Lana Oconnell
Nontraditional students—often defined by age, employment status, or dependent status—face unique challenges when pursuing a college education. Despite these challenges, the number of nontraditional students is on the rise, with approximately 40% of all students being adults aged 25 or older. To support their educational journey, nontraditional students can explore various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. One crucial step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Nontraditional students may also seek tuition reimbursement from their employers, take advantage of prior learning assessment programs, and carefully consider their career goals and available resources before choosing a college.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Financial aid | No age limit on federal student aid; FAFSA; Pell Grant; scholarships; grants; loans; work-study |
| Scholarships | AAUW American Fellowships; ANSWER Scholarship; ATHENA Eileen DeVries Scholarship; Brenda Brown DeSatnick Memorial Scholarship |
| Other options | Tuition reimbursement; 529 plans; cash-value life insurance; Roth IRA |
| Childcare | 52% of student parents leave school within six years; federal financial aid can help pay for childcare |
| Support services | Orientation sessions; tutoring; advising; career services; libraries |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and grants for adult students
Scholarships and grants are a great way to fund your college education as a nontraditional student. These are often referred to as "free money" sources, as they do not have to be repaid.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a good starting point for any student seeking financial aid. The FAFSA is a federal form that provides access to several types of financial aid, including federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs. Many schools require you to complete the FAFSA to be eligible for scholarships and grants. It is free to complete the FAFSA, and you should submit it annually for as long as you require financial aid.
Chime Scholarship
The Chime Scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year in renewable scholarships to undergraduate students. To qualify, you must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, have a minimum financial need of $2,500, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship can be renewed for up to six years of support for undergraduate programs and three years for transfer, trade, and technical programs.
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education is a grant open to women within 18 consecutive months of completing their educational program, who have had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student in their adult life. The grant is funded by the Philanthropic Educational Organization, which has supported women in their educational endeavours since 1869.
ATHENA Eileen DeVries Scholarship
The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's ATHENA Eileen DeVries Scholarship is awarded to female students aged 29 or older at the start of the academic year. The recipient must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a college or university in Michigan and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
The ANSWER Scholarship
The ANSWER Scholarship provides college scholarships, mentoring, and professional development to mothers in Mecklenburg and 11 surrounding counties in the Carolinas.
Grants for Nurses and Teachers
Scholarships.com offers grants of up to $5,000 per individual to nurses and teachers pursuing Continuing Education Units or Advanced Degrees.
State and Federal Scholarships and Grants
Nontraditional students can also access state and federal scholarships and grants. These opportunities may have specific eligibility requirements, such as age limits, race, gender, state of residence, or program of study. It is important to check with the scholarship provider to confirm any restrictions or preferences.
In addition to these scholarships and grants, nontraditional students can explore university scholarships and grants from local businesses or organizations. It is beneficial to reach out to the financial aid office of your intended school to explore all available opportunities.
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Student loans
Nontraditional students can apply for student loans in the same way as traditional students. The first step is to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application covers work-study program eligibility, grants, and federally-backed student loans. It is also often a requirement for scholarship eligibility and state or federal grants.
Nontraditional students are often considered independent students, which is an official term used by the Department of Education. Independent students qualify for higher student loan limits than dependent students. They also don't have to use their parents' financial information when applying for federal financial aid. To be considered an independent student, you must be 24 or older as of December 31 of the award year.
If you are an independent student, you are eligible for increased unsubsidized Stafford loan limits, such as an additional $4,000 per year during the freshman and sophomore years and an additional $5,000 per year during the junior and later years. Graduate and professional students are eligible for up to $20,500 in Stafford loans per year, no more than $8,500 of which can be subsidized. They are also eligible for the Grad PLUS loan.
It's important to note that nontraditional students should avoid overborrowing. Do not borrow more than your expected starting salary after you graduate. If you are currently employed, ask your employer's human resources office about the availability of employer tuition assistance. Up to $5,250 in such assistance is excluded from gross income.
If free financial aid doesn't cover all your costs, consider both federal and private student loans to see which would give you a lower repayment cost. Most private student loan companies will require a co-signer, who is legally responsible for the loan if you can no longer pay.
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Work-study programs
As a nontraditional student, you may be eligible for financial aid through work-study programs. Work-study is a form of financial aid where you earn money through a part-time job, either on or off your college campus, to help pay for your college expenses. This can include expenses such as housing, transportation, books, tuition, and fees, as well as childcare or a personal computer.
To be eligible for work-study programs, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the official application to receive government-provided financial assistance for college, including work-study programs, grants, and federally-backed student loans. It is recommended that you complete the FAFSA as the first step to paying for college as an adult, as it is necessary to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. You may also need to fill out the CSS Profile, depending on the requirements of your chosen school.
In addition to the FAFSA, there may be other opportunities for financial aid through your school. Reach out to the administrators or the financial aid office at your school to see if you qualify for any school-based aid or scholarships. They may have additional resources or information to help you fund your education as a nontraditional student.
While participating in a work-study program can provide a source of income to help pay for college expenses, it is important to consider the time commitment involved. Balancing work and studies can be challenging, especially if you have other commitments or responsibilities. Therefore, it is essential to carefully manage your time and seek support from the resources available at your college to ensure your success.
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Employer tuition reimbursement
There are two main types of employer tuition assistance: reimbursement programs and upfront tuition assistance. In a reimbursement program, the employee pays for their courses upfront, and the employer pays back either a portion or the full cost upon completion. This type of program usually has specific criteria and limits, dictating eligible courses or degrees, grades required, and pricing. On the other hand, upfront tuition assistance means the employer covers the costs without the employee paying first. This may be in the form of scholarships or grants.
Tax Implications
Until December 31, 2025, employers can offer each employee $5,250 of tax-free educational assistance annually. Any amount above this in a calendar year is subject to income tax. This assistance can be used to pay principal and interest on an employee's qualified education loans, made directly to the lender or the employee. Employers can also deduct education costs as ordinary business expenses if they are considered a 'reasonable' business expense.
Advantages
Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages is the potential cost to the company, especially if many employees take advantage of the benefit. Additionally, there is a risk of employee burnout as balancing work and studies can be challenging.
Overall, employer tuition reimbursement can be a great option for nontraditional students to fund their education while working, but it is important to understand the specific details and limitations of an employer's program.
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Childcare costs
The cost of childcare varies depending on factors such as geographic location, the child's age, and the type of care required. In the United States, the cost of full-time childcare at a daycare center can be comparable to annual college tuition and fees in the same state. For example, in Massachusetts, the average cost of daycare for an infant is $16,549, while the average in-state tuition and fees at the University of Massachusetts are around $15,000. Childcare costs can be even higher if one opts for a full-time nanny.
Single-parent families and families with both parents working have spent between 6% and 8% of their annual income on childcare since 1985. In 2011, such families spent an average of 7.2% of their income on childcare, with those requiring full-time care paying a larger share. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers childcare affordable when it accounts for 10% or less of a family's income. However, in 38 states, the average annual cost of full-time daycare for an infant exceeds this threshold. For single mothers, the cost of full-time daycare can consume 40% of their state median income, which is a significant financial burden.
Nontraditional students with children may find it challenging to balance work and academic commitments while providing adequate childcare. Some students may opt for part-time work or nontraditional schedules to provide some childcare themselves, supplementing with babysitters or nannies as needed. Babysitters typically charge between $15 and $23 per hour, with rates varying based on location and qualifications. Nannies or sitters with special skills or certifications may charge a premium.
To help offset childcare costs, nontraditional students can explore financial aid options. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in determining eligibility for government-provided financial assistance, which includes work-study programs, grants, and federally-backed student loans. Nontraditional students may also be eligible for scholarships or grants ("free money" that doesn't need to be repaid) or consider taking out federal or private student loans. Additionally, colleges may offer specific support for nontraditional students, including orientation sessions, tutoring, and advising.
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Frequently asked questions
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the official application to get government-provided financial assistance for college. There is no age limit on federal student aid, meaning any adult student can apply for financial aid. FAFSA covers work-study program eligibility, grants, and federally-backed student loans.
Scholarships.com provides a list of scholarships for adult students. Some scholarships include the ANSWER Scholarship, which provides college scholarships for moms in Mecklenburg and 11 surrounding counties in the Carolinas, and the Grand Rapids Community Foundation's ATHENA Eileen DeVries Scholarship, which is awarded to female students over the age of 29 at the start of the academic year.
You can consider both federal and private student loans to see which would give you a lower repayment cost. You can also look into tuition reimbursement, 529 plans, cash-value life insurance, and Roth IRA. If you are currently employed, check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement benefits and/or retirement plan matches for student loan payments.
Nontraditional students may face challenges such as the potential loss of income from their current job, potential childcare costs, and limited resources provided by the college to help with childcare, transportation, or basic needs insecurities.
