Returning to college as an adult can be challenging. Between work, family responsibilities, and school, your schedule may already feel pretty full. Add financial stress to the mix, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

These pressures are not uncommon. In fact, they reflect a shifting student demographic. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), more than 6.2 million students age 25 and older were enrolled in U.S. postsecondary institutions in fall 2023, accounting for about one-third of total enrollment. At Purdue Global, 62% of students are over 30, underscoring how common it is for students to pursue a college education later in life.

Scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden of returning to college. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. For many adult learners, a college scholarship can mean the difference between delaying school and moving forward confidently toward a degree.

Scholarship age requirements vary, and many are open to part-time and full-time students. This article lists scholarships tailored to adult students returning to college and suggests tips on how to apply.

College Scholarships for Adult Students

1. Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship Program

The ASIST Scholarship Program, offered by Executive Women International (EWI), awards $2,000 to $10,000 to nontraditional adult students pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree or an eligible certification program at an accredited college or university. Applicants must be older than high school age and reside within the geographic boundaries of a participating EWI Chapter location. The application period typically runs from January to late March annually.

2. American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

The American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship offers a $2,000 award to members of the Legion Family, veterans, and the spouses of active-duty servicemembers or veterans pursuing a college degree later in life or resuming interrupted studies. Five scholarships are awarded annually, one in each American Legion Auxiliary division.

3. Boomer Benefits Scholarship

The Boomer Benefits Scholarship is intended for individuals age 50 and older who have returned to school to complete their degree. This scholarship offers two $2,500 awards annually to U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited institution.

4. College JumpStart Scholarship

The College JumpStart Scholarship is an annual, merit-based competition open to nontraditional students committed to pursuing higher education. The first-place prize is a $1,000 scholarship to help cover educational expenses. Applicants must express their goals for obtaining a higher education; financial need is not a consideration.

5. Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship

The Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship provides two $3,000 awards annually to adult learners age 40 or older returning to school. The award is intended to help recipients overcome barriers to education and achieve their academic and career goals by covering a portion of tuition and expenses. Applicants are required to submit an essay reflecting on their life experiences, how these have shaped their personal values and goals, and how the scholarship will help them achieve those goals.

6. Graydon and Myrth Fox Scholarship

The Graydon and Myrth Fox Scholarship assists wounded veterans or their family members seeking to further their job skills or improve their circumstances through education. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are available to high school, undergraduate, or adult re-entry students.

7. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant

The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant offers unrestricted non-tuition funding and support to women and nonbinary students age 35 or older who demonstrate financial need. Recipients must be pursuing a technical or vocational education, an associate degree, or a first bachelor's degree at an accredited U.S. college or university. Scholar grants are up to $2,500 annually and are renewable for up to 5 years.

8. NLHA Education Fund Scholarship

The National Leased Housing Association (NLHA) Education Fund provides scholarships to low-income individuals residing in federally assisted housing owned, managed, or administered by members of the NLHA. The AIR Gives Opportunity Scholarship is awarded to individuals living in or coming from affordable housing who demonstrate merit and need and are pursuing an undergraduate degree. Memorial scholarships are available to nontraditional students who exhibit merit and need.

Considerations for Adult Students Applying for Scholarships

While adult learners returning to college may have different experiences from students beginning college straight out of high school, age does not affect eligibility for federal student loans. The steps to apply also remain the same.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid advises students of all ages to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form even if they plan to pursue scholarships.

However, eligibility for adult student scholarships depends on each award’s specific requirements.

Before applying for any scholarship, carefully review the eligibility requirements, which may include GPA, community or volunteer service, citizenship, enrollment in a specific program, and attendance at an accredited university. Some scholarships also have geographic or university affiliation requirements.

Below are some tips to strengthen your college scholarship applications:

  • Create personal application timelines to ensure important deadlines aren’t missed.
  • Understand your audience, and tailor personal statements, essays, and other application materials to reflect the sponsoring organization’s interests, values, and goals.
  • Be personal and authentic. If the application requires an essay or statement, share meaningful personal experiences to stand out from other applicants.
  • Proofread writing to make sure it’s error-free, and have mentors or peers review it.

Additionally, apply for other types of outside scholarships, including scholarships for minority students and program-specific scholarships, such as scholarships for IT students.

Returning to College? Study Online With Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers 175+ online degree programs, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as certificates. Programs at Purdue Global are 100% online, allowing students to balance work and personal life while completing their degree.

Learn more about how to earn a degree with Purdue Global today.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

Student Life