Best Scholarships for Returning Students to Apply For

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.