Scholarship Opportunities For Adults Returning to College
When a high school graduate applies for college, they also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships. But as an adult who graduated from high school years ago, do you have any options? Most people are surprised to hear that there are many scholarship opportunities available to adult students. Learn more about your options and how to get started on your trek back to school.
Who or What Is an Adult Student?
First, it's important for you to know whether or not you qualify as an adult student. This isn't easy to do because the definition varies by scholarship. While some scholarships might consider an adult student anyone older than a high school senior, other scholarships use stricter definitions.
When you apply for scholarships, make sure you read the requirements. Don't waste your time applying for scholarships you can't or won't qualify for. Instead, read the requirements before you spend too much time on an application. You might find a major- or career-specific scholarship.
Top Scholarships for Adult Students
You could spend days researching adult student scholarships. Fortunately, you can save some time by checking out this list of scholarships:
AfterCollege Succurro Scholarship
If you fill out a free profile at AfterCollege, you automatically enter to win a $500 scholarship. In order to qualify, you need to be in an accredited degree program and have a 2.5 GPA. All you need to do is fill out a 200-word statement about your goals and complete a short form.
College JumpStart Scholarship
Any adult learner is eligible for this scholarship if they are enrolled in a two or four-year program or have plans to enroll within a year. After you fill out a 250-word statement, you can apply for this scholarship. You could win a $1000 scholarship as long as you are committed to bettering your or your family's life through your advanced education.
Courage to Grow Scholarship
Regardless of your age, you can apply for this scholarship as long as you have a 2.5 GPA. Once each month, this scholarship awards a winner $500. To apply, write a 250-word letter about why you deserve the scholarship.
Angela Grant Memorial Scholarship
If you or a family member have been impacted by cancer, you can apply for this $5000 scholarship. First, write an essay detailing your personal achievements and your career goals. Then, include two personal references. Every year, the scholarship goes to up to three people.
HotelPlanner.com Scholarship
Are you a military veteran, or do you have a close family member who is a veteran? If so, this scholarship could help you. Individuals who are pursuing a technology degree can apply for a $1000 scholarship. There are ten scholarships available twice each year. To apply, send in a 500-word article about your plans for the degree and how your military experience affected your decision to pursue a technological career.
Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship
Men and women who want to improve their economic situation with education can apply for this scholarship. However, you need to apply through your school's chapter to be considered. If you move past the first round, you go to a national round where you could win between $2,000 and $10,000. There are 13 winners each year, and individuals with economic, physical, or social challenges have preference.
Imagine America Adult College Grants
Any adult student in an Adult Skills Education Program can seek out this $1,000 award. For consideration, you need to fill out an assessment and submit an application.
Niche "No Essay" Sweepstakes Scholarship
Tired of writing essays? If you are a high school, college graduate, or graduate student and sign up for a Niche account, you can win a $2,000 scholarship. You need to enroll within the next 12 months and can use the funds for any educational expenses. Every month, there's a new winner.
Return 2 College Scholarship Program
If you start college in the coming year or are already enrolled, you may be eligible for this scholarship. Simply write a three-sentence essay about why you are obtaining a degree. You can submit as many as 12 entries.
SuperCollege Scholarship
All students working towards a higher education degree can enter to win $1,000. In fact, the only disqualified applications are the ones that are incomplete. If you win this scholarship, you can use it for any educational expenses.
Unigo $10K Scholarship
With a 250-word essay submission, you can enter to win a $10,000 scholarship. The essay is on a specific topic, and you can find it on their website. Typically, it takes a few months for the organization to select the winner.
Single Parent Scholarships
Single parents can apply for scholarships tailored to single parents only. With a variety of scholarships to choose from, you can expect to win between $1,000 and $20,000. You can use Scholarships.com to search for opportunities.
Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is for individuals who meet the following requirements:
Low income
35 or older woman
Working on a technical or vocational education, associate's, or first bachelor's degree
PEO Program for Continuing Education Scholarship
If you had 24 consecutive months of being a non-student and are a woman, you might qualify for this scholarship. You also need to be within 18 months of finishing your degree. To apply, you can speak to your local chapter. To apply and interview. The award is a $3,000 grant.
Getting the Help You Need
If you're still trying to figure out how to pay for your education, there are other options. Scholarships can help pay for your education, but they probably won't cover the entire cost. You may need to explore other options.
For instance, you can apply for a government loan. You might also be able to look for a job with an employer that offers incentives for workers who go back to school. In any case, exhaust all your resources, and you might be able to get an affordable education.