Scholarships For Working Adults
Are you returning to college after a long absence or going to college for the first time in midlife? Are you over twenty-four or a veteran? Have you decided to attend school in pursuit of a passion after years in a career? Do you have children? Then you are a nontraditional student, a member of a fast growing cohort. Nontraditional students tend to have different lifestyle and financial issues than the “traditional” student attending a two- or four-year college right after high school. Financial pressures are part of this picture, and time pressure is a significant second source of stress.
Federal and college-based money for school is generally available to nontraditional students under the under the same rules and restrictions that traditional students must follow. Generally you must be enrolled at least half-time, and in some cases full-time, to qualify.
Most scholarships out there do not have an age limit, so do not hesitate to apply to any and all scholarships just because you are nontraditional. However, there are several scholarships specifically geared towards nontraditional students:
Talbots Women’s Scholarship Fund This award is available to women who are determined to go back and get their undergraduate degree. Selection is based on financial need and past achievements. Five women will receive $10K for returning to a four-year institution, and 50 women will receive $1K. Go to www1.talbots.com and search for “scholarship.”Datatel Returning Student Scholarship Undergraduate and graduate students currently attending college that use software development products by Datatel are eligible. Students must be returning to school after a five-year absence. Fifty students will receive $1,500. www.datatel.com/global/scholarships/
Wal-Mart Higher REACH Scholarship This award is offered to student who have been out of high school for at least one year. Must be Wal-Mart employees and have been with the company for at least one year. Awards up to $2K are available. www.walmartfoundation.org
Not sure where to apply? The first step to exploring scholarships and financial aid options is to identify the schools you want to attend.
Search for degree programs using the top right yellow box