Scholarships for Adult Learners: How to Fund Your Return to College

Returning to college as an adult takes courage, and often, a little financial help. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or a second career, the good news is there are plenty of scholarships built just for adult learners.

At ScholarshipNerd.org, we’ve verified the most trusted opportunities designed to help you finish your degree, change your path, or start fresh without overwhelming debt. Here’s your guide to the best scholarships for adult students in 2025.

Featured Scholarships for Adult Learners (2025 Edition)

1. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant

Amount: Up to $2,500 annually (renewable for up to 5 years)
Who it’s for: U.S. residents age 35+ who identify as women, non-binary, or Two-Spirit individuals pursuing their first degree (technical, associate’s, or bachelor’s).
Why it’s special: Beyond funding, recipients join a national scholar community with mentoring and career coaching.
Deadline: February 16, 2025 (applications opened November 10, 2024).
Apply on the Jeannette Rankin Foundation site

2. Boomer Benefits Scholarship

Amount: $2,500
Who it’s for: Adult learners age 50+ pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Highlights: Awards consider academic performance, community service, and personal goals.
Deadline: August 27 (applications open July 1).
Learn more and apply

3. Imagine America – Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)

Amount: $1,000 one-time tuition grant
Who it’s for: U.S. citizens or residents age 19+ enrolled in a participating career or technical college.
Details: Designed for adults seeking practical training and quick workforce entry.
Check eligibility by school

4. Return2College Scholarship

Amount: $1,000
Who it’s for: U.S. citizens or legal residents age 17+ starting or currently enrolled in college (full- or part-time).
Bonus: Applicants can submit multiple essays to improve their chances.
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Apply now

5. Osher Reentry Scholarship Programs

Available at various universities, including:

• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – Up to full tuition; priority deadline February 15.
• Cal State Chico – Up to $5,000 annually; opens January 2–February 15.
• University of Southern Maine – Up to $5,000; due June 15.

Who it’s for: Adults ages 25–50 returning after a 5+ year education gap.
Explore Osher reentry programs 

6. Finish What You Started – CU Boulder / Colorado Opportunity Scholarship

Amount: $1,500 per semester (through Spring 2025)
Who it’s for: Colorado residents returning to complete a degree after an educational gap, especially those impacted by the pandemic.
Deadline: Most applications due February–March 2025.
Learn about the program

7. Boundless Opportunity Scholarship (Daniels Fund)

Amount: Minimum $2,500 (varies by institution)
Who it’s for: Adult and nontraditional students in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, or Wyoming — including veterans, former foster youth, and GED recipients.
Deadline: September 2, 2025.
Find details at participating schools

How to Boost Your Scholarship Chances

• Start early. Many adult scholarships open months before deadlines.
• Tell your story. Essay-based programs value resilience, career goals, and life experience.
• Ask for help. Letters of recommendation from supervisors, professors, or volunteer leaders can make your application stand out.
• Stay organized. Create a scholarship tracker or use ScholarshipNerd’s verified lists to stay on top of deadlines.

Pro Tip: You can often stack scholarship awards. Be sure to apply for several that fit your background, school type, or location to maximize your aid.