No matter if you are transitioning back into college after an absence or beginning as an adult student for the first time, non-traditional student scholarships offer options tailored specifically to your situation - merit-based awards, activity scholarships and major-based opportunities all exist!
These scholarships are offered through institutions, organizations and private donors and may be awarded on the basis of financial need or with specific criteria such as being available to veterans or single parents.
Grants
Non-traditional students such as those working and raising children often face financial difficulty when trying to complete their education. Luckily, scholarships and grant programs exist that can assist these non-traditional learners; these awards may come from institutions, organizations or donors and may be awarded on merit, talent or specific criteria.
Additionally, certain states are dedicated to helping their residents attend college; research the offerings in your state. Furthermore, local groups like Elks Lodges, Shriners Lodges and Rotary Club often offer scholarships that go unadvertised; network with your community and see if there's anything available that you could apply for.
Many companies provide tuition reimbursement programs, allowing employees to take courses relevant to their career path without incurring costs out of pocket. Check with your Human Resources department to see if your company provides this incentive and take advantage of it if possible! This way you won't have to sacrifice taking courses that would further their studies based on cost alone.
Scholarships
Scholarships tailored specifically towards non-traditional students can make college more affordable. These awards may be merit- or major-based and fellowships.
Scholarships may be offered by private organizations or schools and depend on academic achievements, talents or specific criteria. There are also scholarships tailored specifically to particular demographics such as single parents, older students, first-generation learners or the LGBTQ community.
Further, there are scholarships that offer work-for-scholarship programs whereby a student must complete a certain number of hours working at a school or nonprofit to earn money for college while gaining real world experience in their chosen field. This can provide non-traditional students with an edge when entering the job market after graduation; such scholarships include Dylan's Journey Scholarship - designed specifically to aid those with neurofibromatosis or learning disabilities like ADHD or dyslexia.
Loans
As non traditional students have already worked in the workforce or managed their households for some time, they bring with them an array of unique skills that often help them excel at classes which focus on developing soft skills such as communication, leadership and problem-solving.
Nontraditional student scholarships can help offset tuition, fees and other college costs. Scholarship money comes from sources including colleges, universities and professional associations as well as individual donors - unlike loans which must be repaid.
Nontraditional students can find higher education more challenging than their traditional peers; however, scholarship and resource opportunities may make the journey less daunting. No matter if you are returning student, working adult or international student - these resources provide financial aid that may lead to enhanced career prospects and increased earning potential.
Work-Study
As non-traditional students such as single parents, displaced workers, and adults seeking new career opportunities represent an ever-increasing share of national student populations, millions of scholarships have been established that target these students specifically. When searching for scholarships specifically targeted toward non-traditional learners it is crucial that applications highlight your strengths as a non-traditional learner.
Students applying to these programs should also explore work-study grants as an additional means of covering educational costs. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students may earn money toward covering these costs through this method.
People interested in this form of funding should check with their schools as many offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing degrees in various areas of study. Employer programs also may offer tuition reimbursement funds which provide non-traditional students with funds they require for college studies.
