Anyone know of scholarships aimed at older students, like a 39-year-old heading to college? I'm interested in grants or awards that can support a more non-traditional student path. Any resources or personal stories would be great!
There are a good number of scholarships targeted toward non-traditional, or adult, students going to college. The best starting place would generally be the financial aid office at your prospective school. They often have information on scholarships and grants for which you may be eligible, particularly scholarships that are specific to the school or local area.
Additionally, there are quite a few national scholarships aimed at non-traditional students. For instance, the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) offers a $1,000 scholarship to new students at participating career colleges. Similarly, The Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation awards five Education Support Awards of up to $5,000 each to low-income women with children.
As well, consider looking at scholarships through professional organizations related to your field of study or through unions if you're part of one. They often have scholarships for members.
Finally, online scholarship databases can be helpful. Platforms such as FastWeb, Scholarships.com, or the newer Appily allow you to create a profile and will then match you with scholarships that fit your criteria.
Bear in mind that the scholarship search and application process can be time-consuming, but the potential financial aid makes it worthwhile. Make sure to apply to a range of scholarships, not just the most lucrative or competitive ones. And remember, every little bit helps! Good luck with your scholarship search.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.