If you return to college as an adult, scholarships, and grants for returning students may be available. The federal government offers low-interest loans and financial aid to college students.
If you're looking for education grants for adults returning to school, you may find the process overwhelming and long— this guide can connect you with resources that can speed things along. The grants and scholarships you receive will help you reduce your student loan debt, thereby reducing the costs of your college education.
Apply for federal student aid or FAFSA before returning to school if you are thinking about returning to school. A college grant, loan, or work-study program can only be established once your FAFSA has been reviewed by the federal government and the school.
Adult students can apply for federal aid simultaneously as high school seniors - there are no age restrictions. To access federal student loans, you must complete the FAFSA even if you do not qualify for grants. The interest rates on federal student loans are usually lower than those on private student loans, allowing you to save.
Cannot afford rent? Check out our comprehensive guide on emergency rental assistance grants.
Education Grants For Adults Returning to School
To get started, let's look at eight types of grants and scholarship programs you can use to return to school after a long absence.
1. Federal Pell Grant
Any undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for a Pell Grant. Your grant amount is determined by your need, the cost of attending your chosen school, and whether you are attending part-time or full-time. During the 2022-2023 academic year, Pell Grants could be used to receive up to $6,895, but this limit changes every year.
The following eligibility criteria apply to all Pell Grant applicants:
- Participating schools accept applications from undergraduates or vocational students.
- Applicants must meet the basic eligibility requirements for federal student aid.
- Must apply for FAFSA.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) may be available to students who demonstrate financial need. There is no need to repay FSEOGs, like Pell Grants. However, you must attend a participating school to qualify for these grants.
The scholarship will not pay for the entire year's tuition but will complement other scholarships or grants. Your FSEOG could range from $100 to $4,000 a year, depending on your school, financial situation, and other factors. If you apply as soon as possible, you are more likely to receive this grant.
Applicants for the FSEOG must meet the following requirements:
- Undergraduates enrolled in Bachelor's degree programs are eligible.
- This program is open to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. You do not demonstrate significant need merely because you have already graduated from college once.
- The application is only open to US citizens.
- You must have a grade point average of at least 2.0 to qualify.
- The FSEOG is not available to students who have defaulted on a student loan.
- Applicants must be Pell Grant recipients.
3. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Let's say you're an undergraduate, postbaccalaureate, or graduate student pursuing teacher education or educational administration. The government may award you a TEACH grant if you meet certain eligibility requirements.
Learn more about Education grants for teachers
With a minimum of four years of teaching in a low-income school, you might qualify for a TEACH grant worth up to $4,000 per year. The government converts your grants into student loans if you do not fulfill your service obligations. It's important to consider whether TEACH grants will be helpful to you as an educator.
4. Return2College
A Return2College scholarship could provide $1,000 to help you pay for your education. There is no age restriction for adults pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. In response to their prompt, you need to write a three-sentence essay. Normally, a deadline is set for the end of September; another deadline is January 31, 2023.
The applicant must be either a US citizen or legal resident who will be entering a higher education program in the next 12 months or currently enrolled in college or graduate school. The minimum age requirement is seventeen years old or older. There is no upper age limit for this program.
5. Unigo $10K Scholarship
The Unigo $10K Scholarship might be a good fit if you plan to attend college within the next five years. Students who receive the award can apply up to $10,000 toward their undergraduate or graduate education.
You must be a legal resident of the United States and provide a short written response to the question: "Would you rather be smart, funny, or rich? Why?" The application deadline is December 31 of the previous school year, which can be found on their website.
The applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be eligible.
- Students must be legal residents of the United States.
- The applicant must reside within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
- Applications must be made by people who are 14 years old or older.
6. College JumpStart Scholarship
College Jumpstart scholarships are available to all types of college students - including nontraditional students - who demonstrate a passionate and committed interest in achieving higher education. This award is based on merits, not financial need. Winners receive $1,000 towards their college or university expenses. There is a deadline of October 17 for submissions.
Private and corporate donations are needed to support the College JumpStart Scholarship program. Student support is the sole purpose of all funds. Various volunteers provide technical support and application judging for the scholarship program.
The program's eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Current college students or those planning to enter college within 12 months are eligible.
- Citizenship or legal residency in the US is required.
- A personal statement must be included in the online application.
- No consideration is given to financial needs, grades, or test scores.
7. Michele L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship
Several scholarships are funded by the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting, one of which is the Michele L. McDonald Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship awards a $1,000 scholarship each year.
The eligibility requirements for the SuperCollege scholarship are as follows:
- Applicants must be undergraduate students
- College or university attendance is required
- Applicants must be US citizens
- The scholarship is only available to female students
- Currently not enrolled in high school
- Students on both full-time and part-time basis can apply
- This scholarship is only available to accounting students
8. Working Parent College Scholarship Award
Working parents can apply for Job-Applications.com's Working Parent College Scholarship Awards if they are enrolled at an accredited US school part-time or full-time. At least one minor child must be present at the time of application for this scholarship. $1,000 will be given to each recipient to use toward college expenses.
It has yet to be announced when the deadline for 2023 will be; the deadline for this year was August 12. The Working Parent College Scholarship Award Program is open to anyone who is a parent, working, and pursuing their educational goals.
The leading requirement is a 600-1000 word essay that provides three keys for balancing parenthood, work, and school success. The following eligibility requirements also apply:
- A student who is currently enrolled full- or part-time in a US post-secondary educational institution (including colleges, universities, trade schools, or similar accredited programs) with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in that institution;
- When applying, has worked at least twelve (12) hours on average throughout the previous four (4) weeks;
- Belongs to an extended family with at least one child under the age of 18;
- Has a legal residence in the United States;
- A student enrolled or proceeding with studies in an accredited US post-secondary institution;
- At the time of application, the applicant must be at least 18 years old;
- To be eligible for the periodic scholarships, an applicant must complete and submit the official Scholarship Application form within the specified time frame.
If you are interested in learning more about different grants and programs that can help you with your living situation, read our article on how to get free broken computers. Check out the rest of Gov Relations' blog section today!
