Get matched with vetted scholarships and enter our
I’m a high school student I’m a college or graduate student
100% Free. No Spam.
Start typing in the text field above
Load More
Advertiser disclosure

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

Our reviews and recommendations are based on extensive research, testing, and feedback. We may receive commission from links on our website, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our marketing partners don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. You can find a complete list of our partners here.

Top 43 Scholarships for Nontraditional Students in March 2024

Written by Will Geiger

Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut. Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University.

Full Bio

Learn about our editorial policies

Updated: March 2nd, 2024

According to research from the Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success, 40% of the current undergraduate students at US colleges and universities are nontraditional. These students do not fit into the 18 to 24 year old demographic of people who go to college directly after high school. Luckily, there are a number of scholarships for nontraditional students available!

Why choose Scholarships360
Students icon

We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023

Check icon

We've spent over 4,000 hours reviewing 3,000 scholarship programs

Light bulb icon

13+ years of experience helping students make smart education decisions

Scholarship Review Process

The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:

  • The scholarship requires a fee to apply
  • The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
  • The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
  • Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
  • The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
  • The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisements
  • The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
  • There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
  • The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
  • There is no available contact information

If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [email protected] and we’ll take a look!


* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.

Learn about our editorial policies
47 scholarships
Sort by

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More

The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Sallie Mae

Easy Application

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

1 award worth $2,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

Making the Leap Scholarship for Transfer Students

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive

The “Making the Leap” Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are transferring to another educational institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. We know…Show More

The “Making the Leap” Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are transferring to another educational institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. We know…Show More

The “Making the Leap” Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are transferring to another educational institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. We know that getting from point A to point B isn’t always straightforward, and that sometimes there are twists, turns, and unexpected detours along the way. If you’re a transfer student making the leap to another school, you probably know what we’re talking about. Switching educational institutions can be challenging, which is why we’re offering a $500 scholarship to help one outstanding transfer student. See the “Application Information” section below for details regarding the short answer response. Please note that applicants will be reviewed based on both the quality of their response and quantity of scholarships applied for on the Scholarships360 platform. Scholarships360 users who are more active on the platform will be given higher consideration. We look forward to reading your application!Show Less

1 award worth $500
Deadline Jan 31, 2025
Grade Level College Students
Apply

$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program

Offered by GetEducated.com

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by GetEducated.com

Are you a student attending an online university? If so, you might be interested in applying for the Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program! The…Show More

Are you a student attending an online university? If so, you might be interested in applying for the Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program! The…Show More

Are you a student attending an online university? If so, you might be interested in applying for the Get Educated Online College Scholarship Program! The scholarship is open to U.S. citizens enrolled in accredited online degree programs in the USA. The program is offered through GetEducated.com, an online free counseling center. Through this program, they aim to provide support to students in distance learning and other online degree programs. Thus, twice a year, their Get Educated Online College Scholarship awards  $1,000 awards to help online students pay for their tuition costs. The deadlines for the scholarship are March 15th and October 15th of every year. If you are an online student looking for a scholarship opportunity, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Niche

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Niche

Easy Application

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund

Offered by Community Foundation of Central Georgia

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Community Foundation of Central Georgia

The Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund is open to non-traditional, female students over the age of 25 who are enrolled in their first-ever undergraduate program.…Show More

The Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund is open to non-traditional, female students over the age of 25 who are enrolled in their first-ever undergraduate program.…Show More

The Career Women’s Network Scholarship Fund is open to non-traditional, female students over the age of 25 who are enrolled in their first-ever undergraduate program. While any students meeting these criteria are eligible, bear in mind that preference will be given to students who currently reside in and attend post-secondary schools in the Central Georgia region. Interested students must also demonstrate financial need and submit an essay describing their educational plans and commitment to community service. If you're a non-traditional, female undergraduate student, preferably in the state of Georgia, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Mar 15, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

Indiana Donor Network Foundation Scholarship

Offered by Indiana Donor Network

Mulitple awards worth Varies
Deadline Mar 18, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

Offered by Indiana Donor Network

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student who is the family member of an Indiana organ/tissue donor, transplant recipient, or transplant candidate? If so,…Show More

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student who is the family member of an Indiana organ/tissue donor, transplant recipient, or transplant candidate? If so,…Show More

Are you a current or incoming undergraduate student who is the family member of an Indiana organ/tissue donor, transplant recipient, or transplant candidate? If so, you may be eligible for the Indiana Donor Network Foundation Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship is awarded to multiple relatives of Indiana organ/tissue donors and transplant recipients/candidates who submit the best 2-5-page essays describing their career goals, experience with organ/tissue donation and/or transplantation, and personal goals. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Mulitple awards worth Varies
Deadline Mar 18, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

Offered by Bold.org

Easy Application

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

1 award worth $25,000
Deadline Apr 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Carl F. Scott Scholarship Fund for Tucumcari Lodge #27 A.F. & A.M.

Offered by Albuquerque Community Foundation

15 awards worth $500 - $2,100
Deadline Apr 4, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

Offered by Albuquerque Community Foundation

Are you a current or incoming post-secondary student residing in Quay County, New Mexico? If so, consider applying for the Carl F. Scott Scholarship Fund…Show More

Are you a current or incoming post-secondary student residing in Quay County, New Mexico? If so, consider applying for the Carl F. Scott Scholarship Fund…Show More

Are you a current or incoming post-secondary student residing in Quay County, New Mexico? If so, consider applying for the Carl F. Scott Scholarship Fund for Tucumcari Lodge #27 A.F. & A.M.! Established in honor of Carl Scott, a World War II Veteran who worked as a Civil Service Engineer in New Mexico following his service, this scholarship awards between $500 and $2,100 each to multiple Quay County residents each year. Students who are not residents of Quay County may also be eligible if they are the "biological child, stepchild, or adopted child of a member in good standing of Tucumcari Lodge No. 27, AF & AM." If you either meet this or the Quay County residency requirement and are pursuing a post-secondary degree, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

15 awards worth $500 - $2,100
Deadline Apr 4, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Rae Lee Siporin Scholarship for Women

Offered by Albuquerque Community Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Deadline Jun 6, 2024
Grade Level College Senior

Offered by Albuquerque Community Foundation

Are you a female, New Mexico resident who is continuing or returning to their in-state college/university to complete their senior year of school? If so,…Show More

Are you a female, New Mexico resident who is continuing or returning to their in-state college/university to complete their senior year of school? If so,…Show More

Are you a female, New Mexico resident who is continuing or returning to their in-state college/university to complete their senior year of school? If so, you may be eligible for the Rae Lee Siporin Scholarship for Women! Each year, the scholarship awards 1-2 awards worth up to $1,000 each to female New Mexico residents in their last year at an in-state university. Preference will be given to women who have dropped out and are returning to finish their degree, but any New Mexican women in their last year of college may apply. If you meet these criteria, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
Deadline Jun 6, 2024
Grade Level College Senior
Get Started

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Adult Learner Long-term Scholarship Award

Offered by Maine Community Foundation

Multiple awards worth $1,500 - $2,500
Deadline Jun 15, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Maine Community Foundation

Are you a non-traditional student from Maine who is enrolled in a post-secondary program that will last more than one semester? If so, you may…Show More

Are you a non-traditional student from Maine who is enrolled in a post-secondary program that will last more than one semester? If so, you may…Show More

Are you a non-traditional student from Maine who is enrolled in a post-secondary program that will last more than one semester? If so, you may be eligible for the Adult Learner Long-term Scholarship Award! Each year, the program awards roughly between $1,500 and $2,500 to multiple nontraditional students from Maine who will earn a one- or two-year certificate or a two- or four-year degree by the end of their post-secondary program. To be considered a nontraditional student, applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria: (1) be over the age of 25, (2) work full time (35 hours/week or more) while enrolled, (3) have dependents other than a spouse, (4) be financially independent from parents and/or considered independent for FAFSA purposes, (5) have not received a standard high school diploma (completed with a GED, HiSET, or certificate of completion), or (6) have delayed enrollment in college after high school for a reason other than a gap-year activity. If you're from Maine, meet at least one of these criteria, and are enrolled in a post-secondary program that lasts at least two semesters, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $1,500 - $2,500
Deadline Jun 15, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

Adult Student Grant

Offered by Indiana Commission for Higher Education

Multiple awards worth $750 - $2,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Indiana Commission for Higher Education

The Adult Student Grant is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of working adults starting or completing a degree or certificate at Ivy Tech…Show More

The Adult Student Grant is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of working adults starting or completing a degree or certificate at Ivy Tech…Show More

The Adult Student Grant is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of working adults starting or completing a degree or certificate at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University by providing a $2,000 grant. The grant may be used toward tuition and regularly assessed fees. To be eligible, applicants must: (1) be an Indiana resident and a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen, (2) be financially independent as determined by the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need, (3) be enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a course of study leading to an associate, first bachelor's degree, or a certificate at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University, and (4) maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your institution. To apply, students must submit the FAFSA and an Adult Student Grant. If you're an adult student at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

Multiple awards worth $750 - $2,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Appily

Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

Offered by Appily

Easy Application

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More

This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less

Monthly awards worth $1,000
Deadline Mar 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Jul 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students

Offered by Bold.org

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college…Show More

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college…Show More

The Vickie Drum Memorial Scholarship was established in honor of a remarkable woman who overcame the challenges of being a mother while pursuing her college education, and who serves as an inspiration to many. Her story resonates with countless young mothers who aspire to improve their lives through higher education. However, the financial burden of attending college can be overwhelming for these individuals. In honor of Vickie Drum's legacy, this scholarship aims to support female students in North Carolina who are raising a child while pursuing an undergraduate degree. Eligible applicants must meet this criterion and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. To apply, share your unique journey through higher education as a parent and how it has shaped your path. This scholarship is an opportunity to not only honor Vickie Drum's memory but also empower mothers to achieve their educational goals and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.Show Less

1 award worth $1,500
Deadline Jul 1, 2024
Grade Level College Students
Get Started

Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Offered by Bold.org

2 awards worth $1,000
Deadline Jul 31, 2024
Grade Level High School & College Students

Offered by Bold.org

Introducing the Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a cherished father and the middle child among eleven siblings, whose circumstances compelled him to…Show More

Introducing the Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a cherished father and the middle child among eleven siblings, whose circumstances compelled him to…Show More

Introducing the Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a cherished father and the middle child among eleven siblings, whose circumstances compelled him to enter the workforce prematurely and leave his high school dreams behind. However, recognizing the limited job prospects available to him, he understood that obtaining his high school diploma was the key to unlocking a better life for his loved ones, and headed back to the classroom. This prestigious scholarship aims to honor the memory of Charles Pulling Sr. by empowering those who also wish to enhance their families' lives through education. Whether you are a high school or GED student, an undergraduate pursuing a non-traditional path, a first-generation student, a single parent, someone who took a break from education before returning, or over the age of 25, you are invited to apply. To apply, reveal what sets you apart as a non-traditional student and what fuels your relentless pursuit of greatness.Show Less

2 awards worth $1,000
Deadline Jul 31, 2024
Grade Level High School & College Students
Get Started

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by Christian Connector

Easy Application

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…

Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.

1 award worth $5,000
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

Helping Hands for Single Moms – Phoenix Scholarship

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in Phoenix who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in Phoenix who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in Phoenix who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the Helping Hands for Single Moms - Phoenix Scholarship! The scholarship is open to legally single/divorced moms residing in the Phoenix area who are attending college and able to participate in Single Mom College Community meetings. Eligible applicants must also have at least one child under the age of 11. The scholarship is offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms, a nonprofit organization started in 2002. Their mission is to assist low-income single moms in attaining a post-secondary education. Helping Hands regularly grants awards of varying amounts to help single moms gain financial independence, pursue their postsecondary educations, and provide a positive family legacy for their dependents. If you are a single mom in the Phoenix area who is looking for funds for your education, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started

Helping Hands for Single Moms – Dallas Scholarship

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students

Offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) area who is attending college or university? If…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) area who is attending college or university? If…Show More

Are you the single mom of a young child (or children) in the DFW (Dallas Fort Worth) area who is attending college or university? If so, consider applying for the Helping Hands for Single Moms – Dallas Scholarship! The scholarship is open to legally single/divorced moms residing in the DFW area who are attending college and able to participate in Single Mom College Community meetings. Eligible applicants must also have at least one child under the age of 11. The scholarship is offered by Helping Hands for Single Moms, a nonprofit organization started in 2002. Their mission is to assist low-income single moms in attaining a post-secondary education. Helping Hands regularly grants awards of varying amounts to help single moms gain financial independence, pursue their postsecondary educations, and provide a positive family legacy for their dependents. If you are a single mom in the DFW area who is looking for funds for your education, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

Multiple awards worth Varies
Deadline Rolling
Grade Level College & Graduate Students
Get Started
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Next Page Icon

Jump ahead to:

Many nontraditional students are working and are trying to juggle both school and a job. For information on eligibility, the award amount, and application links, for all of the scholarships for nontraditional students keep reading!

How to win scholarships for nontraditional students

As a nontraditional student, your path to higher education probably looks different than the paths of younger students. You may have had to put college on hold due to family commitments, work obligations, or unforeseen circumstances. That’s okay! Your “nontraditional” journey is part of what makes you unique and sets you apart from other applicants.  

Scholarship committees oftentimes read thousands of applications, so don’t be afraid to be different! Just remember to frame your story in a positive and productive manner, emphasizing what you’ve learned from your past, why you’re pursuing education, and what you aim to accomplish with your degree. 

If you need help with your scholarship essay, you’re in luck! We have a variety of guides for writing strong scholarship essays and applications. That includes writing 250 word essays, 500 word essays, writing essays about yourself, or starting or finishing your essays. We also have a guide on how to write a winning scholarship essay.

Resources for nontraditional students

If you’re attending school later in life, you shouldn’t feel alone on your journey! There are many resources and organizations dedicated to supporting nontraditional students on their path to higher education. Here are a couple that are worth checking out: 

Adult Student College Prep Checklist

Created by the U.S. Department of Education, this handy checklist is meant to support students who have never been to college (or started but never finished). If you need advice on things like career direction, picking a school, and securing financial aid, this is a great place to start!

College for Adults

College for Adults is an excellent resource for adults who are attending college for the first time. Here you’ll find tips on career planning, college selection, the application process, financial aid, and how to prepare for college-level courses. 

Tips for nontraditional students

Returning to school (or going for the first time) as an adult can feel daunting, but we’re here to help! Here are some tips to help you succeed as a nontraditional student: 

Find a program that works for you

As a nontraditional student, you may have other responsibilities to juggle such as family obligations and work commitments. That’s why it’s important to find a program that accommodates your schedule and lifestyle. Hybrid and online programs are both great for learners managing a busy schedule. There are also schools that offer open-entry and early-exit courses, which allow students to complete lessons at their own pace.

Tap into your support network

One of the best things you can do as a student is to take advantage of the resources and services available at your school. These include your teachers/professors, the financial aid office, tutoring and mentoring services, counseling/health services, career services, and even child care services. Be sure to learn about how your school can support you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!

Don’t forget about local scholarships

During your scholarship search, be sure to keep an eye out for awards offered in your local community and home state. There’s less competition for these scholarships, which means you’re more likely to win! To get started, check out our guide on how to win local scholarships!

Also see: How to get tuition reimbursement at FedEx

Frequently asked questions about scholarships for adult learners:

Can nontraditional students get scholarships?

Yes! There are a number of scholarships for nontraditional students, many of which are in this post! We also recommend that nontraditional students and adult learners complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid so that they can qualify for need-based financial aid. You can also try out our free scholarship search tool, which custom-matches you to vetted scholarship opportunities.

See also: Top College Scholarships for Adult Learners

Will I qualify for scholarships and financial aid if I am a part-time student?

It depends on the scholarship and on the specific college or university. Different scholarship organizations and colleges will have different requirements about the number of credit hours that you need to qualify for scholarships. You should also know that some scholarships and financial aid programs also have an academic requirement that says you must maintain a specific GPA to remain eligible.

Related: Guide to financial aid for part-time students

If I am a nontraditional student, will I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?

Some colleges will require all students to submit the SAT or ACT. However, there are a growing number of colleges that are test-optional and do not require any sort of testing for students. Some graduate programs, such as MBA programs, may also waive testing requirements for students with a certain amount of relevant work experience.

Also see: Advice for low test takers

 

Top Easy Scholarships of March 2024

Scholarship
Amount
Deadline
Apply Link
Scholarship:
$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Amount:

$10,000

Deadline:

June 30, 2024

Jun 30, 2024

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Easy scholarship open to all US-based high school, college, community college and graduate students.

Scholarship:
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship
Amount:

$2,000

Deadline:

March 31, 2024

Mar 31, 2024

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Easy $2,000 monthly scholarship. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school!

Scholarship:
$40,000 BigFuture Scholarship
Amount:

$40,000

Deadline:

March 31, 2024

Mar 31, 2024

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Open to US-based high school students in the class of 2025 and 2026 - no essay, no minimum GPA, and no citizenship requirements.

Scholarship:
Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship
Amount:

$10,000

Deadline:

March 31, 2024

Mar 31, 2024

Apply
Scholarship Details +

Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year

Explore these other scholarship categories:

Get Started

Join for exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. 0% Spam, 100% Free.

3 reasons to join scholarships360

  • Automatic entry to our $10,000 No-Essay Scholarship
  • Personalized matching to thousands of vetted scholarships
  • Quick apply for scholarships exclusive to our platform

By the way...Scholarships360 is 100% free!

Join For Free