Top 9 Scholarships For Returning Students

This article will highlight the top scholarships for returning students, providing essential details about each to help you find the right financial aid for your educational pursuits. Returning to school can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Whether you’re looking to complete a degree you started years ago, enhance your career with new skills, or pivot to a new field entirely, the financial burden can be significant. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available specifically for returning students. These scholarships are designed to support those who have had a break in their education and are now seeking to complete their academic journey.

Scholarships for Returning Students

The scholarships for returning students that are available for application are;

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants
Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship
The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship
The Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship
The Return2College Scholarship Program
The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program
The Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)

1. Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund is named after the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, Jeannette Rankin. This scholarship is specifically for low-income women aged 35 and older who are pursuing undergraduate degrees. Eligibility

Women aged 35 or older
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited school pursuing a technical education, associate’s degree, or first bachelor’s degree
Low income, as defined by the USDA’s Income Eligibility Guidelines

Application Process Applicants must provide personal information, and financial need documentation, and write several essays detailing their educational goals and how the scholarship will assist them. Award Amount The scholarship amount varies, typically around $2,000 per recipient. Funds can be used for tuition, books, transportation, or other educational expenses. Scholarship Link

2. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Career Development Grants

The AAUW Career Development Grants are intended for women who hold a bachelor’s degree and are preparing to advance or change careers or re-enter the workforce. The program encourages applications from women of color and women pursuing their first advanced degree or credentials in nontraditional fields. Eligibility

Women who have earned a bachelor’s degree on or before June 30, 2016
U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Enrolled in or planning to enroll in courses/activities to enhance skills for career advancement, change, or re-entry

Application Process Applicants must submit an application, transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. The application period typically opens in August and closes in November. Award Amount Grants range from $2,000 to $12,000. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, local transportation, and dependent care. Scholarship Link

3. Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Scholarship

Named after the late U.S. Representative Patsy Takemoto Mink, the foundation offers scholarships to low-income women, particularly mothers, pursuing education or training. Eligibility

Women at least 17 years old
Mother with minor children
Low-income
Enrolled in an accredited educational program

Application Process The application requires personal information, financial need documentation, educational goals, and letters of recommendation. Award Amount Each year, the foundation offers up to five scholarships of $5,000 each. The funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and childcare. Scholarship Link

4. Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarship

The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to women pursuing degrees in engineering, engineering technology, and computer science. Eligibility

Women pursuing an ABET-accredited bachelor’s or graduate degree in engineering, technology, or computer science
Full-time students, though part-time students can also apply if they meet specific criteria
Minimum GPA requirements vary by scholarship

Application Process Applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, and an essay outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing an engineering degree. Award Amount The SWE awards range from $1,000 to $15,000 per year, depending on the specific scholarship. Scholarship Link

5. The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

Sponsored by the Executive Women International (EWI), the ASIST Scholarship assists adults in various transitional stages to pursue education. Eligibility

Adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges
Adults pursuing an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certification

Application Process Applicants need to submit personal information, financial need documentation, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Award Amount Scholarship amounts range from $2,000 to $10,000 and can be used for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Scholarship Link

6. The Return2College Scholarship Program

The Return2College Scholarship Program is open to U.S. residents returning to school for a degree at any accredited college or university. Eligibility

U.S. residents aged 17 years or older
Planning to enroll in an accredited college or university within the next 12 months

Application Process The application requires an essay of 500 words or less on why you are returning to school and what you hope to accomplish. Award Amount The program awards three scholarships of $1,000 each. Scholarship Link

7. The Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarship

Alpha Sigma Lambda, an honor society for adult learners, offers scholarships to members pursuing undergraduate degrees. Eligibility

Members of Alpha Sigma Lambda
Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
Demonstrated academic achievement and financial need

Application Process Applicants must submit a personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Award Amount Scholarships range from $1,500 to $3,000. Scholarship Link

8. The Osher Reentry Scholarship Program

Funded by the Bernard Osher Foundation, this scholarship supports students who have experienced a cumulative gap in their education of five or more years. Eligibility

Students with a gap in their education of at least five years
Enrolled at institutions that participate in the Osher Reentry Scholarship Program

Application Process Each participating institution has its own application process. Applicants should contact their school’s financial aid office for details. Award Amount Scholarships typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 per academic year. Scholarship Link

9. The Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)

The Imagine America Foundation offers scholarships to adult learners enrolling in career education programs at participating colleges. Eligibility

Adults aged 19 and older
Enrolled in a career education program at a participating college
Demonstrated financial need

Application Process Applicants must complete an application, provide proof of financial need, and submit a personal essay. Award Amount Scholarships are $1,000 each. Scholarship Link

Conclusion

Returning to school as an adult presents unique challenges, but numerous scholarships are available to help ease the financial burden. From scholarships for women and mothers to those for students pursuing careers in engineering or reentering the workforce, there are options to suit various needs and backgrounds. By researching and applying for these scholarships, returning students can find significant financial support to help them achieve their educational and career goals. As you embark on your journey back to school, take advantage of these opportunities and invest in your future with confidence. Each scholarship has its own set of requirements and application processes, so be sure to carefully review the eligibility criteria and deadlines. Good luck in your educational pursuits!