Are There Grants and Scholarships for Older Women Returning to College?

My aunt is considering returning to college, but she's not sure if there are financial aid options for older women. Are there specific grants or scholarships available for women in their 30s or beyond?

Absolutely! Financial aid isn't just for young, traditional-aged students. There are quite a number of grants and scholarships specifically created for older students or adult learners returning to school. Here are a few examples:

1. The Jeanette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund is for women over the age of 35 who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

2. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers career development grants for women pursuing a second degree or specialized training after a time away from the academic world.

3. Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards provide aid to women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families. The award can be used for undergraduate or vocational training.

4. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation Education Support Awards, named after the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, supports low-income mothers pursuing education or training.

In addition to these, there may even be opportunities at the local or regional level. It's definitely worthwhile to research organizations and foundations that support women's education and career advancement. Furthermore, remember to complete the FAFSA to see if she's eligible for any federal aid or work-study opportunities.

Apart from scholarships, there are also tuition waivers and discounts that some colleges offer for adult learners or non-traditional students. She should definitely reach out to the financial aid office at the schools she's considering to learn about any potential opportunities.

It's great that your aunt is considering pursuing her education, and there are definitely financial resources available to help her with this goal. Best of luck to her!