University Scholarships: Options For Elderly Students

Scholarships are a great way to reduce the cost of college, and they are available for every kind of student, including non-traditional, older students. In fact, about 40% of all students are adults aged 25 or older. Many scholarships have no age restrictions and accept both part-time and full-time students, offering the flexibility that adult students often need.

Adult students can access many of the same financial resources as traditional learners, including federal aid, state grants, private scholarships, and university awards. There is no age limit when it comes to filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and many scholarships filter applicants by characteristics like race, ethnicity, degree major, and career goals rather than age.

- Adult Student Grant

- Return2College Scholarship Program

- Methodist University Senior Citizens Scholarship

- Imagine America Foundation Scholarships for Adults

- Senior Citizens Scholarship at Georgetown University

- Senior Citizens Scholarship at Northern Michigan University

- Senior Citizens Scholarships at Wallace Community College Selma

- Senior Citizen's Scholarship at Western Kentucky University

- Senior Adults Scholarship Program at Calhoun Community College

- Osher Scholars and Fellows Program

- Maricopa Community Colleges Lifelong Learning

- ElderCollege Program at San Francisco State University

Scholarships for adult students with no age restrictions

Scholarships are a great way to lower the cost of college and are available to all kinds of students, including adult and non-traditional students. Most adult scholarships have no age restrictions and accept both part-time and full-time students, allowing for the flexibility most adult students need to attend college.

• Ford Opportunity Scholarships: One of the largest scholarship programs in the country for adult learners is run by the Ford Family Foundation. The Ford Opportunity Scholarship provides 96 renewable scholarships of up to $40,000 per year. These awards are issued to parents of any age or adult students over 25 seeking to earn a college degree and who reside in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California.
• Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships: Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL), the honour society for non-traditional students, offers scholarships of varying amounts. Applicants don’t need to be members of their school’s ASL chapter, but they must attend a school with an active chapter and submit applications to a chapter councilor for review. You must be enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s program and have completed 24 semester hours of coursework with at least a 3.2 GPA.
• College JumpStart Scholarship: The College JumpStart Scholarship is open to non-traditional students and provides a $1,000 scholarship to a student who works hard, perseveres and has a love of learning. Financial need and test scores aren’t considered. Applicants must submit a 250-word personal statement based on one of a handful of required prompts. You must be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or a vocational school or have plans to enrol in the next 12 months.
• Courage To Grow Scholarship: Any college student with at least a 2.5 GPA may apply for this $500 scholarship that recognises one winner at the end of each month. Applicants must explain why they deserve the scholarship in 250 words or less. The award is sent directly to the winner’s school.
• Boomer Benefits Scholarship: The Boomer Benefits Scholarship is designed for most adult students 50 or older who are

Scholarships for adult students with financial need

Scholarships are a great way to lower the cost of college, and there are many financial aid and scholarship opportunities available for adult students. In fact, about 40% of all students are adults 25 years old or older.

Adult students often have greater financial responsibilities than traditional freshmen, and scholarships for adults can help cover tuition, living expenses, and more. There is no age limit to receiving federal financial aid, and many privately offered scholarships and grants don't require applicants to be a certain age.

Adult Student Grant

• For Indiana residents who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, and are financially independent with demonstrated financial need.
• The recipient must be enrolled or planning to enrol in a qualifying program.
• Each recipient gets $2,000 to use toward tuition and fees, and winners can renew the award each year.

Return2College Scholarship Program

• For U.S. citizens or legal residents who are starting a higher education program in the next 12 months or are currently enrolled.
• Applicants must be at least 17 years old.
• The scholarship is worth up to $1,000.

Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship

• For U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-traditional female students.
• The scholarship is for those pursuing a first bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or a technical/vocational program.
• The scholarship is given to low-income women to help improve their lives and futures through education.

Patsy Mink Education Support Award

• For mothers at least 17 years of age at any level of postsecondary education, including technical and vocational schools.
• Five $5,000 scholarships are awarded each year based on financial need, personal circumstance, educational path, vocational or occupational goals, and service or activist goals.

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

• For women who are the primary financial supporters of their dependent children, partner, or other relatives.
• Winners are awarded $1,000, $5,000, or $16,000 to cover education-related costs for undergraduate degrees, including childcare costs.

Boomer Benefits Scholarship

• For adults aged 50 or older with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
• Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible, and the scholarship offers two $2,500 awards annually.

Osher Reentry Scholarship Program

• For older students with a cumulative gap in their undergraduate education of five or more years.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and the willingness to participate in the workforce upon graduation.
• The scholarship is awarded to students attending one of Osher's 125 partnered colleges.

College JumpStart Scholarship

• For adult learners committed to going to school.
• The application process involves completing a short form and including a 250-word statement explaining educational goals.
• The scholarship is worth $1,000.

Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

• For adult students facing physical, economic, and/or social challenges.
• Applicants must be pursuing a certification program or an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree.
• The award ranges from $2,000 to $10,000.

Unigo $10K Scholarship

• For U.S. citizens who are currently students.
• To apply, answer the question: "Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich? And why?"
• The scholarship is worth $10,000.

The Graydon & Myrth Fox Scholarship

• For individuals seeking to further their job skills or improve their circumstances through education.
• The scholarship assists veterans who have served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces, or a surviving spouse, dependent child, or grandchild of a U.S. veteran.
• Preference is given to wounded personnel.

Single Parent Degree Program Scholarships of Northwest Arkansas

• For single parents residing in Benton, Carroll, Madison, or Washington counties.
• Applicants must be legal U.S. residents or residents with DACA status, have a high school diploma or GED, and have low to moderate income.
• The scholarship is worth up to $1,000.

The Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship

• For students aged 25 years or older pursuing an undergraduate degree at a non-parochial institution in Rhode Island.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial need and complete the Universal Scholarship Application.
• The scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $1,500 and are renewable.

NLHA Education Fund Scholarship

• For low-income individuals residing in privately owned federally assisted low-income housing.
• The scholarship is worth up to $1,000.

Ford Opportunity Program Scholarship

• For parents of any age or students 25 years of age and older pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree.
• The expected family contribution (EFC) cannot be more than $10,000.
• The award covers 90% of the cost of attendance but is only for residents and students in Oregon and Siskiyou County

Scholarships for adult students with specific characteristics

Scholarships are a great way to reduce the financial burden of pursuing higher education, and there are many opportunities specifically for adult students with particular characteristics. Here are some examples of scholarships for adult students with specific attributes:

Scholarships for Adult Students Who Are Parents:

• The Single Parent Degree Program Scholarships of Northwest Arkansas offers awards to single parents residing in Benton, Carroll, Madison, or Washington counties. Applicants must be legal US residents or have DACA status, have a high school diploma or GED, and demonstrate financial need.
• The "Mom to Scholar" Scholarship for Mothers is open to mothers who want to begin or resume their educational journey towards earning a technical or college degree. Applicants must be over the age of 35 and can be from anywhere in the US.

Scholarships for Adult Students from Specific Ethnic or Racial Backgrounds:

• The Emma Jean Ridley Memorial Scholarship supports African American undergraduate students pursuing careers in the healthcare field. Applicants must also be low-income and first-generation college students.
• The Filipino-American Scholarship seeks to support Filipino-American undergraduate students with a background in community service.
• The Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship is for college students or adults in a career who have student debt. Applicants must be African American or Hispanic/Latino and first-generation students.

Scholarships for Adult Students in Specific Fields:

• The Mary Schonfield PA School Scholarship supports adult learners who are studying to become Physician Assistants and are aged 27 or older.
• The Joseph Joshua Searor Memorial Scholarship honours the life of Joseph Joshua Searor and supports students who share his passion for nursing and education.
• The Peirce College Adult Learners Scholarship will support a student interested in attending Peirce College to maximize their potential in a career of their choosing.

Scholarships for Adult Students in Specific Locations:

• The Maine State Grant Program for Adult Learners offers grants for students aged 24 or older who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must be Maine residents and attend college in-state.
• The Indiana "You Can Go Back" Adult Student Grant provides up to $2,000 annually for adult students who are working and starting or finishing a college degree.
• The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners offers up to $3,500 annually for adult students attending college in Idaho after graduating from an Idaho high school.

These are just a few examples of the many scholarships available for adult students with specific characteristics. Each scholarship will have its own unique criteria and application process, so be sure to review the requirements carefully before applying.

Scholarships for adult students with no essay requirements

Scholarships are a great way to reduce the costs of education and are particularly helpful for adult students who often have greater financial responsibilities than traditional freshmen. Here are some scholarships for adult students with no essay requirements:

Scholarships with no essay requirements

• Scholarships360 $10,000 No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all students who need financial help with their education. It is awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content.
• Niche $50,000 No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year.
• Sallie Mae $2,000 No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to eligible entrants seeking financial assistance for their education.
• CollegeVine $2,000 No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to current high school students and college applicants with a completed CollegeVine account and admissions profile.
• ScholarshipOwl $50,000 No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all US-based high school, college, and graduate students. Each month, four winners are selected to win $1,000 each.
• Edvisors $2,500 No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students aged 17 and older.
• CollegeXpress $10,000 No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
• Ascent No Essay Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors and college freshmen who are at least 16 years old and legal residents of the US or the District of Columbia, or DACA students.
• Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students between 16 and 26 with a passion for the field they are pursuing. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.
• The Gallery Collection Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest: This scholarship is open to students over 14 years of age who are enrolled in high school or college and enjoy making original artwork. The winner receives $10,000.
• Ocean Awareness Art Contest: This scholarship is open to students aged 11-18 who are passionate about the creative arts and/or the environment. Cash awards of up to $1,000 are given to the winners.
• PRINT IT Scholarship for Aspiring Content Creators: This scholarship is open to college students pursuing a passion for creating captivating video or audio content. The winner receives $1,000.
• Bird Dog Foundation Annual Youth Art Contest: This scholarship is open to K-12 art and nature-loving students who live within a 75-mile radius of the National Bird Dog Museum in Grand Junction, Tennessee. Awards of up to $2,000 are given to the winners.
• CampusReel Virtual Tour Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all students who watch a student-led virtual college tour. The winner receives $2,000.

Scholarships with minimal essay requirements

Some scholarships have minimal essay requirements, such as a short answer or a few sentences. Here are some scholarships with minimal writing requirements:

• Return2College Scholarship Program: This scholarship is open to US citizens or legal residents who are starting a higher education program in the next 12 months or are currently enrolled. The application includes a three-sentence essay. The winner receives up to $1,000.
• Unigo $10K Scholarship: This scholarship is for older students who are interested in history and technology. To enter, students need to submit a written answer to the organization’s prompt. The winner earns $10

Scholarships for adult students in specific US states

Scholarships are a great way to ease the financial burden of higher education. Many scholarships are available for adult students in the US, some of which are specific to certain states. Here are some examples of scholarships for adult students in specific US states:

Indiana

The Adult Student Grant is awarded by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education as part of its You Can. Go Back. Initiative. It is designed to support older students who are starting or completing a college degree or certificate. Each recipient receives $2,000 towards tuition and fees and can renew the award annually. It is a first-come, first-served basis scholarship, so early applications are encouraged.

Maine

The Maine State Grant Program for Adult Learners offers grants of $2,500 annually to students aged 24 or older who can demonstrate financial need. The application process is simple, requiring only the completion of the FAFSA.

Idaho

The Idaho Opportunity Scholarship for Adult Learners provides up to $3,500 annually for adult students who are attending college in-state after graduating from an Idaho high school.

Tennessee

Tennessee's Reconnect Grant offers tuition assistance for adult students pursuing an associate degree or a program at a technical school within a Tennessee community college. This grant covers the full cost of tuition and fees after other financial aid has been applied.

Illinois

The Return to Learning Scholarship is administered by the Lombard Area branch of the American Association of University Women. It is awarded to a local resident who is returning to undergraduate or graduate study after a significant delay, typically between $1,300 and $2,500. Applicants must submit a letter of reference, college transcripts, and the official application by April 1st.

New Mexico

The David R. Woodling Memorial Scholarship is for non-traditional students pursuing a degree in Metals Technology. Administered by The Stocker Foundation, the scholarship offers up to $4,600 to one or two students. Applicants must include an essay detailing relevant experience in the field or explaining their interest in the field. The application deadline is June 4th.

North Carolina

The Re-entry Woman Scholarship is awarded by the Poway Peñasquitos Branch of the American Association of University Women. It provides $2,000 to three non-traditional female students pursuing an education. Preference is given to women who have overcome challenges and delayed their education. Applications are due by March 1st.

Massachusetts

The MassReconnect program offers free community college for students aged 25 or older who do not have a college degree. Applicants must be residents of Massachusetts.

Pennsylvania

The Susan Leslie Wood Memorial Nursing Scholarship is offered by the Western PA Affiliate of Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses Society. It provides funding for students pursuing undergraduate or graduate-level education in wound, ostomy, or continence nursing.

Rhode Island

The Mary D. Ryan Memorial Scholarship supports female students pursuing their educational goals later in life. Applicants must be residents of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, or Connecticut. The deadline for applications is May 31st, 2024.

Georgia and New York

The Phoebes in Philanthropy Scholarship will be awarded to a BIPOC female student over 30 pursuing higher education. Applicants must be residents of Georgia or New York. The deadline for applications is February 29th, 2024.

These are just a few examples of the many scholarships available for adult students in specific US states. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria and application process, so it is important to carefully review the requirements and deadlines before applying.

Frequently asked questions