Scholarships for Non Traditional Students

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What is a Scholarship for Non Traditional Students?

If you postponed college, you may be eligible for scholarship for non traditional students. Scholarships for returning students are for people who are pursuing college later in their adult life. It could also be adults returning to school after being in the workforce. 

Scholarships for non traditional students often help pay for college along with other college expenses. Unlike a loan, a non traditional scholarship typically does not need to be paid back. So, if you abide by the terms, it should not add to your college debt.  

Who Offers Non Traditional Scholarships?

Providers of non traditional student scholarships are diverse. You may find them through corporations, professional associations and colleges and other organizations.  

One example is a Founders Scholarship. These awards are for members of ANTSHE. The Association for Non Traditional Students in Higher Education offers $500 to full tuition. There are many colleges offering this scholarship. Albright College and Beloit College are some schools that offer this award. 

Who is a Non Traditional Student?

Students who did not go from high school right into college are “non traditional.” Many students start working after earning their diploma. However, some may want to pursue college later in their life.  

Apart from that, non traditional students have diverse backgrounds. In general, you may qualify for a scholarship as a non traditional student if you meet one or more of the following six criteria from the NCES.  

  1. Non traditional students are over the age of 24. They may have already graduated from college and may want to go back to school.
  2. Enroll in college after graduating from high school after 1 year or more. Non traditional students did not immediately continue their education after high school. Many want to return to college after a gap year to finish their degree. 
  3. Attend college part time. Many non traditional students may have to raise a family or work full time. They may enroll in a part time program.  
  4. Have family duties and limited finances. Non traditional students may have to care for dependents other than a spouse. Some are single parents who are raising a child by themselves.
  5. Independent in terms of financial aid. Traditional college students may get financial help from their parents. Non traditional students are usually financially independent.
  6. Have a GED, not a high school diploma. Many non traditional students did not complete a high school diploma. But passed the GED exam and have a high school certificate of completion.    
  7. Work full time. Many non traditional students work a full time job or typical 9 to 5 job.

Can Non Traditional Students Get Financial Aid?

As a non traditional student, you may be eligible for federal student financial aid. Like anyone younger, you should soon fill out a FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid figures out your financial needs. Since there is no age limit for a Federal Pell Grant, you may be eligible too. 

Many scholarships for non traditional students do not place age limits either. Though some providers may ask to see the results of your FAFSA. 

Can You Get a Scholarship at the age of 25?

There are scholarships that you may apply to if you are age 25. You may need to show financial need and have at least a GED. One example is the Tennessee Hope Scholarship. It awards up to $6,750 annually. You must also be a resident of Tennessee.

Why Consider  Non Traditional Student Scholarships? 

A scholarship may help a non traditional student reenter college and help pay for school. Studies show lifetime earnings are higher with a college degree.  

One study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that people with less than a high school diploma may earn a weekly average of $520. Many workers could earn $836 per week with an associate’s degree. A bachelor’s degree has a weekly pay that averages at $1,173. 

How Many College Students are Considered Non Traditional?

Enrollment of students age 25 and over was 11 percent higher in 2016 than in 2006. The National Center for Education Statistics predicts that is on the rise by 1% through 2027. 

About 7.4 million students age 25 or older went to college in fall 2019. This is less than the number of ‘traditional’ students. About 12.5 million college students were under 25 years of age. 

About 10% of college students attending 4 year public colleges are non traditional. Of these, most students (8%) are age 25 to 34. The remaining 2% are 35 years or older.  

If you look at private for profit schools, about one third (39%) are 25 to 34. Another 28% are 35 plus. Somewhere between these two are private nonprofit colleges. While most (8%) are in the 25 to 34 range, 5% are adults age 35 and up. 

List of Non Traditional Student Scholarships

As a non traditional student, there are many scholarships to help you earn a college degree. There are 25,098 awards worth $132M below. Apply now to our list of scholarships for non traditional students.

Top Ten List Scholarship

The Top Ten List Scholarship is open to US students who are 14 years of age and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Award Amount

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: December 31, 2023

I Have a Dream Scholarship

This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Award Amount

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: January 31, 2024

The Divorce Stigma Scholarship

The Atlanta Divorce Law Group has worked with countless families through the most challenging times of their lives. Our attorneys have experience working through all aspects of divorce proceedings and see the strain it places on families. Despite the fact that many people view divorce as a negative situation, we believe in life Happily Ever After Divorce™. It is our mission to get rid of the stigma of divorce so people can make a real decision for their family’s future that does not come from a place of guilt and shame. We believe that when guilt and shame run the show, families stay stuck in dysfunctional relationships rather than make a movement towards becoming a healthier and happier family that may be under a different framework than marriage but nonetheless still a family. Through our experience, our attorneys see first hand how divorce can actually leave families happier and lead to positive lives post-divorce. The Atlanta Divorce Law Group is proud to hold The Divorce Stigma Scholarship, for another year, to hear students share their experience with divorce and how it differed from the negative stigma that surrounds divorce today. Share your story with us and explain how a divorce experience of a close friend or family member had positive effects on those involved. The winner of the scholarship will be chosen based on the criteria outlined below and will be awarded this $1,000 award to pursue their education.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: February 28, 2024

Whistleblower Education Scholarship

When you see something wrong, what do you do? Are you someone that pushes the scene to the side and ignores it? Or are you taking action and pointing out the wrongdoing? If you are an individual that stands up and calls out the injustice, then you can call yourself a whistleblower! Every day, Tony Munter, a Whistleblower attorney at Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP, assists others in fighting for what is right by helping them expose wrongdoings. Tony understands the power behind using your resources to take a stand to uncover the inequity in your community. No matter how small or large the wrongdoing, taking action against lawlessness is how individuals work together to build a society based on shared values.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: February 28, 2024

Make Me Laugh Scholarship

The Make Me Laugh Scholarship, offered by UNIGO, is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2025) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Award Amount

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: August 31, 2024

Shout It Out Scholarship

This award is open to all U.S. students who are 14 and older and who are currently enrolled (or enroll no later than fall of 2027) in an accredited postsecondary institution of higher education. One scholarship winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship.
Award Amount

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: September 30, 2024

Kathy Johnson Outreach Scholarship

This award is for a non-traditional undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student. Applicants must attend an Oregon school and pursue a degree in a field of study related to wildlife science.
Award Amount

Total: $600

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: December 07

Saline County Single Parent Scholarship

Undergraduate single parents who reside in Saline County, Arkansas and have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must live at or near the poverty level and have one or more children under the age of 18.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 500

Deadline

Deadline: January 15

Renate W. Chasman Scholarship

This award is for U.S. re-entry female students – one who has returned to school to pursue her education following an interruption. Applicants must be residents of Long Island in New York State, accepted for credit into a degree-oriented program in the natural sciences, engineering, or mathematics, and entering the junior or senior undergraduate year or first-year graduate level.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: January 30

Boston City Federation Scholarship for Women Returning to School

This award is available to women from Massachusetts who are returning to college as a non-traditional student.
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: March 01