As technology continues to reshape entire industries, an increasing number of individuals are opting to return to educational institutions. This is where valuable scholarships for older students become invaluable.
With the added financial assistance, it becomes more feasible to accelerate credit completion and swiftly return to earning a full-time income. Whether you’re transitioning between industries or seeking educational opportunities to enhance your career prospects, these scholarships serve to expedite the journey.
Advantages of Scholarships For Older Students
Returning to education has the potential to increase earning potential and broaden career prospects. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree typically earn approximately $26,000 more annually compared to those with only a high school diploma.
For a variety of schooling options, consider consulting rankings of top colleges catering to nontraditional students and working adults.
However, returning to school poses unique challenges for adult learners. Apart from tuition fees, nontraditional students often juggle responsibilities such as mortgage payments and family support. Scholarships and grants can alleviate some financial burdens associated with further education.
Best Scholarships For Older Students
Scholarship Offered By James and Patricia Sood
To be eligible for the James and Patricia Sood Scholarship, applicants must be enrolled in an education program and have aspirations to teach upon completing their studies. This scholarship, valued at $2,500, is generously provided by the Sood family’s daughter as a tribute to her parents, who were educators and battled cancer.
Grant For Adult Students
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a resident of Indiana
- Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Must be financially independent and demonstrate financial need
- Must be enrolled or intending to enroll in a qualifying program
Administered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education as part of its You Can. Go Back. Initiative, the Adult Student Grant aims to support mature learners pursuing or completing a college degree or certificate.
Recipients receive $2,000 to be applied toward tuition and fees, with the opportunity for annual renewal. It’s important to note that this grant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, underscoring the importance of applying early.
The Return2College Program
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.
- Planning to begin a higher education program within the next year or currently enrolled.
Receive up to $1,000 towards your college education through the Return2College Scholarship program. Administered by Return2College, this scholarship aims to support students returning to education after a break, though all students are welcome to apply. The application process is simple and includes a brief three-sentence essay. Deadline for applications is April 30th.
The Unigo $10K Scholarship
For older students passionate about history and technology, the Unigo $10K Scholarship offers a distinctive chance to fund their degree. Applicants are required to respond to a prompt in writing, with the winner receiving $10,000 towards college expenses. The application deadline is December 31st, and successful candidates are notified by March 31st.
Scholarship For Senior Citizens By Methodist University
Eligibility Requirements:
- Admission to Methodist University
- 65 years of age or older
The Senior Citizens Scholarship at Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina, offers a rare chance for older students. This scholarship aims to assist individuals aged 65 and above with covering their tuition fees. It’s designed to supplement other financial aid like Pell Grants and in-state assistance, thus the award amounts may differ.
Applicants need to submit proof of identity and age to either the Office of Financial Aid or Office of Student Accounts at the university to apply.
Scholarship By Imagine America Foundation
Qualification Criteria:
- Must be a member of Imagine America
- Must be an adult learner
- May have limited or no prior higher education experience
Access financial support of up to $1,000 for college expenses through the Imagine America Foundation Scholarships for Adults. This initiative aims to aid adults returning to education or embarking on their academic journey.
The application process is straightforward, involving account creation with Imagine America and fulfillment of the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) Student Success Assessment. Successful applicants gain access to a job board and receive guidance on financial planning. Applications are open year-round.
Best Scholarships For Older Students
Scholarship By Re-entry Woman
Eligibility:
- Resides or studies in North San Diego County or San Diego
- Has been accepted to or enrolled in a community college or a four-year institution
- Is currently undertaking courses
Administered by the Poway Peñasquitos Branch of the American Association of University Women, the Re-entry Woman Scholarship assists three non-traditional female students in pursuing their education. Each scholarship is valued at $2,000. Priority consideration is given to women who have confronted personal challenges leading to a postponement of their academic pursuits.
Scholarship In Memory Of David R. Woodling
Requirements for eligibility:
- Must be a legal resident of New Mexico for at least one year
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED
- Admission into a Metals Technology program at an accredited institution
Nontraditional learners aspiring for a degree in Metals Technology have the opportunity to seek the David R. Woodling Memorial Scholarship. Managed by The Stocker Foundation, this grant provides up to $4,600 to one or two individuals. It’s important to note that applicants must submit an essay detailing their relevant experience in the field or outlining the reasons behind their choice of field. The deadline for application is June 4th.
Scholarship Offered By The Jeannette Rankin Foundation
Qualifications:
- Must be a woman
- Should have low income
- Pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or a technical/vocational program
- Enrolled in a non-profit institution that is accredited
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholarship is designed to support female students who do not fit the traditional college student mold in obtaining the financial assistance necessary to attain a degree. Its primary goal is to empower low-income women to enhance their lives and prospects through educational opportunities.
Hunter College Program For Senior Citizen Auditors
Requirements                     Â
- Residing in New York
- Aged 60 or above
The Senior Citizen Auditors Program at Hunter College offers an economical opportunity for individuals over 60. This program allows older learners to participate in classes without earning credit. Remember to provide documentation verifying your age and New York residency. Application deadlines are August 10th, January 15th, and July 5th for the fall, spring, and summer terms respectively.
Scholarship For Senior Citizens At Northern Michigan University
Requirements:
Individuals aged 62 or above can benefit from tuition-free education at Northern Michigan University through the Senior Citizen Scholarship. Although this grant does not encompass expenses for books or fees, it addresses the primary expenditures associated with attending courses at NMU. Applicants must undergo the university’s admission process to be eligible.
Scholarships By Wallace Community College Selma
Qualification Criteria:
- Aged 65 or above
- Enrollment in the Academic or Technical department at Wallace Community College Selma
- Enrollment in credit courses
At Wallace Community College Selma, individuals aged 65 and above are eligible for complimentary tuition via the Senior Citizens Scholarships initiative. There is no separate application process; eligible individuals are automatically considered upon acceptance into either the Technical or Academic divisions. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that to be eligible, students must be actively pursuing a specific course of study.
Scholarship by Western Kentucky University
Criteria for eligibility:
- Must be a resident of Kentucky
- Age requirement: 65 years or older
The Senior Citizen’s Scholarship at Western Kentucky University offers tuition-free enrollment for eligible individuals. This opportunity is open to Kentucky residents who meet the age requirement of 65 or older by the beginning of the semester.
The scholarship covers tuition fees for both undergraduate and graduate courses, allowing students to pursue credited coursework applicable towards a degree. Alternatively, students have the option to audit the course. Applicants are required to reach out to the Billings and Receivables Office prior to the commencement of any semester to apply.
Scholarship by Osher Scholars and Fellows
Requirements:
- A gap in education of 5 years or more
- Enrolled in undergraduate studies
- Demonstrated financial need
Annually, The Bernard Osher Foundation presents the Osher Scholars and Fellows Program, tailored for individuals returning to education after an interruption of five years or more. Candidates must be working towards their initial bachelor’s degree and intend to enter the workforce for a significant duration post-graduation.
Typically, recipients of these scholarships fall within the age range of 25 to 50. To pursue this scholarship opportunity, review the participating institutions and apply directly through the university.
Maricopa Community Colleges Scholarship
Criteria:
- Aged 65 or above
- Living in Maricopa County
Maricopa Community Colleges Lifelong Learning provides a discounted tuition scheme for senior citizens. Individuals residing in Maricopa County and aged 65 or older are eligible to enroll in classes at Maricopa Community Colleges at a 50% reduced rate.
This initiative is accessible across all 10 campuses. Avail the discount for any credit-based course with available slots. The application process is simple: just submit your admission application; the discount will be automatically applied upon registration. Applications are accepted at any time.
Conclusion:
Often described as individuals aged 24 and above, adult learners encompass a varied demographic, spanning various social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds. Those who do not pursue higher education immediately after high school are categorized as “nontraditional students.” Many adult learners opt to return to school to acquire the qualifications necessary for career progression within their current profession or to venture into a different field.
This resource furnishes comprehensive details on best scholarships for older students and grants tailored for adult and nontraditional students. While colleges and universities primarily allocate funding toward scholarships for recent high school graduates, they also provide awards specifically targeting older learners.
