College Grants and Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students

This is a guest post from Amanda Tradwick.  Amanda is a grant researcher and writer for CollegeGrants.org. She has a Bachelor's degrees from the University of Delaware, and has recently finished research on african american grants and texas college grants.


Have you recently decided to go back to school or to get continuing education to increase your earnings potential or to learn the skills needed to start your own business? There are many ways that you can fund your continuing education, including grants and scholarships. These are special awards that do not need to be repaid. If you can qualify for enough of these awards, you can get your education paid for at no cost to you. Most grants and scholarships are awarded according to academic merit, group association, or some other characteristic. For example, some grants and scholarships are available specifically for older students and for those who are returning to school later in life. Here are some of the grants and scholarships available for non-traditional students:

Talbot's Women's Scholarship Program
The scholarship program from this clothing retailer offers one $30,000 scholarship, 17 $10,000 scholarships and 50 $1,000 scholarships to women who are pursuing an undergraduate degree after having been out of school for at least 10 years.

Business and Professional Women's Foundation
The foundation offers Career Advancement Scholarships for women who are 25 or older and who are within two years of completing their bachelor's degrees. This year, the scholarships were limited to women pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

American Legion Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Members of the American Legion who are starting their education later in life or who are returning to finish their degree after many years are eligible for this scholarship. Awards are granted by region in the amount of $1,000.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Program
Executive Women International sponsors this program, which provides assistance for Central Ohio residents who are single parents, are just entering the workforce, or are displaced workers. Scholarships are awarded based on guidelines from the IRS.

Osher Re-Entry Scholarship Program
Individuals who have experienced an interruption in their education of five years or more and want to complete their degree. Individuals must be between 25 and 50 and can be pursuing their education part-time or full-time.

National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
Adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who have cancer or who are cancer survivors are eligible for this scholarship. Awards of $1,000 are granted to those studying for an undergraduate or graduate degree or a certificate.

There are many more grants and scholarships available for non-traditional students, based on regional location and group membership, but this list is a good sampling of what's available. Students at any stage of their studies should start their search for financial assistance by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for grants such as the Pell Grant and more.


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