Are there scholarships for nontraditional students at community colleges?

I'm considering going to a community college after a gap year, but I'm worried about the cost. Are there scholarships specifically for nontraditional students at community colleges? If so, how do I apply for them?

Absolutely, there are plenty of scholarships available for nontraditional students attending community colleges. Nontraditional students usually refer to those who didn't transition directly from high school to college, and they might include adults going back to school, working parents, military veterans, and more.

Many scholarships out there specifically target nontraditional students. Some of these scholarships might be offered by the community colleges themselves; others might be from external organizations. To find out if your community college offers such scholarships, I would suggest contacting the financial aid office directly or looking through their website.

The application processes might differ for each scholarship. Generally, they involve filling out an application form and potentially writing an essay or providing letters of recommendation. Make sure to look through the eligibility criteria and requirements for each one carefully to ensure you're a proper fit before applying.

Appily, previously known as Cappex, is a popular search engine for scholarships where you can filter based on your personal details, including your status as a nontraditional student. The application process would be clearly outlined for each scholarship listed.

Also consider alternate funding sources such as grants and work-study options in your financial aid package. The Pell Grant, for instance, is a federal grant offered to students who haven't earned a bachelor's degree yet and who demonstrate financial need. Applying for federal aid via the FAFSA should always be part of your financing strategy since need-based aid such as Pell Grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans can be quite beneficial.

So yes, scholarships for nontraditional students at community colleges do exist. It primarily involves researching and finding the scholarships that match your profile and then following through with the application process. Best of luck with your educational journey!