Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship
Clara Gutman Argemí Image Written By: Clara Gutman Argemí | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: June 25, 2026

Scholarships for Adult Students

Key takeaways:

  • Nearly 25% of undergraduate students enrolled in U.S. universities are 25 or older.
  • Independent students may receive financial aid when they submit the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
  • All students over the age of 24 are considered independent students by the federal government.

Scholarship availability, eligibility, and awards are not guaranteed and are subject to each school’s terms and selection criteria.

Not every American student leaves home at 18 to live on a college campus for four years. Whether by choice or necessity, many students will follow a non-linear educational trajectory. 

In fact, over 50% of federal Pell Grant recipients are financially independent students aged 24 or older. Nearly a quarter (24.7%) of all undergraduate students enrolled in U.S. universities are 25 or older, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. Adult learners also enroll in associate's degrees, certificate programs, and other opportunities for continuing education.

If you are looking to go back to school after caring for family or seeking a career change, you may be eligible for scholarships designed for nontraditional or financially independent students.

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The 25 Best Scholarships for Adult Students with Approaching Deadlines in 2026

What are scholarships for adult students?

Scholarships for adult students are financial awards that support the studies of adult learners.

There is no universal definition of an adult student. Depending on the context, adult students may be nontraditional undergraduate students, financially independent students, or more. Definitions vary, and it is a good idea to check a scholarship’s criteria before applying.

Since most college students are aged 18-24, students in that range are considered “traditional.” Typically, a nontraditional student is an undergraduate student aged 25 or older.

However, not every adult learner seeks an undergraduate degree. Many pursue certificates, associates, or other qualifications — and in those contexts, their age might be typical.

A financially independent student is a student who is not financially dependent on their parents or partner. They may also have to be over a certain age.

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for adults

How to qualify for adult scholarships

You may already qualify for scholarships for adult learners if you are over a certain age and meet other requirements.

For example, the Keep Your Chin Up Scholarship awards $5,000 for Arizona residents who are over 25, demonstrate financial need, and are enrolled in an educational program.

Some scholarships are only given to students who are also parents, including single parents, or who demonstrate financial need.

Some may require financial independence or enrollment in a particular type of degree program, such as a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree.

For example, the ANSWER Scholarship awards $5,500 to mothers in the Carolinas who are enrolled in bachelor’s or associate’s programs in nursing, health careers, or information technology and who are over 25.

It is a good idea to check with a scholarship provider with any questions about whether you qualify for a scholarship.

How to apply for adult scholarships

Every student, regardless of age, can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to qualify for federal student aid. The FAFSA is a form that provides access to federal financial aid, including federal student loans, grants and work-study. Some scholarships may require that students have completed a FAFSA form.

Submitting the FAFSA determines whether you qualify as a dependent or independent student. Independent students may be eligible for more financial aid.

To qualify as an independent student, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

In addition, many schools may only distribute some grants to students who have completed the FAFSA form. Private scholarship providers may also use the FAFSA form to determine eligibility. 

There is no fee to submit the FAFSA form, and you must submit it every year for which you wish to receive financial aid.

You should also try to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. While some awards are unlimited, such as the Pell Grant, others are limited and may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, such as the Federal Work-Study award or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

Some scholarships may also accept the CSS Profile either instead of or in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile does come with a small fee. However, this may be waived if you fall below certain income thresholds.

How to find adult scholarships

When you submit the FAFSA form, you can add up to 20 schools that will receive your financial aid information. These schools will evaluate your FAFSA results and determine what financial aid you are eligible for.

Once you’re accepted, you’ll also receive an aid award letter detailing what kind of aid you qualify for. Schools are in charge of deciding how much need-based and merit-based aid you’re eligible for.

You can also search for third-party scholarships from private organizations by signing up for a free account with Scholarships.com. You can also be notified with upcoming deadlines for scholarships for which you already qualify.

Can I get a scholarship as a part-time student?

Some scholarships may require a certain enrollment minimum to be eligible. For example, to receive a federal Work-Study award, you need to be enrolled and attend at least part-time.

Other grants may also require that you register for the semester of the award: if you don’t register, you won’t receive the funds.

If you decide to continue working while in school, you might consider looking into employer-sponsored tuition assistance. Some employers may refund part of your tuition expenses if you receive a degree that is relevant to your job, though such programs may also have enrollment and even GPA minimums.

Are there any GPA or exam requirements for adult scholarships?

Some merit-based scholarships may be awarded on the basis of academic achievements and could require a minimum GPA to apply. 

However, many scholarships heated specifically towards adult learners emphasize financial need and age requirements. Bear in mind that you may have to demonstrate interest in a particular field of study.