Explore scholarships and funding opportunities for adult learners and nontraditional students, including eligibility requirements, deadlines, and apply links. Find awards designed to support returning students, career changers, and students balancing work, family, and education.
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Scholarships for adult learners are awards specifically created for students who are returning to school after time in the workforce or who did not follow a traditional college path immediately after high school. These scholarships recognize that adult learners often balance work, family responsibilities, and financial commitments while pursuing education. Unlike traditional scholarships that target recent high school graduates, adult learner scholarships may prioritize life experience, career goals, or demonstrated perseverance over standardized test scores.
An adult learner typically refers to a student who:
Eligibility criteria vary by scholarship, but many programs are designed to support students who are navigating education later in life.
To apply for scholarships as an adult learner:
Many adult learner scholarships value real-world experience and professional growth, so your application should emphasize resilience, purpose, and long-term goals.
Adult learners often face unique challenges, including:
Scholarships can reduce tuition costs, minimize debt, and provide flexibility so adult students can focus on completing their degrees or certifications.