Returning to school after a break can be a great choice, but it often comes with financial hurdles or other challenges. You may be balancing full-time work, raising a family, or overcoming obstacles that delayed your education in the first place.
Scholarships for returning students recognize these challenges and provide essential support to help them reenter the academic setting. Whether you’re going back to complete a degree, pursue a new career, or simply follow a passion for learning, scholarships can help ease the financial strain.
From undergraduate programs to certifications and graduate studies, scholarships for returning students or adult scholarships cater to a wide range of educational paths, empowering students to reclaim their academic ambitions and pursue a college degree.
To help you, we’ve identified some of the best scholarships for returning students on Bold.org, a trusted platform for connecting students with tailored scholarship opportunities. Keep reading to explore these handpicked opportunities, learn how to apply for them, and discover practical tips to strengthen your applications.
Undergraduate and graduate students who’ve had a break in their education can find even more scholarships on our list of scholarships. Check out our recommendations today.
Best Scholarships for Returning Students to Apply for in 2025
Apply below right now to the best Scholarships for Returning Students. Exclusive scholarships found only on Bold.org!

$25,000 "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship
The world will be shaped by the bold—the fighters, the risk-takers, the earnest overachievers who won’t take no for an answer. The $10,000 “Be Bold” Scholarship is a no-essay scholarship that will be awarded to the applicant with the boldest profile.

Brattican Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about the trades so they can pursue their dreams and finance their education.

Alger Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support students who display the qualities of stellar work ethic, dedication to volunteerism, and eagerness to excel academically.

Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
This scholarship will provide for college students or adults currently in a career, who have student debt. Students must be African American or Hispanic/Latino and first-generation students in order to apply.

Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to support student caregivers so they can afford to pursue their dreams of higher education.

Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Debra S. Jackson by supporting students who are making the brave decision to return to school later in life.

Gone & Here Annual Scholarship
This scholarship aims to uplift the youth and raise awareness of mental health crises by supporting students who have lost a sibling due to suicide.

Tracey Johnson-Webb Adult Learners Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to honor the efforts of Tracey Johnson-Webb by supporting adult learners who are handling the responsibilities of work or parenting while pursuing higher education.

"A Daring Path" No-Essay Scholarship
This scholarship exists to support a bold person who wants to get the most out of this world.

400 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship
This scholarship will be awarded to the student whose Bold.org profile is the most bold, and who has earned at least 400 Bold Points.

Ismat's Scholarship for Empowering Muslim Women
This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of Ismat by keeping her dreams alive and empowering Muslim women to not give up on their educational journeys and to do their part to make this world a better place!

Ray Aplin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to knock down barriers by making higher education more accessible to students with disabilities.

Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to honor the life of Michael Rudometkin by supporting students who are passionate about community service and making the world a better place.

Monti E. Hall Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is rooted in Monti E. Hall’s spirit, aiming to support veterans who are returning to school and pursuing their own educational journey.

Allison Thomas Swanberg Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to continue Allison Thomas Swanberg’s legacy of helping students achieve their educational goals.

Patty Timmons Women's Healthcare Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support women as they pursue higher education and their healthcare ambitions.

Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care
This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.

Jennifer D. Hale Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Jennifer D. Hale by supporting students who are pursuing their dreams in the field of nursing.

Deanna Ellis Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will support a student pursuing a career in helping those with substance abuse issues.

Types of Scholarships For Returning Students Available
Academic Merit Based:
Scholarships based on things like undergraduate students’ GPA are grouped under this category. Former transcripts from past semesters or prior university records are a big help in winning these scholarships for returning students.
Major Based:
To qualify for some scholarships for returning students, there is a specific major-oriented eligibility criterion. That’s major-based. Nontraditional students returning can find specific scholarships for returning students. Sometimes, qualified applicants will have to be part of a specific major to qualify.
Finding the Right Scholarships
The key to securing a scholarship is knowing where to look. Here are a few common categories:
General Scholarships for Adult Learners
- Many organizations and institutions offer scholarships specifically for students returning to school after a significant break.
Career-Specific Scholarships
- If you’re pursuing education in a specific field, such as healthcare, technology, or education, industry organizations frequently provide scholarships to attract skilled professionals.
Institutional Scholarships
- Many colleges and universities offer scholarships for nontraditional students.
Demographic-Focused Scholarships
- Some scholarships are targeted at specific groups, such as women returning to school, veterans, or first-generation college students.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning
To stand out in a competitive pool of applicants, follow these steps:
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Share your story and explain why returning to school is important to you.
Demonstrate Commitment: Scholarship committees look for individuals who show determination and a clear sense of purpose.
Secure Strong Recommendations: Employers, community leaders, or previous educators are great choices.
Pay Attention to Deadlines: Missing deadlines is a common pitfall. Create a calendar to track important dates and give yourself plenty of time to gather all necessary documents.
Scholarships for Returning Students: A Path to Opportunity
Returning to school after a break can be an empowering choice, but it often comes with financial hurdles. Whether you’re going back to complete a degree, pursue a new career, or simply follow a passion for learning, scholarships can play a crucial role in easing the financial strain and helping you focus on success.
Finding the Right Scholarships
The key to securing a scholarship is knowing where to look. Here are a few common categories:
- General Scholarships for Adult Learners
Many organizations and institutions offer scholarships specifically for students returning to school after a significant break. These programs often emphasize personal growth, overcoming adversity, and the ability to contribute to your field of study. - Career-Specific Scholarships
If you’re pursuing education in a specific field, such as healthcare, technology, or education, industry organizations frequently provide scholarships to attract skilled professionals. These scholarships often include mentorship opportunities and networking benefits. - Institutional Scholarships
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships for nontraditional students. Check with your prospective school’s financial aid office to explore options like need-based aid, academic merit awards, or scholarships for part-time students. - Demographic-Focused Scholarships
Some scholarships are targeted at specific groups, such as women returning to school, veterans, or first-generation college students. These scholarships celebrate diversity and encourage students from various backgrounds to achieve their goals.
How to Maximize Your Chances of Winning
To stand out in a competitive pool of applicants, follow these steps:
- Craft a Strong Personal Statement:
Share your story and explain why returning to school is important to you. Highlight your goals and how the scholarship will make a difference in your journey. - Demonstrate Commitment:
Scholarship committees look for individuals who show determination and a clear sense of purpose. Showcase your achievements and future aspirations. - Secure Strong Recommendations:
Ask for letters from people who can vouch for your character, work ethic, and readiness for academic success. Employers, community leaders, or previous educators are great choices. - Pay Attention to Deadlines:
Missing deadlines is a common pitfall. Create a calendar to track important dates and give yourself plenty of time to gather all necessary documents.
Examples of Scholarships for Returning Students
Here are some well-known scholarships for returning students:
- The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund:
This program is available to low-income women aged 35 and older, and it supports those working to earn their first degree or vocational certificate. - Bernard Osher Foundation:
The Bernard Osher Foundation provides scholarships to adult learners who have experienced an interruption in their education of five or more years and who want to return to school at the undergraduate level. - P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education:
Focused on women, this program helps those returning to school after a break to further their education.

Frequently Asked Questions About Returning Students Scholarship
1. How Can I Improve My Chances of Winning Returning Student Scholarships?
Honesty, integrity, and a quick response to the application deadline are good tips for helping improve your chances of winning.
2. How Many Returning Student Scholarships Can You Get?
There’s no limit to the amount of scholarship money adult students can accept for their higher education. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, the more scholarships you win the less you will have to pay out of pocket for your college expenses.
3. What Types of Federal Financial Aid Are Available for Returning Students?
If you’re looking for primary financial support, federal financial aid can help cover tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. FAFSA is a great place to start. Returning students may qualify for federal grants like the Pell Grant, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step to accessing these resources.
4. Are Scholarships Available for Students Without a High School Diploma?
While some scholarships require a high school diploma or equivalent, others may be open to students pursuing a GED or other educational certification. Always check the specific requirements for each scholarship.
5. What Is the College Jumpstart Scholarship?
The College JumpStart Scholarship is a merit-based financial aid program designed to support students committed to achieving their educational and career goals. It is open to high school students, including high school seniors, as well as adult students and returning learners planning to attend college, vocational, or trade schools.
Are you an adult student returning to an undergraduate degree program? Find more resources on our blog to help you navigate your return to the academic environment today.

Paulla Jenne
Paulla showcases her expertise in writing and communication through her influential articles for Scholarship Institute. She focuses on creating review articles and recommendations that guide students in exploring educational funding.