Navigating Scholarships for Non-traditional Students
Are you a non-traditional student?
You're probably wondering if you qualify as non-traditional student. The general qualifier is that they are older than traditional college-age students, but there's more to it than that. Non-traditional students have different life experiences that can help them succeed in school or may have prevented them from attending school. For example, some people may be returning to school after being out of the workforce for several years or raising children as single parents; others might be returning after serving in the military or taking care of sick relatives at home for an extended period of time. These are just some examples of why people might become non-traditional students--and if any of these situations sound familiar to you, then you just might qualify for scholarships and grants. We’ve compiled financial aid and scholarship recommendations and advice for non-traditional students to help get you started.
Navigating Scholarships Financial Aid
As a general rule, most private scholarships have a age minimum, not an age maximum. This is good news for non-traditional students because it means you will be eligible for just as many opportunities as younger students.
FAFSA is your friend
Federal student aid generally does not have any age restrictions. To receive federal aid and federal grants, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Regarding education, there are some limitations. A student who has already earned a bachelor’s degree or first professional degree is no longer considered an undergraduate student and is ineligible for the Pell Grant. There are other outside scholarships that may ask for your FAFSA report so it’s important not to skip this step.
Consider your income level (including spouse)
Regarding need-based financial aid, the impact of your income and/or the income of your spouse is a crucial factor in how much aid you’ll receive. An independent student designation can work out in your favor and improve your eligibility for need-based federal financial aid, but if your married it could tip the scales out of your favor. Married students without a lot of income and assets tend to have favorable financial aid results while those couples who are more established may receive less or no aid. It’s important to have this conversation with your spouse so there are no surprises when it comes time to fill out the FAFSA.
Non-traditional student Scholarship Recommendations
Scholarships for students over 25
The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship: This scholarship is for non-traditional students who are facing economic, social, or physical challenges and are pursuing degrees.
The Imagine America Foundation Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) Scholarship: This scholarship is for non-traditional students, including those over 25 years old, who are pursuing a career or technical education program.
Scholarships for women
The Jeanette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is for women over 35 years of age who have low income and are pursuing a technical or vocational degree or a bachelor’s degree.
The Women's Independence Scholarship Program (WISP): This scholarship is for women who have survived domestic violence and are pursuing a vocational or undergraduate degree.
The Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Program for Continuing Education Grant: This scholarship is for women who have had a gap in their education and are returning to college to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Biggest Takeaway
Going back to school can be a daunting process, but it doesn't have to be. If you're looking for ways to fund your education without taking out loans or getting into debt, the best thing is just to start researching scholarships. There are so many options out there for everyone--even non-traditional students like yourself!
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