Returning to school as an adult takes courage, commitment, and often financial support. Whether you’re pursuing your first degree, returning after years away, or advancing your education for career growth, there are scholarships designed specifically for adult learners.

Here are some of the best scholarships available for adult students:

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Scholarships for Adults

1. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant

Link: Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant

• Award: Up to $2,500 annually, renewable for up to 5 years
• Eligibility: U.S. residents age 35+ who identify as women, nonbinary, or Two-Spirit; demonstrate financial need; pursuing first tech certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution.
• Deadline: 2025–2026 cycle closed Feb 16, 2025; 2026–2027 cycle opens Nov 10, 2025

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2. Boomer Benefits Scholarship

Link: Boomer Benefits Scholarship

• Award: $2,500
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 50+ enrolled in accredited undergraduate or graduate programs; must have 3.0 GPA and submit personal statement, recommendations, transcript, and application.
• Deadline: Opens July 1; closes August 27 annually

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3. Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) – Imagine America Foundation

Link: Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)

• Award: $1,000 tuition grant
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens/residents age 19+ with high school diploma/GED, financial need, and enrollment in participating career colleges.
• Deadline: Varies by institution

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4. Return2College Scholarship

Link: Return2College Scholarship

• Award: $1,000
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal residents age 17+ starting or currently enrolled in higher education (college or graduate); open to full-time or part-time students. Multiple essays allowed.
• Deadline: September 30, 2025

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5. Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholar Grant

Link: Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholar Grant

• Award: Typically $2,000–$10,000 per year
• Eligibility: Low-income U.S. women or nonbinary individuals age 35+ pursuing their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
• Deadline: Opens November 2025 for the next award cycle

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6. Osher Reentry Scholarship Program – University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Link: Osher Reentry Scholarship – UH Mānoa

• Award: Tuition assistance (amount varies)
• Eligibility: Undergraduates age 25–50 returning to complete first bachelor’s after 5+ year gap; 2.5 GPA minimum; financial need.
• Deadline: Priority Feb 15; additional awards through September

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7. Osher Reentry Scholarship – California State University, Chico

Link: Osher Reentry Scholarship – CSU Chico

• Award: Up to $5,000/year for full-time; prorated for part-time
• Eligibility: Chico State undergrads returning after 5+ years, 2.5 GPA minimum, financial need.
• Deadline: January 2 – February 15 annually

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8. Osher Reentry Scholarship – University of Maine (USM)

Link: Osher Reentry Scholarship – USM

• Award: Up to $5,000 per academic year
• Eligibility: USM undergraduates returning after 5+ years, enrolled in at least 6 credits, with financial need.
• Deadline: June 15 annually

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9. Finish What You Started Program – CU Boulder/Colorado Opportunity Scholarship

Link: Finish What You Started – CU Boulder

• Award: Starts at $1,500 per semester (through Spring 2025)
• Eligibility: Colorado residents pursuing first degree; must have CU Boulder credits, financial need, and be impacted by the pandemic; not enrolled elsewhere for 2+ consecutive semesters.
• Deadline: Opens Dec 1, 2025 for 2026–27 year; due Feb 15–Mar 15

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10. Boundless Opportunity Scholarship (Daniels Fund)

Link: Boundless Opportunity Scholarship

• Award: Minimum $2,500
• Eligibility: Available to adults entering or returning to college, GED recipients, veterans, foster youth, juvenile justice youth, and ROTC participants in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.
• Deadline: September 2, 2025

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Final Thoughts

Adult learners prove that education has no age limit. Whether you’re reentering college after decades, finishing a degree you once started, or pursuing a new career path, these scholarships can ease financial barriers and support your success. With options ranging from local reentry awards to national programs, there’s help available to take your next academic step.