Top Scholarships for Adults Over 25

Age shouldn’t be a barrier to pursuing higher education, and thankfully, many institutions and scholarship programs recognize this. Although some people think scholarships are exclusively for recent high school graduates or first-year college students, numerous opportunities await nontraditional students and adults over 25 eager to return to school.

At Scholarship Institute, we recognize the courage and commitment it takes to pursue a college degree later in life, so we’ve thoroughly researched and curated a list of 24 scholarships. During our research process, we evaluated various scholarship platforms, eligibility criteria, and application requirements to ensure that we highlighted the most accessible and beneficial options.

Among the resources we found, Bold.org stands out for offering an extensive range of scholarships tailored for nontraditional students. Their commitment to inclusivity and support for adult learners makes them a valuable resource.

By comparing multiple sources, we ensured that the scholarships featured in our guide provide the best financial support and opportunities for those looking to further their education. Whether you’re seeking a career change, more profound knowledge, or skills to advance in your current career, this guide will help you find financial support.

Students over 25 returning to school or pursuing grad studies often have jobs and lives outside of school. Scholarships help alleviate some of the financial burdens that these students face. Apply today.

Types of Scholarships for Adults Over 25

Although adults have different backgrounds than traditional students, they still qualify for several scholarships, including those for graduate programs. Here are some of the most common scholarship types for adults: 

Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships recognize adult learners’ diverse talents and experiences, whether in academics, arts, work experience, or other fields. While some may require a minimum GPA, others focus on life experiences, professional achievements, or community involvement that demonstrate merit. Merit-based scholarships are typically available for those pursuing an undergraduate degree, a graduate degree, or technical or vocational education.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships help adults with financial challenges that prevent them from pursuing higher education. Applicants typically provide financial documentation, ensuring those with financial concerns receive adequate support. When determining applicants’ financial needs, these programs may also consider other factors, like child expenses and housing payments. 

Student-Specific Scholarships

Adults may qualify for specific scholarships depending on their personal background. Student-specific scholarships are based on various factors, such as ethnicity, gender, or life experiences, and encourage qualifying adults to continue or start their education. 

Career-Specific Scholarships

If you have a distinct career path or field of study in mind, you may qualify for a career-specific scholarship. These opportunities target students who want to become a particular profession, such as future teachers, nurses, or engineers. Whether funded by a private donor or local company, these scholarships help adults find new careers. 

College-Specific Scholarships

Many colleges and universities value the experiences of adult students and, resultingly, offer scholarships to encourage enrollment. Even if your school doesn’t offer college scholarships specifically for adults, they may offer other incoming scholarships based on your previous academic or work experience. 

How To Find Scholarships for Adults

You can search online for adult scholarships, but Bold.org is one of the best platforms to find opportunities. Dedicated to connecting students with scholarship opportunities, Bold.org has a substantial selection of awards for various demographics, including adults returning to school. You can also find other scholarships, such as career or student-specific programs, to get as much financial aid as possible. 

Additionally, consider contacting the financial aid offices of the institutions you’re interested in, as many colleges offer scholarships for non-traditional students and adults. Local community organizations, employers, and professional associations might also have scholarship programs for adults pursuing further education.  

Are you attending college soon? Check out our college scholarships to help you pay for your education.

How to Apply for Adult Scholarships: A Step-by-Step Guide 

When you’re ready to start applying for scholarships, we recommend using Bold.org to streamline the process. Here’s how to get started: 

Step 1: Visit Bold.org

Head to Bold.org, a scholarship platform with numerous opportunities for adults. You can sign up for a free account and then create a profile highlighting your journey as an adult and why you’re returning to school. 

Step 2: Browse Scholarship Programs

You can sort scholarships to find the ones specifically for adults or use the search tool and experiment with keywords to find suitable opportunities for your educational goals. 

Step 3: Determine Your Eligibility 

Before diving into the application process, take a moment to assess your eligibility. As an adult student, you’ll find scholarships for your unique life experiences, career aspirations, and educational goals. Ensure you fit the criteria of the scholarships you’re eyeing and can submit the required parts of the applications on time. 

Step 4: Work on Your Applications

You have compelling wisdom and lessons to share. Customize your application to resonate with the scholarship’s intent while highlighting your perspective. Additionally, optimize your Bold.org profile to match the scholarship’s scope, showcasing why you deserve to win based on your experiences. 

Step 5: Proofread and Submit

Before submitting your applications, double-check your work and ensure they’re ready. Correct any errors and confirm it conveys the message you want to communicate. When you’re comfortable with the applications, submit them and await a reply. 

Step 6: Stay Updated

After submission, you can check your dashboard on Bold.org for any updates or communication from the scholarship provider. You may also receive emails with status updates, so be sure to stay alert in case you move forward or need to provide additional information. 

Tips for Winning an Adult Scholarship

If you want to increase your chances of winning an adult scholarship, follow these expert tips when you apply: 

Tip 1: Start Early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start your scholarship search; instead, start as early as possible to research scholarships, gather necessary documents, and craft compelling applications. Plus, early birds often have the advantage of accessing scholarships before they’re widely advertised. 

Tip 2: Embrace Your Life Experiences

Your journey as an adult learner is unique and filled with experiences that younger students might not have. Emphasize your life lessons, previous challenges, and the wisdom you’ve gained over the years. Remember, your perspective is worth sharing and can make your applications stand out. 

Tip 3: Tailor Your Applications

Generic applications are easy to spot, so customize yours to align with the scholarship’s intentions. Dive deep into what the organizer values and customize your responses to resonate with their goals. 

Tip 4: Highlight Your Commitment to Learning

As an adult, returning to education is a significant decision to make. Express your commitment to learning, your reasons for pursuing further education, and how it aligns with your career and personal aspirations. 

Tip 5: Write a Strong Essay

If you have to submit an essay for a scholarship, use it as a chance to tell your story. Focus on clarity, authenticity, and passion. Discuss why you’re returning to school and what you hope to gain while adhering to the requirements of the prompt (if provided). 

Tip 6: Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Bold.org has hundreds of scholarships you may qualify for, and you aren’t limited to just one. The more you apply, the higher your chances of winning, so take advantage and submit as many applications as possible. 

Tip 7: Solidify Your Bold.org Profile

Your profile is often the only requirement to apply for scholarships on Bold.org. You want it to showcase everything you want to demonstrate to the scholarship panels, so take time to make it stand out and appeal to them. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for Students Over 25 

What Happens If I Win a Scholarship But Choose to Defer My Admission? 

If you win a scholarship but decide to defer your admission, the award may carry over to your future start term. Some scholarships may allow you to defer, while others may require you to reapply. For more information, contact the scholarship provider with any specific questions. 

Is It Too Late to Look for Scholarships?

It’s never too late to return to school and look for scholarships! While many scholarships target high school seniors or first-year college students, adults at various stages of their lives qualify for numerous scholarships. To get started, head to Bold.org and create a free account to find adult scholarships today. 

What Are Some Other Resources for Adult Students? 

Adult students can reach out to their local adult education center, community college, or professional organizations to find resources in their area. Many of these programs offer flexible schedules and financial aid opportunities tailored to adult learners, but it depends on your area and desired services. 

Can You Get FAFSA After 25? 

Yes, you can apply for FAFSA after 25. Generally, any U.S. citizen enrolled in an eligible degree or certification program can apply for the FAFSA. In fact, after turning 24, you’re considered an “independent student,” meaning you won’t need to provide parental information, potentially increasing your eligibility for financial aid. 

How Do You Pay for College Later in Life?

Paying for college later in life is achievable through a combination of scholarships, grants, federal financial aid, employer tuition assistance, or personal savings. Exploring community colleges or online courses can also offer more affordable options. Qualifying applicants can also apply for student loans. 

Are Scholarships Taxable Income?

Scholarship money for qualifying expenses like tuition, fees, and required books and supplies is generally tax-free. However, amounts used for incidental expenses like room and board are taxable. It’s essential to consult IRS guidelines or a tax professional for specific questions. 

How Many Scholarships Can You Get?

There’s no limit to the number of scholarships you can receive. You can apply for as many scholarships as possible to fully cover the cost of tuition and related expenses. Each scholarship has its own criteria, and meeting these can increase the chances of winning multiple awards. 

Apply for adult scholarships to help you pay for your education as you return to school.