Returning to college as an adult learner can be a rewarding experience, but it can also come with financial challenges. Fortunately, there are many scholarships and grants available specifically for adult learners that can help offset the cost of education. In this blog post, we will explore some of the scholarships and grants available to adult learners and provide tips on how to secure funding for your college education.
Scholarships for Adult Learners:
- Imagine Scholarships for Adult Learners: Imagine Scholarships offers a range of scholarships for adult learners pursuing higher education. These scholarships are designed to support adult learners in their academic pursuits and can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
- Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST): ASIST offers scholarships to adult learners facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are looking to improve their situation through education. The scholarship can be used for any educational expenses, including tuition, books, and fees.
- Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is available to low-income women aged 35 and older who are pursuing a technical or vocational education, an associate degree, or a first bachelor’s degree.
- Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP): WISP offers scholarships to women who have survived domestic violence and are pursuing higher education to gain skills and training for employment.
Grants for Adult Learners:
- Federal Pell Grant: The Pell Grant is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students, including adult learners, who demonstrate financial need. The grant amount is based on factors such as financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): FSEOG is a need-based grant available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students who receive the Pell Grant.
- State Grants: Many states offer grants to adult learners based on financial need, academic merit, or other criteria. Check with your state’s higher education agency or financial aid office for more information.
Tips for Securing Funding:
- Research scholarships and grants specifically for adult learners, as they may have less competition than general scholarships.
- Check with your employer, community organizations, and professional associations for scholarship opportunities.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal grants and other financial aid programs.
- Maintain a strong academic record and actively participate in extracurricular activities, as these can strengthen your scholarship applications.
Conclusion:
Funding your college education as an adult learner may seem daunting, but with the right resources and determination, it is possible. By exploring scholarship and grant opportunities, you can make your educational goals a reality and open up new opportunities for your future.
Imagine Scholarships has a blog, and a newsletter with many helpful resources for students, educators and parents as well as thousands of quality scholarships that are organized to help you find money for college. Sign up today, you’ll be glad you did.