4 answers
Shelby
Student
Lincoln, Nebraska
1
Question
Asked
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What are some of the best places to look for returning student scholarships?
I'm looking for places that might have more scholarships geared for adults returning to school seeking to complete a degree for the first time.
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4 answers
Ankita Pimple
Currently Student pursuing MS in Management Information System
27
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Best places to find scholarships for returning/adult students:
🎓 Your college’s financial aid office – ask about scholarships for adult learners.
🌐 Websites – Try Fastweb, Scholarships.com, Going Merry, or Cappex.
🏛️ State programs – Check your state’s education or grant websites.
💼 Career/industry groups – Many offer scholarships to adults entering their field.
Great for funding your degree as a returning student!
🎓 Your college’s financial aid office – ask about scholarships for adult learners.
🌐 Websites – Try Fastweb, Scholarships.com, Going Merry, or Cappex.
🏛️ State programs – Check your state’s education or grant websites.
💼 Career/industry groups – Many offer scholarships to adults entering their field.
Great for funding your degree as a returning student!
Thank you for the advice!
Shelby
Michelle M.
Actress
2450
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Shelby !
Congratulations for being a returning student ! I applaud you !
Here are some scholarships you can do a search for online: Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship (deadline is passed, but consider it for next school year), College JumpStart Scholarship, Monthly Scholarship (if chosen you get $500.00 a month !), Cancer Survivors Scholarship (student or family member can be the qualifier), Boomer Benefits Scholarship (this one is for people 50 and older. . . I am tempted, LOL), Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship, Niche Scholarship, Scholarship Detective Scholarship (deadline was in August but try for next school year), and check with the college you will attend as they may have special returning students scholarships, too.
These types of scholarships are categorized by age, too. For instance, 'Scholarships for women in their 30's', 'Scholarships for women in their 40's' and so on. You could probably find more by doing that search.
Remember to apply for Federal Student Financial Aid and the Work Study Program. Also speak with the Financial Aid officer at your college to have everything explained to you and inquire about scholarships there, too.
You didn't mention the college you will attend, but he University of Nebraska in Lincoln offers scholarships based on a holistic review, including academic performance, resume of activities, and open-ended responses within the supplemental Scholarship Application. Nebraska Promise offers 30 units of credit tuition free !
Look for the Additional Scholarship Opportunities Application in MyRED, and the Lincoln Community Foundation Student Success Scholarship. You can apply for regular scholarships and grants, too. The qualifications are usually listed so you'd know which ones to choose. Definitely search for ones connected to your major.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Congratulations for being a returning student ! I applaud you !
Here are some scholarships you can do a search for online: Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship (deadline is passed, but consider it for next school year), College JumpStart Scholarship, Monthly Scholarship (if chosen you get $500.00 a month !), Cancer Survivors Scholarship (student or family member can be the qualifier), Boomer Benefits Scholarship (this one is for people 50 and older. . . I am tempted, LOL), Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship, Niche Scholarship, Scholarship Detective Scholarship (deadline was in August but try for next school year), and check with the college you will attend as they may have special returning students scholarships, too.
These types of scholarships are categorized by age, too. For instance, 'Scholarships for women in their 30's', 'Scholarships for women in their 40's' and so on. You could probably find more by doing that search.
Remember to apply for Federal Student Financial Aid and the Work Study Program. Also speak with the Financial Aid officer at your college to have everything explained to you and inquire about scholarships there, too.
You didn't mention the college you will attend, but he University of Nebraska in Lincoln offers scholarships based on a holistic review, including academic performance, resume of activities, and open-ended responses within the supplemental Scholarship Application. Nebraska Promise offers 30 units of credit tuition free !
Look for the Additional Scholarship Opportunities Application in MyRED, and the Lincoln Community Foundation Student Success Scholarship. You can apply for regular scholarships and grants, too. The qualifications are usually listed so you'd know which ones to choose. Definitely search for ones connected to your major.
I hope this helps and wish you all the best !
Sharon Clemons, MSM
11
Answers
West Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
You might be surprised, but you can apply again to some places you've tried before. My daughter got several scholarships from the same group during her four years.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1011
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Shelby, please understand that by searching for scholarships as a returning or nontraditional student can feel overwhelming, but there are several reputable platforms and organizations that specifically support adults who are returning to school to complete a degree for the first time. Many of these opportunities are geared toward individuals with unique life circumstances, such as working professionals, parents, or those who have experienced financial hardship. Below is a curated list of some of the best places to start your scholarship search, along with direct links and tips on how to navigate them effectively:
* Fastweb – https://www.fastweb.com Fastweb is one of the most comprehensive scholarship databases available. After creating a free profile, you’ll receive matches tailored to your background—including your status as a returning or adult learner. Be sure to mark that you are a nontraditional or returning student in your profile to get the most relevant results.
* Scholarships.com – https://www.scholarships.com Another widely used resource, Scholarships.com allows you to filter results by age, career goals, and student type. There is a dedicated section for adult learners and returning students, which includes both national and state-level opportunities.
* College Board’s BigFuture – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search While widely known for helping high school students, BigFuture also has a robust scholarship search engine with filters that include nontraditional and adult students. It's especially helpful if you’re targeting a specific academic field or plan to attend a particular type of institution.
* Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation – https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org This foundation offers scholarships specifically for low-income women with children who are returning to school. It’s an excellent resource if you’re balancing education with parenting responsibilities.
* Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund – https://www.rankinfoundation.org This scholarship is geared toward low-income women age 35 and older pursuing a college education. It supports not just tuition, but often helps with living expenses, making it ideal for returning students.
* Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) – Executive Women International https://ewiconnect.com/page/asist ASIST awards scholarships to adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are looking to improve their situation through education. It's ideal for those pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or technical degree.
* State-Based Financial Aid Websites Many states offer scholarships specifically for returning adults through their higher education departments. For example, North Carolina residents can explore the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) site at https://www.cfnc.org, which includes resources like the NC Finish Line Grant for students who left college near completion and want to return.
* University Financial Aid Offices If you know where you plan to attend (such as North Carolina State University), visit the school’s scholarship page. Many universities have scholarships specifically for nontraditional students or offer adult learner support services that include funding guidance. NC State’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid can be accessed at https://financialaid.ncsu.edu.
* Workforce Development and Career Centers Local workforce development boards or career centers often partner with community colleges and universities to provide grants and scholarships for adult learners. Many programs are supported through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). You can start at https://www.careeronestop.org, a U.S. Department of Labor resource.
When applying, be sure to keep a calendar of deadlines, tailor your personal statements to each application, and highlight your life experiences, motivation, and goals—these are often assets in the eyes of scholarship committees focused on adult learners. With persistence and the right tools, you'll be able to find financial support that helps turn your academic goals into reality.
* Fastweb – https://www.fastweb.com Fastweb is one of the most comprehensive scholarship databases available. After creating a free profile, you’ll receive matches tailored to your background—including your status as a returning or adult learner. Be sure to mark that you are a nontraditional or returning student in your profile to get the most relevant results.
* Scholarships.com – https://www.scholarships.com Another widely used resource, Scholarships.com allows you to filter results by age, career goals, and student type. There is a dedicated section for adult learners and returning students, which includes both national and state-level opportunities.
* College Board’s BigFuture – https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search While widely known for helping high school students, BigFuture also has a robust scholarship search engine with filters that include nontraditional and adult students. It's especially helpful if you’re targeting a specific academic field or plan to attend a particular type of institution.
* Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation – https://www.patsyminkfoundation.org This foundation offers scholarships specifically for low-income women with children who are returning to school. It’s an excellent resource if you’re balancing education with parenting responsibilities.
* Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund – https://www.rankinfoundation.org This scholarship is geared toward low-income women age 35 and older pursuing a college education. It supports not just tuition, but often helps with living expenses, making it ideal for returning students.
* Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) – Executive Women International https://ewiconnect.com/page/asist ASIST awards scholarships to adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are looking to improve their situation through education. It's ideal for those pursuing an associate’s, bachelor’s, or technical degree.
* State-Based Financial Aid Websites Many states offer scholarships specifically for returning adults through their higher education departments. For example, North Carolina residents can explore the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC) site at https://www.cfnc.org, which includes resources like the NC Finish Line Grant for students who left college near completion and want to return.
* University Financial Aid Offices If you know where you plan to attend (such as North Carolina State University), visit the school’s scholarship page. Many universities have scholarships specifically for nontraditional students or offer adult learner support services that include funding guidance. NC State’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid can be accessed at https://financialaid.ncsu.edu.
* Workforce Development and Career Centers Local workforce development boards or career centers often partner with community colleges and universities to provide grants and scholarships for adult learners. Many programs are supported through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). You can start at https://www.careeronestop.org, a U.S. Department of Labor resource.
When applying, be sure to keep a calendar of deadlines, tailor your personal statements to each application, and highlight your life experiences, motivation, and goals—these are often assets in the eyes of scholarship committees focused on adult learners. With persistence and the right tools, you'll be able to find financial support that helps turn your academic goals into reality.