College Financial Aid Options for Senior Citizens 2025

Adult learners looking to return to college to finish a four-year degree or earn a first degree often have questions about the financial assistance programs available to them. Most federal financial aid programs available to younger students straight out of high school are also available to older adults and nontraditional students.

Each type of financial aid program will have unique eligibility requirements and application processes. Whether you're currently in a higher education program or just considering enrollment, learning more about your financial aid options can help you figure out how to pay for your degree.

Types of Financial Aid Programs for Senior Citizens

Financial aid programs for older students come in multiple forms, but they can be classified into two main categories: free tuition programs and ones that require repayment. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take out a student loan, but most older students will be able to cover large amounts of their tuition without borrowing money.

1. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that can be submitted each academic year. This document establishes a student's financial need to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, like the Pell Grant.

These forms are also used by school financial aid offices to award last-dollar scholarships and other school-provided programs.

2. Scholarships

College students often apply for scholarships from organizations including nonprofits, their schools, and businesses. Scholarships are generally awarded based on merit (i.e., standardized test scores or a minimum GPA).

There are many scholarships for senior citizen students, as well as programs with no age cap, that older adult students should apply for.

Some programs include:

• Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships
• Bernard Osher Reentry Scholarships
• Ford Family Opportunity Scholarships

One of the biggest advantages of scholarships is that they provide students with the necessary funds, without the need for repayment. Additionally, scholarships are sometimes renewable which can help students throughout their entire degree.

3. Grants

Grants are like scholarships, and many view them as the same programs, but there are a few differences. Unlike scholarships, grants are generally based on non-merit factors. Grants provide low-income learners with payments that can cover tuition and other college costs without repayment.

Older students will be eligible for private and federal grants, like the Pell Grant. Typically, grants have fewer admission requirements than scholarships, which may ask for essays or letters of recommendation.

4. Student Loans

Adult learners can borrow money through private and federal student loans. Private loans are provided through banks, credit unions, and other lending institutions, while federal loans are allocated through government agencies. Although student loans are some of the most common financial aid programs, they should be viewed as a last resort.

Student loans will require you to repay the amount you borrowed with interest, but most loan programs do defer repayments until a period after graduation.

5. Work Study Programs

A lesser-known form of financial aid is a work-study program. These programs are available to some students based on the results of their FAFSA forms. They are part-time jobs offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students receive a paycheck that can be used to cover college costs (e.g., supplies, books, and other materials).

Most financial aid programs are based on tax information from the previous year, but any income earned from a federal work-study program won't be included in income that affects any other financial aid program you apply for.

6. Tuition Waivers

Another program to consider is school-offered tuition waivers. A tuition waiver, unlike a scholarship or grant, reduces total tuition costs as opposed to outside funds being applied to the total. Tuition waivers aren't available to everyone. Schools usually reserve tuition waivers for low-income, military-connected, and other groups.

Most tuition waivers are automatically evaluated by your school based on your FAFSA results, but some schools will require an additional application through the financial aid office.

FAQs About Financial Aid Eligibility for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens looking to return to school often have questions about the financial aid opportunities available to them. Beyond the types of financial aid programs, students often ask about free college programs for seniors, scholarships specifically for older learners, and eligibility for the Pell Grant.

Can Senior Citizens Go To College for Free?

Some senior citizens are eligible to attend college for free through multiple channels. Some schools in states like California, Georgia, and Michigan offer full tuition waivers to students over 60 years of age, or 65 at some schools. These programs are usually limited to state residents enrolling in undergraduate programs.

There are still options for students who live outside of these states. Senior citizen students can use a combination of scholarships, grants, and other programs to cover nearly all their tuition costs.

Are There Any Scholarships Available Specifically for Senior Citizens Returning To College?

Multiple scholarship programs are available specifically for senior citizens returning to college. Older adult students can look for age-based scholarship programs through various organizations like schools, nonprofit organizations, and more.

Most scholarship programs don't have an age cap, so even if the program isn't designed exclusively for senior citizens, they may still be viable options for older learners.

Can Senior Citizens Get Pell Grants?

Yes, senior citizens are eligible for the Pell Grant, as long as they meet the necessary criteria. However, there are limits to this amount. If a senior citizen was enrolled in college prior and already received the maximum amounts, they will not be eligible for more.

Go Back To School Easily With Online Programs

Going back to school as an adult learner can be tricky. One way to make this easier is to enroll in online programs. These programs allow senior citizen learners to earn bachelor's degrees without some of the sacrifices and burdens that come with on-campus learning programs.

Use our resources to learn more about the various affordable online bachelor's degree programs available from schools across the country. Learn admission requirements, tuition costs, financial aid eligibility, and what you need to do to submit your application today.