo Staff