Scholarships for Nontraditional Adult Students?

My mom is thinking of going back to college next year. Are there scholarships available for adults returning to school? I'm trying to help her find financial aid options she can consider.

Non-traditional students like your mom can find plenty of scholarship opportunities. It's wonderful that you're assisting her!

Numerous organizations and colleges offer scholarships specifically for adults returning to college. A good starting point is to check with the financial aid office at the college she's planning to attend. They may have information about school-specific scholarships for non-traditional students. Community colleges for example, often have financial aid options tailored to such groups of students.

Professional associations are also known to provide scholarships for adults who are seeking to advance in or transition to a specific career field. For instance, if your mom is considering a career change into healthcare, she might seek out scholarships from medical or nursing organizations.

There are also several nationwide scholarships like the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program and the Imagine America scholarship for adult learners which are worth looking into.

Lastly, your local community and state might offer scholarships for adult learners. For instance, the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition Scholarship is provided in some states for adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges.

Remember, your mom can also explore funding options like grants, work-study programs, and loans. For federal aid, she should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which might qualify her for grants or loans based on need. The fact that she's an adult returning to school brings a particular perspective and set of experiences that many schools and organizations value, so make sure to leverage that.

Best of luck on your mom's educational journey!