Top 28 Scholarships for Nontraditional Students in October 2023

Are you a high-achieving student academically? You might consider applying for the College JumpStart Scholarship! The College JumpStart Scholarship is open to students in grades 10 to 12, as well as traditional college-age and adult learners. The scholarship is biannual, with deadlines on April 15th and October 17th each year. Two lucky students are awarded the College JumpStart Scholarship each application cycle. The scholarship is funded by corporate donations to the College JumpStart, an organization whose motto is “Hard work. Perseverance. Love of learning. These are the traits that the College JumpStart Scholarship rewards.” This scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit only–no financial need or any other factors are considered. If you’re passionate about using education to better your life and that of your family and/or community, we encourage you to apply!

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.

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

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

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!

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.

The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship for Nontraditional Students is an incredible opportunity for Tennessee residents who are nontraditional post-secondary students. Applicants must be independent students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program at an eligible Tennessee four-year postsecondary institution. To apply, students must submit the FAFSA by September 1 for the Fall semester, and by February 1st for the Spring and Summer semesters. If the scholarship is awarded to a student, the recipient must maintain continuous enrollment, a low adjusted gross income, and satisfactory academic progress to renew it. This is a perfect opportunity for those who are looking to further their education and achieve their dreams. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

Are you a member of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion who is currently pursuing a postsecondary degree? If so, consider applying for the Non-Traditional Student Scholarship! The scholarship is open to members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion who are enrolled in two- or four-year degree programs. The scholarship is offered by the American Legion Auxiliary, an organization dedicated to helping its members continue their education after serving in the U.S. military. The American Legion Auxiliary honors and advocates for veterans and their families, promotes patriotism, and educates the youth. Every year, they award multiple $2,000 scholarships to help recipients pay for their degrees at their institutions of choice. If you are a member of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion who is completing your education, we encourage you to apply!  

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.

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.

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!

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!

The Entertainment Community Fund Professional Development Scholarship is funded by the Entertainment Community Fund, an organization that fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. Every year, their Professional Development Scholarship awards up to $1,000 to multiple professional dancers of 5+ years who are seeking occupational skills training in a certification or licensure program outside of dance. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Are you a woman enrolled in a certification or degree program? If so, consider applying for the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education! The grant is open to women within 18 consecutive months of completing their educational program who have had at least 24 consecutive months as a non-student sometime in their adult life. The scholarship is funded by the Philanthropic Educational Organization, an organization that has aimed to support women with their educational aspirations since 1869. Today, P.E.O. provides over $398 million in grants, scholarships, awards, and loans. On a rolling basis, the organization grants $3,000 to recipients of the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education to cover tuition and expenses. If you would like some funds to pay off your postsecondary program, we encourage you to apply!

Are you a budding entrepreneur or inventor with a great idea? Further, have you dropped out of or decided not to attend college to pursue your idea? If so, we recommend applying for the Thiel Fellowship! The Fellowship consistently awards $100,000 to applicants who submit the most promising and impressive ideas. The fellowship is founded and funded by Peter Thiel, an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and political activist who co-founded Paypal amongst other companies. In order to apply for the Thiel Fellowship, you must be under 23 years of age and submit an application regarding your past work and current pursuits. Applications are accepted and awards are distributed on a rolling basis.  With that said, if you have a great idea that you think you won’t be able to carry out while in college, we encourage you to apply!

Are you a woman of at least 17 years of age with minor children and demonstrated financial need? Further, are you currently pursuing a first degree at a post-secondary level of education whose degree program is adding to the level of education you've already accomplished (ex: bachelor’s after associate’s, advanced degree after a bachelor’s)? If so, consider applying for the Education Support Award! Each year, the award grants $5,000 to five lucky applicants who meet the above criteria and who will be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution for the upcoming school year. In order to apply, you must fill out an online application and answer five (5) short-answer and one (1) essay question. The scholarship is offered by the Patsy Mink Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing educational access, opportunity, and equity for low-income women (especially mothers), and educational enrichment for children. If you’re a degree-seeking mother with minor children and you need some financial assistance, we encourage you to apply!

The Audre Lorde Scholarship Fund is seeking to honor exceptional Black lesbians who are making a difference in their communities. ZAMI NOBLA is committed to supporting and promoting your educational pursuits by offering scholarships to older lesbians who are enrolled in accredited technical, undergraduate, and graduate programs. To apply, three letters of recommendation are necessary.

The Amery Woman's Club Scholarship for Non-Traditional Female Students is a fantastic opportunity for women who are starting or returning to higher education after a break. The scholarship is awarded based on need, taking into account social, physical, and economic status. To be eligible, applicants must live or work in the Amery School District and provide documentation of enrollment. Don't miss out on this chance to further your education and achieve your dreams!

Are you a college graduate interested in studying abroad? If so, consider applying for Rotary Peace Fellowships! The fellowships are open to college (undergraduate and graduate school) graduates whose graduation dates will be at least three years ago by the start of their fellowship programs. Applicants should wish to study peace and development issues in a study abroad program. The fellowship offers both a Master’s Program and a Professional Development Certificate Program. Depending on which you are interested in, the application and eligibility requirements differ, so check the website for more specific details. The programs are offered by the Rotary Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports education to cultivate peace. Their fellowships seek to improve health and the environment, provide quality education, and alleviate poverty across the globe. To achieve these goals, 130 applicants every year are granted fully funded fellowships to go abroad and become "catalysts for peace". If you are interested in studying abroad, participating in global networking, and making a change, we encourage you to apply!