Can you get college scholarships if you're attending part-time?

I'm considering attending college part-time and was wondering if it's possible to get scholarships for that. Are there specific scholarships targeted at part-time students, or is it mostly for full-timers?

Yes, it's definitely possible to get scholarships for part-time study. While some scholarships do require that students be enrolled full-time, others are tailored towards part-time students, often aimed at nontraditional or adult learners who may be managing multiple responsibilities such as work or family life.

For instance, many community foundations and local organizations may have scholarships applicable to part-time students. Scholarships for part-time students are often focused on a particular field of study or demographic, such as adults returning to school, people in a particular profession, or parents.

In addition, many colleges and universities offer institutional scholarships that are available to part-time students. It's wise to reach out directly to the financial aid office at the institution you're considering to ask about scholarship opportunities specifically for part-time students. They should be able to provide you with the most accurate and extensive list of potential opportunities.

I'd also suggest utilizing scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarship.com, and Appily to find scholarships that match your student profile. These platforms have filters that allow you to search specifically for scholarships for part-time students.

Remember to pay as much attention to smaller awards as you do larger ones. While a few $500 scholarships may not seem like much on their own, they can cumulatively cover a decent portion of your tuition costs. And since these scholarships can be less competitive, you may have a better chance of landing them.

Lastly, be aware of the deadlines and the unique requirements for each scholarship. Some require essays or letters of recommendation, so it's best to start early and give yourself plenty of time to apply. All the best in your scholarship search!