What Does “Non‑Traditional Student” Mean?
A non‑traditional student typically refers to someone who does not follow the typical path of entering college right after high school and attending full‑time. Examples include:
-
Adult learners (age 25+ or older) returning to school. (Adult Student Services)
-
Students who’ve taken a gap of several years.
-
Students balancing work‑and‑study or family responsibilities (single parents, caregivers).
-
Students seeking a second career or retraining.
Because of their unique situation, non‑traditional students may face different financial, scheduling or life‑balance challenges — which means specialized scholarships and grants can be especially helpful. (Bold)
Why Are Specialized Scholarships Important for Non‑Traditional Students?
-
Many standard scholarships assume you are coming straight from high school and are full‑time students. Non‑traditional learners may benefit from funds designed with their life situation in mind. (Scholarships)
-
Some institutions recognise the need for “returning adult student” scholarships as a way to support those re‑entering education. (Adult Student Services)
-
These scholarships can help offset costs, enable flexibility, and reduce the financial burden so you can succeed in your educational goals.
How to Find Scholarships & Grants for Non‑Traditional Students
Here are concrete steps and resources you can use to locate opportunities.
1. Use Specialized Scholarship Directories
-
Sites like Bold.org list “Scholarships for Non‑Traditional Students” and filter by adult learners, career changers, returning students. (Bold)
-
Scholarships.com offers a category for “Not Currently Enrolled / Non‑Traditional Student Scholarships.” (Scholarships)
2. Check Your Institution’s Adult or Commuter Student Support Offices
Many colleges/universities have dedicated resources for non‑traditional or adult learners. For example:
-
At Missouri State University, adult student services list scholarships for students 25 years+ or returning after absence. (Adult Student Services)
-
At University of North Texas’s “Non‑Traditional & Commuter Student Support” there are scholarship listings for adult learners. (Student Affairs at UNT)
3. Search by Your Demographic or Life Situation
-
Grants for non‑traditional female students: women returning to education, single mothers, etc.
-
List of scholarships for college / high school seniors that allow non‑traditional paths or adult learners.
-
Use search terms like: “scholarships for adult learners returning to college”, “grants for non‑traditional students 2025”, “scholarships for career changers”.
-
Filter your searches on general scholarship sites by “adult learner” or “non‑traditional.”
4. Examine Eligibility Requirements Closely
Since non‑traditional students might have different profiles, pay attention to:
-
Age requirements (some don’t have age limits; others specifically target adults). (Finaid)
-
Enrollment status: full‑time vs part‑time.
-
Previous college credentials: Some scholarships require you to be first‑time undergraduate; others allow returning or second‑degree students.
-
Life situation: Single parent, veteran, caregiver, career changer — often these are criteria.
5. Organise and Apply Regularly
-
Create a spreadsheet with scholarship name, amount, deadline, requirements.
-
Set calendar reminders so you don’t miss deadlines.
-
Gather required documents (transcript, personal statement, proof of status such as age or returning‑student status).
-
Highlight your unique story as a non‑traditional student in your essays — emphasise resilience, life experience, career goals.
Top Types of Scholarships & Grants for Non‑Traditional Students
Here are some common categories you should look into:
-
Adult Learner Scholarships: For students age 25+ or those returning to school after several years. (See Missouri State example) (Adult Student Services)
-
Single‑Parent or Caregiver Scholarships: For students managing family responsibilities while studying.
-
Veteran or Military‑Connected Non‑Traditional Scholarships: For adult veterans returning to education.
-
Career Change or Retraining Scholarships: For adults seeking to shift career paths and going back to school.
-
Local/Institutional Grants: Many colleges offer “Return to Learn,” “Adult Student Support,” or commuter student awards. (Student Affairs at UNT)
-
Field‑Specific Non‑Traditional Scholarships: E.g., for adults entering STEM, nursing, trades etc. The scholarship directory lists major‑based awards. (ANTSHE)
Can Non‑Traditional Students Get Scholarships?
Yes — absolutely. There are many scholarships that do allow non‑traditional students. According to resources:
-
Many federal and institutional financial aid programmes do not have age restrictions. (Finaid)
-
Scholarship databases specifically include non‑traditional student categories. (Scholarships)
-
You may need to search more deliberately (using non‑traditional keywords) and tailor your applications, but you are eligible.
Sample List of Scholarships & Grants for Non‑Traditional Students
Here’s a sample list (not exhaustive) to help you get started:
-
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship Programme. (Bestcolleges.com)
-
Return to Learn Scholarship (Missouri State University) for students 25+ returning after a break. (Adult Student Services)
-
Scholarships listed under “Non‑Traditional Student Scholarships” on Bold.org. (Bold)
-
Scholarships listed at UNT for adult / commuter learners. (Student Affairs at UNT)
You should also search for:
-
Grants for non‑traditional female students.
-
Lists of scholarships for college, high school, high school seniors (some allow adult returning students).
-
Use filtering keywords: “non‑traditional student”, “adult learner”, “returning student scholarship”, “single parent college scholarship”.
Tips for Non‑Traditional Students Applying for Scholarships
-
Tell your story: Your life experience, maturity, work experience, family responsibilities can be assets in your application.
-
Highlight your goals: Why are you returning to school? What career change or improvement are you aiming for?
-
Show commitment: Demonstrate that you’re ready to succeed in college — maybe you’ve already been working while studying, or you’ve taken initiative.
-
Leverage your uniqueness: As a non‑traditional student you may offer more life experience, a clearer career vision, or an enriched perspective.
-
Check smaller institution‑based awards: Sometimes adult‑learner scholarships are less competitive than large national awards.
-
Stay organised with deadlines: Many awards for adult or non‑traditional students have fewer applicants but still require full documentation.
-
Use free search tools: Many databases are free; you don’t need to pay for access to legitimate scholarship lists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What scholarships are available for non‑traditional students in 2025?
A: There are numerous scholarships listed for non‑traditional students in 2025, such as those listed on Bold.org’s “Scholarships for Non‑Traditional Students” page. (Bold)
Q2: Are there grants for non‑traditional female students?
A: Yes, many scholarships and grants are specifically designed for adult women returning to education, single mothers, or female career changers. See non‑traditional scholarship directories for filtering by gender. (ANTSHE)
Q3: Do I qualify for scholarships if I’m returning to school after years away?
A: Yes. Many institutions have awards labelled for “adult learners,” “returning students,” or “non‑traditional students.” For example, returning to school after three years qualifies you for certain awards at Missouri State University. (Adult Student Services)
Q4: Where can I find a reliable list of scholarships for non‑traditional students?
A: Websites like Scholarships.com have directories for non‑traditional student scholarships. (Scholarships) Also adult learner resources like BestColleges list relevant opportunities. (Bestcolleges.com)
Q5: Can a non‑traditional student still receive federal financial aid?
A: Yes. According to financial aid resources, there are no age restrictions for most federal student aid programmes. (Finaid)
If you’re a non‑traditional student — whether you’re returning to school, balancing work and family, or shifting careers — don’t let scholarship opportunities pass you by. There are many resources and awards designed with your situation in mind. By using tailored search tools, checking your institution’s adult‑learner support services, and presenting your unique story in your applications, you can access meaningful scholarship and grant support in 2025 and beyond. Your path may look different, but your success is absolutely possible.