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 awards worth below. Apply now to our list of scholarships for non traditional students.

Richard H. Pierce Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available for Maine undergraduate and graduate students who have completed at least one year of a community college program or two years at a four-year college or university. Applications will be selected on the basis of academic achievement and unmet financial need.
Award Amount

Total:  $20000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  April 01

Women’s Another Chance Scholarship

The Women’s Another Chance Scholarship is available for mothers who reside in and attend school in the St. Louis area. Applicants must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and critical unmet financial need. Click here to learn more about eligibility and how you can apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $8000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 01

Gloria and Joseph Mattera National Scholarship Fund for Migrant Children

Students who show recent history of movement for agricultural employment and are enrolled or accepted at a postsecondary institution OR are high school dropouts or potential dropouts are eligible to apply. Applications are available by contacting the Geneseo Migrant Center.
Award Amount

Total:  $500

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 01

Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation (HENAAC) Scholars Program

The Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corporation Scholarship Program is available for current high school seniors, undergraduates, and returning or non-traditional students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage and plan to pursue a major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Award Amount

Total:  $381500

Awards:  109

Deadline

Deadline:  April 01

GFWC Women’s Club of South County Scholarship

This scholarship is available for female Washington County (RI) residents who are 21 years of age or older. Students must be enrolled or registered in an educational or job skills training program and working toward their first degree (associate or bachelor’s) or certificate.
Award Amount

Total:  $14600

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 01

Susan Schulman Begley Memorial Scholarship

This award is open to women who are establishing themselves as a head of household and a single parent, and due to extreme circumstances following the dissolution of an abusive or emotionally traumatic relationship, have no other adequate financial means, and require funds to meet immediate needs for themselves and their children, including rent & food. Students must reside in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties in California.
Award Amount

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 09

Dodell Women’s Empowerment Scholarship

U.S. women who are 35 years of age or older and are re-entering or continuing school n order to learn a marketable skill which will lead to economic self-sufficiency are eligible for this award. Students must live and attend school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, or Ventura counties in California.
Award Amount

Total:  $4000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  April 09

Sylvia and Samuel Schulman Memorial Scholarship

U.S. single mothers who are entering or continuing school in an accredited institution in order to learn a marketable skill which will lead to economic independence are eligible for this award. Students must reside and attend college/university in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, or Ventura counties in California.
Award Amount

Total:  $1000

Awards:  1

Deadline

Deadline:  April 09

Linda Todd Scholarship

This annual award, it goes to an outstanding re-entry Virginia Beach female resident, enrolled in an accredited two or four-year institution. ?The program is supported by Branch member donations and occasional fundraising events. At least one $500 scholarship is available each spring. Learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total:  $2000

Awards:  2

Deadline

Deadline:  April 15

We Give Hope $4,000 Scholarship

This is a unique opportunity for anyone who’s overcome a major obstacle. If you have survived jail, prison, drug abuse, juvenile hall, the foster care system or any other big challenge, we want you to apply for this scholarship. Only applicants who are california residents are eligible.
Award Amount

Total:  $3000

Awards:  3

Deadline

Deadline:  April 30