As higher education becomes more inclusive and diverse, the traditional image of a college student—fresh out of high school, attending full-time, and living on campus—is evolving. Non-traditional students, including adult learners, working professionals, parents, veterans, part-time students, and career changers, now represent a significant portion of the academic population. While financing education remains a challenge for many, scholarships tailored for non-traditional students provide a valuable pathway to academic and career advancement.
This guide explores effective strategies and resources to help non-traditional students find and apply for scholarships designed specifically for their unique life circumstances.
Who Are Non-Traditional Students?
A non-traditional student is typically anyone who doesn’t follow the standard post-secondary route directly from high school. This includes:
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Adult learners returning to school after years in the workforce
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Individuals attending college part-time or online
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Parents balancing school with family responsibilities
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Veterans and military service members
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GED holders or those without a traditional high school diploma
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Career changers pursuing a new degree or certification
These students often bring valuable life experiences, but they may also face financial, time, and institutional barriers that traditional students don’t.
Step 1: Identify Scholarships Specifically for Non-Traditional Students
Start your search by focusing on scholarships that are explicitly labeled for non-traditional students. These programs often consider work experience, life challenges, or community involvement, rather than just GPA or standardized test scores.
Examples include:
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Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation: For low-income women with children pursuing education or training.
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Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: For women aged 35 and older with financial need.
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Imagine America Foundation Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP): For adults enrolling in career colleges.
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Return2College Scholarship: Open to anyone 17 or older who is planning to attend college within the next 12 months.
Step 2: Use Specialized Scholarship Databases
Mainstream scholarship search engines may not filter specifically for non-traditional students, but several platforms offer targeted tools:
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Scholarships.com: Use the "non-traditional student" filter for customized results.
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Fastweb and Cappex: Provide advanced search options by student type.
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College Board’s Scholarship Search: Includes scholarships based on age, career goals, and more.
Additionally, check your state’s higher education website, community college financial aid offices, and professional associations related to your field of study for local or industry-specific opportunities.
Step 3: Explore Employer and Union-Based Scholarships
If you're currently employed, your company may offer tuition reimbursement or scholarship programs for continuing education. Similarly, trade unions and professional organizations often fund scholarships to help members upgrade their skills or pursue degrees.
Examples:
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Union Plus Scholarships: Available to union members and their families.
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National Association of Working Women (9to5): Offers scholarships to support women re-entering the workforce or changing careers.
Step 4: Highlight Life Experience in Your Application
Unlike traditional applicants, non-traditional students often bring rich, real-world experience to the table. Use your scholarship essays and personal statements to:
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Share your journey and motivation to return to school
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Explain challenges you’ve overcome
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Emphasize your career goals and community impact
Scholarship committees value determination, resilience, and commitment—qualities often found in non-traditional students.
Step 5: Stay Organized and Apply Widely
Keep track of deadlines, required materials, and eligibility criteria using a spreadsheet or scholarship tracker. Even small scholarships can add up, so apply to as many as possible. Don’t underestimate local opportunities, which often have fewer applicants and higher chances of success.
Final Thoughts
Returning to school as a non-traditional student is a bold and rewarding decision. While financial challenges can seem daunting, scholarships designed for adult learners and non-traditional paths are out there—you just need to know where to look. With persistence, planning, and a compelling story, you can secure the funding needed to achieve your educational and career goals.
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