College scholarships aren’t just for teenagers! There are also many scholarships available to adult learners. If you’re an adult who’s currently in school, returning to school, or enrolling in college for the first time, scholarships can be a great way to help cover the cost of your education. Below, we’ve rounded up nine scholarships for adult learners. Take a look and apply to any you think are a good match.
Return 2 College Scholarship
How to Apply: Fill out the online application and include, in three sentences or less, an answer to the question “Why are you getting your degree?”
Eligibility: Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident starting a program of higher education within the next 12 months or currently a full- or part-time student
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Website: http://www.return2college.com/awardprogram.cfm
Slater Miller Memorial Scholarship
How to Apply: In 400–600 words, answer the questions, “Why did you choose to pursue a career in the trades? What social causes do you care about and why?”
Eligibility: Open to trade school students of any age who have non-profit and/or volunteering experience and demonstrate financial need
Amount: Five winners of $793 each
Deadline: October 24, 2026
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/slater-miller-memorial-scholarship/
Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the online application, including an essay that explains why you should be chosen for the scholarship and answer questions such as “What do you find most challenging about being a student and a single parent?”
Eligibility: Open to single parents who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a 4-year, 2-year, vocational, or technical institution in the U.S.
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: November 10, 2026
Website: https://organicformulashop.com/pages/single-parent-scholarship
Live Your Dream Award
How to Apply: Submit the online application, including an essay.
Eligibility: Open to women who provide the primary financial support for themselves and their dependents, have financial need, and are enrolled in or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program
Amount: Up to $16,000
Deadline: November 15, 2026
Website: https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html
Sheila Chau Memorial Scholarship
How to Apply: In 400–600 words, address the prompt, “Describe a time when someone believed in you, encouraged you through a difficult season, or helped you see your own potential. How did that experience shape your faith, your educational journey, and the educator you hope to become? Additionally, explain how you plan to impact the lives of your future students, especially those who may be struggling, overlooked, or in need of encouragement.”
Eligibility: Open to non-traditional college students who are at least 25 years old and dedicated to pursuing careers in education
Amount: Six winners of $1,000 each
Deadline: November 29, 2026
Website: https://bold.org/scholarships/sheila-chau-memorial-scholarship/
Career Development Grants
How to Apply: Complete the online application, which includes an official transcript of the highest degree you earned and proof of underrepresentation in your chosen field.
Eligibility: Open to women who have applied or been accepted to a certificate or training program in a field where women are underrepresented and comprise less than 50% of the workforce; or currently employed in a field where women comprise less than 50% of senior leadership positions if pursuing executive leadership or management training
Amount: Up to $8,000
Deadline: January 27, 2027
Website: https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/career-development-grants/
Boomer Benefits Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application, including an official transcript and letter of recommendation, and write an essay describing your current career goals, how this education will help you achieve those goals, and your community service history.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents age 50 or older currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program with at least a 3.0 GPA
Amount: Two winners are awarded $2,500 each
Deadline: July 31, 2027
Website: https://boomerbenefits.com/scholarship-requirements/
Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) Scholarship
How to Apply: Create an account with Imagine America Foundation and complete the online application.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or a passing grade on an Ability to Benefit test; must also demonstrate financial need
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Website: https://imagine-america.org/scholarships/adult-learner-scholarships
Osher Reentry Scholarship
How to Apply: Applications vary at each college, but generally include completing the application and writing a short essay or personal statement addressing your educational gap, your decision to return to school, and your educational goals.
Eligibility: Open to individuals between 25 and 50 who have experienced an interruption in their education of five or more years and who want to resume their education at the undergraduate level
Amount: Up to $50,000 per year, varies per school
Deadline: Varies at each college
Website: https://www.osherfoundation.org/scholars_list.html
Please note, most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. Scholarships are one of many sources of funding for college, including savings, current income, and federal and private loans. To learn about the variety of ways to pay for college, visit our Paying for College webpage.
