Scholarships
Grants
Loans
Student finance
Scholarships for non-traditional students
What is a non-traditional student?
Non-traditional student is a broad term that applies to students who don’t follow the traditional higher education path of enrolling in college directly after high school. Generally, students who are over the age of 24, working full-time, or have children are considered to be non-traditional students. Commuter students and financially independent students can fall into this category as well.
Although many students choose to go to college right after high school, the truth is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to education. For some students, it makes more sense to directly enter the workforce instead. For others, challenges or personal circumstances prevent them from going to college right away. Regardless of your path, choosing to continue your education can be a life-changing choice for both you and your family and open up a world of new professional opportunities.
The benefits of pursuing a degree later in life include earning a promotion and a higher salary, learning a new skill, pursuing your dreams, and inspiring the people around you. Your experience in the workforce blended with your education can expand your worldview and give you an advantage when interviewing for new positions. While you might think it’s too late to return to school and earn your degree, that’s a misconception. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 6 million students were over the age of 25 in 2019.
Another challenge, especially for those with families, is finding out how to pay for school. Between paying for rent, childcare, and groceries, you might be left wondering how on earth you’re going to find the money to earn your degree. With approximately 40% of undergraduate being non-traditional students in the U.S., organizations and universities are providing more and more scholarships and financial aid options for this demographic. These opportunities make earning a degree without taking on student debt a real possibility.
In addition to the great scholarships listed below, several schools and universities also provide scholarships for non-traditional students, including the University of Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State University, Oklahoma State University, and Southern Utah University.
Scholarships for non-traditional students
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship
EWU awards annual scholarships to adult students pursuing associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees or enrolling in a certificate program. Adult students entering college for the first time, already enrolled in a college program, or pursuing additional education for career purposes may apply.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Executive Women International
American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Members or affiliates of the American Legion are eligible to apply for this annual scholarship. Applicants must be adult students enrolling in a certification, trade, professional, or technical program or a 2-year or 4-year degree program. One scholarship is awarded per chapter.
Scholarship amount: $2,000
Official scholarship website: American Legion Auxiliary
Kazimour Scholarship
The Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) provides annual scholarships for non-traditional students enrolled in a 4-year undergraduate program. Applicants must be at least 24 years old and members of the organization both at the time of application and the time of winner selection to be eligible.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: ANTSHE Scholarship Program
ANTSHE President’s Scholarship
ANTSHE awards scholarships to graduate-level students who demonstrate both academic achievement and financial need. Students must be ANTSHE student members and at least 24 years old to apply.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: ANTSHE Scholarship Program
Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship
This annual scholarship is presented to adult learners who are earning their first undergraduate degree. Recipients need to demonstrate financial need and be attending a college or university with an active Alpha Sigma Lambda chapter, but do not need to be members of the chapter. The organization awards several scholarships per year.
Scholarship amount: Varies
Official scholarship website: Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship
Treva C. Kintner Scholarship
Phi Upsilon Omicron awards this scholarship to a non-traditional student who is a member of the organization. To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least half of the credits required for a baccalaureate degree in family and consumer science.
Scholarship amount: $500 & Up
Official scholarship website: Phi Upsilon Omicron
Opportunity to Rise Scholarship
This award provides financial support to non-traditional students who have faced adversity and are pursuing education to better their lives. Examples of adversity include academic challenges, homelessness, disability, substance abuse, and more. To apply, students need to be planning to earn an associate’s degree at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Lake Superior College, or the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Superior Campus. The scholarship can be used towards unpredictable educational expenses, such as books and supplies.
Scholarship amount: $500
Official scholarship website: Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation
Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) Scholarship
The Imagine America Foundation offers several scholarships per year to adult learners planning to attend a career college. Recipients need to attend one of 400 participating schools.
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Official scholarship website: Imagine America
Custody X Change Scholarship
Single parents planning to pursue an undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for this non-traditional student scholarship. Applicants must submit an essay explaining how their education can benefit their family. Both full-time and part-time students can apply.
Scholarship amount: Up to $1,000
Official scholarship website: Custody X Change Giving Fund
Scholarships for women
P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education (PCE) Grant
This one-time, need-based grant is awarded to women who are returning to school. The organization aims to help women earn a degree or certificate to gain employment. Funds can be used towards tuition, books, supplies, and testing and graduation fees.
Scholarship amount: Up to $3,000
Official scholarship website: P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education
Jeannette Rankin Scholarship
This non-traditional student scholarship is presented to women or people who identify as non-binary over the age of 35, with demonstrated financial need. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree or trade skills certification are eligible. The award is renewable for up to 5 years. Winners are selected based on personal goals and plans for giving back to the community after graduation.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Jeannette Rankin Foundation
Emerge Scholarship
Women from low-income backgrounds who are 25 years of age or older can apply for this annual scholarship. Open to female residents who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or trade skills certification. Only students attending accredited, not-for-profit schools are eligible. The award is renewable for up to 5 years.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Jeannette Rankin Foundation
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Re-Entry/Non-Traditional Scholarship
Women who have been out of school or the engineering/technology workforce for at least 2 years are eligible for these non-traditional student scholarships. Students can be studying either part time or full time at the undergraduate or graduate level and should plan to reenter the workforce as engineers.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Society of Women Engineers
Scholarships based on location
Ford Opportunity Program Scholarship
Residents of Oregon and Siskiyou County, California can apply for these generous, need-based scholarships for non-traditional students. Applicants must be over the age of 25 and planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate degree program in Oregon or California. Single parents are strongly encouraged to apply.
Scholarship amount: 90% of unmet college costs
Official scholarship website: The Ford Family Foundation
Boundless Opportunity Scholarship (BOS)
In an effort to support non-traditional learners in bettering their lives through education, Daniels Fund awards the BOS scholarship each year. Students can be enrolled in any degree program at a participating school in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
Scholarship amount: No amount specified
Official scholarship website: Daniels Fund
Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship
Established with the goal of creating opportunities for individuals who have faced challenging life and financial circumstances, the St. Croix Valley Foundation awards approximately 100 scholarships per year to both traditional and non-traditional students. Recipients need to be attending a college or university in Minnesota or Wisconsin.
Scholarship amount: $2,000
Official scholarship website: St. Croix Valley Foundation
The decision to return to school is an exciting and life-changing one, but it can also be financially stressful. Finding the extra income to fund your education between paying rent, insurance, and other bills can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Careful financial planning and winning scholarships are the key to setting yourself up for success as you pursue your college degree. Before you know it, you can be walking across the graduation stage and finding new career opportunities that better your and your family’s future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I qualify for scholarships for non-traditional students?
If you identify as a non-traditional student, then chances are yes. Each scholarship has its own set of criteria and requirements, so be sure to check with the organization or your school to see if you qualify.
For most scholarships or grants, the first step is to check you eligibility by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Where can I find scholarships for non-traditional students?
Several colleges, universities, and employers offer scholarships specifically for non-traditional students. Additionally, you can begin your search on the Degree Choices scholarship database or another scholarship database, such as Fastweb, Petersons, or Cappex.
Are there organizations for non-traditional students?
Yes. In addition to any local organizations at your school, workplace, or in your community, both the Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) and the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) provide resources and support for non-traditional students.
Did you enjoy this post?
Related Articles
Continue with these related posts, or visit the blog for articles about everything from cybersecurity, addictions on campus, repaying your student loan, and so much more.
