Scholarships for adult students prove that you’re never too old to pursue your collegiate dreams.<\/p>\n
Higher education is increasingly embracing students beyond the traditional age range of 18 to 22. College demographics are changing as over one-third of U.S. students are classified as adult learners. The NCES reports that the enrollment of individuals age 25 and over jumped by 16 percent from 2004 to 2014. According to the U.S. News, the average online bachelor’s student is 32 years old and working full-time. It’s also estimated that 4.8 million adult students are raising dependent children, often on their own.<\/p>\n
Whether you’re brand new to the college classroom or returning to finish your degree, check out the following 25 adults-only scholarships for financial support.<\/p>\n
Deadline: April 17th<\/p>\n
Founded by Lucille J. Perkins in 1938, the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarships are presented by 45 Executive Women International (EWI) Chapters nationwide for $500,000 total each year. Funding is intended for nontraditional female students typically age 23 or older who are entering and returning to college full- or part-time for associate, bachelor’s, and master’s study. Priority is given to economically challenged adults with young children.<\/p>\n
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarships<\/p>\n
3860 South 2300 East<\/p>\n
Salt Lake City, UT 84109<\/p>\n
(801) 355-2800<\/p>\n
ewi@ewiconnect.com<\/p>\n
Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: April 30th<\/p>\n The Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society supports 12 adult learners seeking their first associate or bachelor’s degree with annual scholarships of $3,000 apiece. Qualified students must attend an accredited college with an ASL Chapter, have finished 24 semester or 36 quarter credits, exhibit significant financial need, and excel academically with a 3.2 GPA or higher. Application packets must include a faculty recommendation, resume, FAFSA form, transcript, and personal statement.<\/p>\n Alpha Sigma Lambda Annual Scholarships<\/p>\n 600 Lincoln Avenue<\/p>\n Charleston, IL 61920<\/p>\n (217) 581-7106<\/p>\n rlrennels@eiu.edu<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: Varies<\/p>\n The Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation initiated the Career Advancement Scholarship in 1969 to further the education of women aged 25 and older who have significant financial disadvantages. For up to $2,000, candidates must have U.S. citizenship, be within two years of graduation, select STEM-related bachelor’s majors like chemistry or mechanical engineering, and be chosen by Legacy Partners nationwide. The average recipient is a 37-year-old single mother of two.<\/p>\n BPW Foundation Career Advancement Scholarship<\/p>\n 1718 M Street, NW, Suite 148<\/p>\n Washington, DC 20036<\/p>\n (202) 777-8949<\/p>\n ssaunders@bpwfoundation.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: April 1st<\/p>\n Valued at $2,000 each, the Carolyn Cooney REACh Your Goals Scholarships are gifted through the Resources for the Education of Adults in the Chicago Area to Illinois residents who are at least 25 years old. Eligible recipients must live in the Greater Chicagoland, have U.S. citizenship or residency status, be admitted at a member school like Loyola University Chicago or Northern Illinois University, have completed 12+ credits, and hold a minimum 3.0 GPA.<\/p>\n Carolyn Cooney REACh Your Goals Scholarships<\/p>\n P.O. Box 4197<\/p>\n Wheaton, IL 60189<\/p>\n scholarships@reach-chicago.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/p>\n Deadline: May 10th<\/p>\n Administered by Scholarship America, the Cash Store Continuing Education Scholarship offers $1,000 to five high school graduates or GED recipients at least 25 years of age who are matriculating full-time at accredited colleges in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands. Only the first 200 applicants with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 are considered. Adults could also apply for the Catch a Break! Scholarship or Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship.<\/p>\n Cash Store Continuing Education Scholarship<\/p>\n One Scholarship Way<\/p>\n Saint Peter, MN 56082<\/p>\n (800) 537-4180<\/p>\n info@scholarshipamerica.org<\/p>\n Deadline: February 1st<\/p>\n The San Diego Foundation currently manages over 160 funds totaling $2.3 million total, including the Dorothy M. Bolyard Memorial Scholarship for adults age 25 years and older. It’s designed for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who’ve never taken college courses to enter an accredited two- or four-year institution in California’s San Diego County. Chosen recipients should have a record of community service, work experience, financial need, and a minimum 2.0 GPA.<\/p>\n Dorothy M. Bolyard Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n 2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 200<\/p>\n San Diego, CA 92106<\/p>\n (619) 402-1827<\/p>\n info@sdfoundation.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 1st<\/p>\n Organized by Executive Director Cheryl McKay, the Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Scholarship Program from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club (NANBPWC) recognizes women of substance who are at least 35 years old. Eligible African-American females must be U.S. citizens, gain admission at an accredited two- or four-year undergrad college, reach a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and write a 500-word essay on “Challenges to the Mature Student.”<\/p>\n Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Scholarship Program<\/p>\n 1806 New Hampshire Avenue NW<\/p>\n Washington, DC 20009<\/p>\n (202) 483-4206<\/p>\n education@nanbpwc.org<\/p>\n Deadline: April 15th<\/p>\n Since 2007, the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) Foundation has promoted the Women on Par Scholarship to bestow one $500 and $1,000 award upon an outstanding female aged 30 or older who’s attending college for the first time or returning for completion. Interested golf enthusiasts must be legal U.S. or Canada residents, pursue their first associate or bachelor’s degree, demonstrate financial need, and provide three sealed references.<\/p>\n EWGA Foundation Women on Par Scholarship<\/p>\n 8895 N. Military Trail, Suite 102-E<\/p>\n Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410<\/p>\n (561) 691-0096<\/p>\n foundation@myewga.com<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 1st<\/p>\n The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) offers $5.5 million on average per year through funds like the Georgia Harkness Seminary Scholarships. These $5,000 grants are reserved for faithful women over age 35 who are attending an ATS-accredited seminary full-time for a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and elder’s ordination. Career changers can submit the required transcript, essay, and reference letters online starting in January.<\/p>\n Georgia Harkness Seminary Scholarships<\/p>\n 1001 Nineteenth Avenue S.<\/p>\n Nashville, TN 37212<\/p>\n (615) 340-7342<\/p>\n bblumer@UMCDevelopmentCenter.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: June 30th<\/p>\n Formerly called the Career College Foundation, Imagine America confers $1,000 tuition scholarships through its Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) to support post-high school students at least 19 years old who are taking career-specific training. Qualified candidates must attend a participating vocational school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, hold a diploma or GED, pass the NCCT Educational Success Potential Assessment, and need financial assistance.<\/p>\n Imagine America Scholarships for Adult Students<\/p>\n 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Suite 203<\/p>\n Reston, VA 20191<\/p>\n (571) 267-3012<\/p>\n bobm@imagine-america.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 17th<\/p>\n Named after a trailblazing feminist and pacifist who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Montana, the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund (JRF) has helped over 1,000 low-income females since 1976. Eligible ladies must be at least 35 years old, pursue undergraduate study at regionally or ACICS-accredited colleges, and meet maximum net household income limits. These $2,000 scholarships for adults could apply toward tuition, books, childcare, or living expenses.<\/p>\n Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund<\/p>\n 1 Huntington Road, Suite 701<\/p>\n Athens, GA 30606<\/p>\n (706) 208-1211<\/p>\n info@rankinfoundation.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: June 10th<\/p>\n The Equity Foundation in Portland announces $85,400 in scholarship funding from 23 programs each year, such as the Larry McDonald LGBTQ Scholarship. It’s intended for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer mid-life adults over age 35 who permanently reside in Oregon of Clark County, Washington. Adult learners must be enrolling at accredited, nonprofit colleges in the Pacific Northwest for degrees in the arts, humanities, or foreign languages.<\/p>\n Larry McDonald LGBTQ Scholarship<\/p>\n 221 NW 2nd Avenue, Suite 208<\/p>\n Portland, OR 97209<\/p>\n (503) 231-5759<\/p>\n izzyv@equityfoundation.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 6th<\/p>\n At the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), the College of Professional Studies awards the Lenice Christine Merrill Eskritt Scholarship for $1,500 to support adult learners with dependent children who are enrolling full- or part-time. Suitable applicants would have completed at least four semesters for 48+ credits and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater in health sciences programs, including the Athletic Training B.S., Clinical Laboratory Science B.S., and RN to BSN completion.<\/p>\n Lenice Christine Merrill Eskritt Scholarship<\/p>\n 2001 Fourth Avenue<\/p>\n Stevens Point, WI 54481<\/p>\n (715) 346-3766<\/p>\n shcp@uwsp.edu<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: None<\/p>\n Ranging from $1,000 to $9,000 each, the Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarships are available for full-time university students, including adults up to age 40, who are finishing their first bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. Eligibility criteria includes being a U.S. citizens or permanent resident, attending a regionally accredited four-year college, sustaining an overall GPA of 3.2. or higher, verifying significant financial need, and passing an interview in New York City.<\/p>\n Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarships<\/p>\n 950 Third Avenue, 31st Floor<\/p>\n New York, NY 10022<\/p>\n (212) 692-0191<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 3rd<\/p>\n The KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship presents up to $5,000 annually to adults age 24 or older who are returning to college for a degree or credit-bearing certificate. Applications are only accepted from the Kansas City Metro counties of Cass, Clay, Jackson, Johnson, Platte, and Wyandotte. Interested adults must already hold 12+ credits, attend a participating Title IV-eligible institution, have U.S. residency or DACA status, and have an Expected Family Contribution below $12,000.<\/p>\n KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship<\/p>\n 4801 Rockhill Road<\/p>\n Kansas City, MO 64116<\/p>\n (816) 581-5700<\/p>\n info@kcscholars.org<\/p>\n Deadline: March 6th<\/p>\n Empowering ladies since 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers countless local scholarships for adults, such as the $2,000 Mary and Donn Random Memorial Scholarship from the Sacramento Branch. Based on merit, the program selects women age 25 or older who are attending American River College, Cosumnes River College, Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College, or California State University-Sacramento. Having completed 12+ units with a minimum “B” average is necessary.<\/p>\n Mary and Donn Random Memorial Scholarship<\/p>\n 69-43rd Street<\/p>\n Sacramento, CA 95819<\/p>\n (916) 538-4245<\/p>\n susana.mullen@gmail.com<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/p>\n Deadline: May 15th<\/p>\n The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) sponsors the Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program yearly to competitive award $1,000 to several college students, including adults up to age 35, who’ve been personally diagnosed with cancer. Eligible recipients must be U.S. citizens or green card holders, register at an accredited college, have displayed a “Will Win” attitude throughout cancer treatment, exhibit financial need, and submit two quality recommendations.<\/p>\n NCCF Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program<\/p>\n 4858 Battery Lane, Suite 216<\/p>\n Bethesda, MD 20814<\/p>\n (240) 515-6262<\/p>\n info@collegiatecancer.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 1st<\/p>\n The Ford Family Foundation funds the ReStart Program to present 46 scholarships annually to adults in Oregon and California’s Siskiyou County based on FAFSA financial need for a maximum award of $25,000. At application, candidates must be 25 years or older, possess a high school diploma or minimum GED score of 700, pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree full-time, obtain a cumulative GPA above 3.0, and have considerable years of employment ahead.<\/p>\n Oregon Ford ReStart Program Scholarships<\/p>\n 44 Club Road, Suite 100<\/p>\n Eugene, OR 97401<\/p>\n (877) 864-2872<\/p>\n fordscholarships@tfff.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: May 1st<\/p>\n Established in 1987, the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles (NCJW-LA) has provided over 260 scholarships for $340,000 total, including the Sophie Greenstadt Scholarship for Mid-Life Women. This $1,000 prize assists women aged 35 or older who are continuing college in California to become financially self-sufficient. Residing in Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, or Orange County is required. Preference is given to women who’ve suffered trauma, loss, or domestic violence.<\/p>\n Sophie Greenstadt Scholarship for Mid-Life Women<\/p>\n 543 N. Fairfax Avenue<\/p>\n Los Angeles CA 90036<\/p>\n (323) 852-8515<\/p>\n scholarship@ncjwla.org<\/p>\n Deadline: February 15th<\/p>\n Worth $1,000 per year, the Susan and Marvin Whatley Scholarship Fund stands out among the Society of Women Engineers’ (SWE) 230 funds by catering solely to nontraditional female students aged 25 or over. Qualified ladies must be pursuing ABET-accredited baccalaureate education in engineering at Iowa State University, Louisiana State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Clemson University, University of Virginia, or University of Tennessee with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.<\/p>\n Susan and Marvin Whatley Scholarship Fund<\/p>\n 130 E. Randolph Street, Suite 3500<\/p>\n Chicago, IL 60601<\/p>\n (877) 793-4636<\/p>\n scholarship@swe.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: September 1st or February 1st<\/p>\n The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) offers the Nontraditional HOPE Scholarship biannually for up to $1,500 at public two-year and $2,250 at nonprofit four-year institutions in-state. Appropriate applicants would be age 25 or older, be incoming freshmen or returning students, continuously enroll in 9+ credits, achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or greater, have an adjusted gross income below $36,000, and complete the FAFSA form.<\/p>\n Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE Scholarship<\/p>\n 404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1510<\/p>\n Nashville, TN 37243<\/p>\n (615) 741-1346<\/p>\n TSAC.Aidinfo@tn.gov<\/p>\n Deadline: May 31st<\/p>\n At Towson University in Maryland, the Pathways Scholarship Program grants $2,000 per year for $4,000 total to low-income adults who are the parents of at least one child under 18 years old. Interested moms and dads must have completed an A.A. or A.S. degree at an accredited community college, transfer to register for 6+ credits per term, carry a minimum 2.5 average, have significant financial need for Pell Grant eligibility, and attend the Pathways Family Day event.<\/p>\n Towson Pathways Scholarship Program<\/p>\n 8000 York Road<\/p>\n Towson, MD 21252<\/p>\n (410) 704-2051<\/p>\n mahmed@towson.edu<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/p>\n Deadline: August 1st<\/p>\n Since 2002, the Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance (TCAEA) has lowered the cost of attendance for nontraditional students aged 25 or older through scholarships for $250 to $2,000 apiece. Eligible adults must submit a FAFSA form showing financial need for registering in credit-bearing degree or certificate programs in-state. Recipients can attend 14 HLC-accredited member schools, including St. Catherine University, Bethel University, Augsburg College, Rasmussen College, and University of Minnesota.<\/p>\n Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance Scholarships<\/p>\n 100 Church Street SE<\/p>\n Minneapolis MN 55455<\/p>\n (612) 624-4000<\/p>\n info@tcaea.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: None<\/p>\n The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) confers the Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student Grant for up to $2,000 to support nontraditional students in the “Mountain State” who will continue their post-secondary education part-time. Scholarship criteria requires living in West Virginia for 12+ months, having a high school diploma or TASC, verifying financial need, complying with the Military Selective Service Act, and not being in loan default.<\/p>\n West Virginia Adult Part-Time Student Grant<\/p>\n 1018 Kanawha Blvd. E, Suite 700<\/p>\n Charleston, WV 25301<\/p>\n (304) 558-4618<\/p>\n cfwv@hepc.wvnet.edu<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Deadline: March 1st<\/p>\n Western Fraternal Life proudly distributes 25 scholarships nationally, including one Non-Traditional Scholarship valued at $1,000 for adults aged 25 and older. Selected recipients must be WFLA members in good standing for two years, attend a college or vocational institute full-time, carry a minimum “C” average, and demonstrate unmet financial need. Additional scholarships for adults are reserved for residents of Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan.<\/p>\n Western Fraternal Life Non-Traditional Scholarship<\/p>\n 1900 First Avenue NE<\/p>\n Cedar Rapids, IA 52402<\/p>\n (877) 935-2467<\/p>\n wflains@wflains.org<\/p>\n Scholarship Link<\/a><\/p>\n Hefty college tuition bills can be tough to cover at any age. Adults should remain aware that the average published tuition is $3,440 at public two-year, $11,814 at public four-year, and $32,410 at private four-year colleges annually. Luckily, there’s no age requirement on most federal and state grant programs. Nontraditional learners between 24 and 29 years old represent 20.9 percent of Pell Grant recipients in bachelor’s programs according to FinAid. Adults could also make their education more affordable with employer tuition assistance, military benefits, institutional financial aid, and the 25 scholarships for adult students above.<\/p>\n See also:\u00a0Top 20 Online Colleges with High Return on Investment<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"2. Alpha Sigma Lambda Annual Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
3. BPW Foundation Career Advancement Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
4. Carolyn Cooney REACh Your Goals Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
5. Cash Store Continuing Education Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
6. Dorothy M. Bolyard Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
7. Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
8. EWGA Foundation Women on Par Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
9. Georgia Harkness Seminary Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
10. Imagine America Scholarships for Adult Students<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
11. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
12. Larry McDonald LGBTQ Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
13. Lenice Christine Merrill Eskritt Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
14. Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
15. KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
16. Mary and Donn Random Memorial Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
17. NCCF Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
18. Oregon Ford ReStart Program Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
19. Sophie Greenstadt Scholarship for Mid-Life Women<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
20. Susan and Marvin Whatley Scholarship Fund<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
21. Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
22. Towson Pathways Scholarship Program<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
23. Twin Cities Adult Education Alliance Scholarships<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
24. West Virginia Adult Part-Time Student Grant<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n
25. Western Fraternal Life Non-Traditional Scholarship<\/h3>\n
Contact<\/h5>\n