Scholarships for Adult Learners

College scholarships aren't just for teenagers! There are also many scholarships available to adult learners. If you're an adult who's 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 five scholarships for adult learners. Take a look and apply to any you think are a good match.

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: $2,500
Deadline: August 23, 2023
Website: https://boomerbenefits.com/scholarship-requirements/

Custody X Change Single Parent Scholarship

How to Apply: Write an essay between 400 and 500 words on how you will use your education to improve your family.
Eligibility: Must be enrolled full or part time as an undergraduate at an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 GPA and have primary physical custody of one or more minor children
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: August 31, 2023
Website: https://www.custodyxchange.com/scholarships/

Return 2 College Scholarship

How to Apply: In three sentences or less, answer 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, 2023
Website: http://www.return2college.com/awardprogram.cfm

College JumpStart Scholarship

How to Apply: Submit a 250-word personal statement answering one of three questions related to educational goals and hard work
Eligibility: Open to 10th-12th graders, college students, and non-traditional students attending or planning to enter an accredited U.S. college or university
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 17, 2023
Website: https://www.jumpstart-scholarship.net/

Osher Reentry Scholarship

How to Apply: Osher Scholarships are available to adult learners returning to school at many institutions of higher education around the country, including Boston University, Boston College, and the University of Massachusetts Boston. 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

Learn about returning to college as an adult