College Grants for Adults Going Back to School

Returning to college after years away can be a major financial burden, which is why organizations and institutions offer college grants for adults going back to school.

These free school funds � which don't have to be repaid � make it possible for adult learners to cover some or all tuition costs and other student fees.

If you're interested in returning to school, this is a great time to learn all about grants and other types of financial assistance available to adult learners.

College Grants for Adults Going Back to School

The following list features college grants created specifically for adult learners who want to return to school.

Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant

This grant delivers unrestricted non-tuition funding for women and nonbinary students aged 35 and older who demonstrate financial need.

Students must be pursuing an associate degree, technical or vocational college education, or bachelor's degree. This grant is renewable for up to five years.

AAUW Career Development Grants

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers Career Development Grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 to help women advance or change careers in specific fields.

Women of color and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields are considered first. A candidate's last degree must have been earned before June 30, 2016.

Live Your Dream Awards

Live Your Dream Awards from Soroptimist International of the Americas give grants to more than 1,500 women pursuing vocational/skills training or an undergraduate degree.

Potential cash awards are up to $1,000, $3,000 to $5,000, and $10,000+. Candidates must prove financial need and provide primary financial support for themselves and their dependents.

You Can. Go Back. Adult Student Grant

The Adult Student Grant is a renewable $2,000 grant created to help returning adult learners with financial need begin or finish a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree.

The grant is a part of Indiana's You Can. Go Back. program. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be financially independent, and enroll in at least six credit hours.

HEAPS Grant

The Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant aims to encourage students with financial need in West Virginia to continue their education.

The renewable award is offered annually. Awardees must attend an undergraduate institution of higher education on a part-time basis. Completing the FAFSA form is required to qualify.

GO-60 Program

At Penn State Berks, students at least 60 years of age at the time of enrollment can enroll in up to two undergraduate courses per semester free of charge.

Students must be nondegree-seeking, retired (or working no more than 20 hours weekly), and Pennsylvania residents living in the Berks service area.

Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant

Missouri's Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant provides funds for tuition, general fees, books, and more to help students secure the education and skills needed to enter high-demand fields.

Applicants must be at least 25 years old, fill out the FAFSA form, and have not yet received a bachelor's degree. Recipients must report employment and Missouri state residency for three years.

Federal College Grants for Returning Students

In addition to college grants for adults going back to school, federal grants are available for students of all ages. Eligibility for all federal grants starts with filling out the FAFSA form.

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is an award of up to $7,395 (as of 2024) that helps students pay for tuition and other school-related costs.

The grant is need-based and only awarded to undergraduate students who haven't earned a bachelor's, master's, or professional degree.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) helps students with the greatest financial need cover tuition and other costs.

Award amounts range from $100 to $4,000 per year. Recipients cannot have previously earned a bachelor's degree and must maintain undergraduate enrollment.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant awards up to $4,000 to students taking courses needed to start a teaching career.

Students must be enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible program at a participating school and agree to complete a teaching service obligation to avoid converting the grant into a loan.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Students whose parent or guardian served in the U.S. armed forces and died due to Iraq or Afghanistan service following 9/11 events might qualify for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.

Awardees must meet Pell Grant eligibility requirements and have been under 24 years old (or enrolled in college at least part-time) when their parent or guardian died. The maximum award is $7,395.

Can Adults Qualify for FAFSA?

Yes, adult students can qualify for grants, loans, and other forms of aid delivered via FAFSA. There is no age limit for FAFSA financial assistance.

A primary requirement for securing federal grants and other aid is to fill out the FAFSA form in a timely fashion for each academic year.

Of course, you'll also need to make sure you meet any other federal student aid requirements to qualify for assistance.

Thoroughly review eligibility requirements to make sure you properly prove financial need, enroll in the right program, or meet other qualifications.

How Do People Afford Going Back to School?

Grants are not the only financial assistance options for adults interested in returning to college. Here are other ways people afford to go back to school.

Scholarships

Scholarships are financial awards that cover some or all tuition costs and don't have to be repaid. They are gifted based on financial need, merit, academic major, or other criteria.

Students can apply for scholarships with academic institutions, private businesses, nonprofits, religious groups, social organizations, and governments.

Student Loans

Student loans provide financial aid for college but must be repaid with interest. Federal loans include Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans and the Direct PLUS loan.

Depending on the loan acquired and grade level, students can receive as much as the entire cost of attendance.

Tuition Reimbursement

Tuition reimbursement is an employer benefit through which companies pay for workers' college courses up to a specific amount each year (usually $5,000 to $5,999 per employer, per year).

Courses covered are typically related to the worker's current job. Some companies pre-pay for coursework while others reimburse workers after they've completed courses.

Military Aid

In addition to military-related college grants for adults going back to school, students can find military scholarships and other forms of aid.

For instance, qualifying veterans can use the GI Bill to cover school costs. The Tuition Assistance (TA) program for active members pays all tuition and fees up to $250 per semester credit hour.

Find Grants for Adults Going Back to College Today

Whether you want to return to college to enhance your career or achieve a personal goal, now's the time to get started. Explore college grants for adults going back to school today and reduce the cost of your academic journey.