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The good news is that if you have delayed college, you may be eligible for special non-traditional scholarships (on top of ordinary scholarships that anyone can apply for).
This guide will help you understand your scholarship opportunities as a non-traditional student.
What Is a Non-Traditional Student?
Non-traditional students meet one or more of the following conditions:
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Check for scholarships- They are over 24-years-old
- They don’t continue to college straight after high school. They may take a break for a few years before going to college.
- They are returning to college after an extended break due to a life circumstance
- They are studying in a part-time program
- They work full-time
- They have financial independence
- They have children or dependents
- They are raising children alone
- They have a GED and not a high school diploma
Non-traditional students may also include veterans, people making a career change, and displaced workers.
Can Non-Traditional Students Get College Scholarships?
As you may have guessed, non-traditional students are eligible to apply for college scholarships. Scholarships for non-traditional students come from organizations, colleges, and universities.
The scholarships often target a specific population. For example, some scholarships award single mothers. Other scholarships award students who have a GED.
The Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education is an organization that awards scholarships to non-traditional students of all stripes. Applicants must be above 23-years-old. They also must meet one of the organization’s criteria for non-traditional students. Applicants must submit a resume, two references, and two letters of recommendation.
How to Apply For Non-Traditional Scholarships
The first thing you’ll want to do is determine what makes you a non-traditional student. Are you a student over 40? Are you returning to college after a four-year break? Are you working full time? Once you figure out what makes you non-traditional, use this to navigate your scholarship search.
While you apply for non-traditional scholarships, don’t forget to apply to traditional scholarships as well. There are many traditional scholarships that don’t have age requirements, meaning you might be eligible to apply. If a scholarship doesn’t list an age requirement, reach out to the scholarship provider to clarify.
Are There Scholarships For Adults Returning to School?
Yes, in fact, there are many! Here are a few that you might be able to apply to:
The William and Phoebe Clark Scholarship awards adult students. Students who have had their education interrupted may apply. The Scholarship awards up to $1,500.
Emerge Scholarships award, low-income women. Applicants must be residents of Georgia and at least 25-years-old. They must be accepted into a college or university. They must have a financial need. Awards range from $2,000-$5,000.
The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship awards low-income women who are at least 35-years-old. Applicants must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Scholarships for Adults Over 40
There are many scholarships that award adults over 40. There are even scholarships for senior citizens!
Here are other scholarships that help non-traditional students over 40 pay for their education.
Return to Learning Scholarship
The Return to Learning Scholarship helps adults over 40 pursue a college education. Applicants must be continuing college after a long interruption. Women in specified areas of Illinois may apply.
American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
The American Legion Auxiliary Awards $2,500 to adult students over 40. They must be members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion. They must be pursuing a two- or four-year professional, technical, or trade program.
Boundless Opportunity Scholarship
The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship awards non-traditional adults over 40. They must live in Wyoming, Colorado, or New Mexico. They also must be enrolled in undergraduate degree programs.
Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program awards students between the ages of 25 to 50. Applicants must have taken at least a five-year educational gap. They must show financial need. Scholarships are up to $50,000.
Chamberlain Family Graduate Scholarship
The Chamberlain Family Graduate Scholarship awards adult graduate students, including students over 40. Applicants must study at Colorado State’s College of Health and Human Sciences. They must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Final Thoughts
It’s never too late to get a college degree! There are many paths to higher education and they don’t all follow the same traditional route. Scholarships for non-traditional students are excellent opportunities to look into. They can make college more affordable and are geared for students in unique circumstances just like you.
