Are there grants for adults returning to college?

Asked by: Domenico Jacobs  |  Last update: July 20, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (74 votes)

Adult students can access the same federal grants, loans, and work-study programs as traditional students. Scholarships and grants significantly reduce the costs of returning to school, lowering overall student loan debt.

How do adults afford to go back to college?

  • Financial Aid : Apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
  • Scholarships and Grants : Look for scholarships and grants that don't need to be repaid.
  • Community College
  • Part-Time or Online Programs
  • Employer Assistance
  • Payment Plans
  • State Programs
  • Budgeting

Can I get financial aid if I go back to college?

Absolutely! Even students returning to their education long after high school graduation can apply for financial aid. Consult the financial aid department of the college or university you plan to attend later for specific advice on what's availabl...

Are there scholarships for adults going back to college?

The Ford Opportunity Scholarship provides 96 renewable scholarships of up to $40,000 per year. These awards are issued to parents of any age or adult students over 25 seeking to earn a college degree and who reside in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California. Applications open annually on Dec.

What is the oldest age to get a scholarship?

There is no set age limit for getting a full track scholarship in America.

Scholarships for Adult Students returning to college

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Can you get grants for college as an adult?

There are no age restrictions for federal aid. Adult students can access the same federal grants, loans, and work-study programs as traditional students. Scholarships and grants significantly reduce the costs of returning to school, lowering overall student loan debt.

Does FAFSA have an age limit?

Is there an age limit for receiving federal student aid? No, there's no age limit. Almost everyone is eligible for some type of federal student aid. The adult student still needs to complete the FAFSA form, and make sure not to miss any deadlines, just like any other student.

Can I get a grant to go back to college?

If you're going back to college as an adult, you may be eligible for grants and scholarships for returning students. You can also apply for financial aid and low-rate federal loans as a “nontraditional” college attendee.

How do adults go back to college?

Affording tuition. Balancing college costs as a working adult can be challenging, but there are strategies to make it feasible: Financial Aid: Seek low-interest federal loans and aid for adult learners or go to your school's financial aid office, they can assist in finding suitable resources.

How to pay for college as an adult student?

Adult students who are beyond the traditional age of college enrollment may even find there are opportunities specifically for them that can help.
  1. Fill out the FAFSA. ...
  2. Contact your school's financial aid office. ...
  3. Apply to scholarships and grants. ...
  4. Consider student loans. ...
  5. Take advantage of tax breaks for continuing education.

What income is too high for FAFSA?

What income is too high for FAFSA? There is no income that is too high to file a FAFSA. No matter how much you make, you can always submit a FAFSA. Eligibility for need-based financial aid increases as the cost of attendance increases, so even a wealthy student might qualify for financial aid at a higher-cost college.

How to go to college for free as an adult?

How to Go to College for Free
  1. Qualify for Scholarships. ...
  2. Apply for Grants. ...
  3. Consider Employer Tuition Assistance. ...
  4. Work at the School You Attend. ...
  5. Consider a Work College. ...
  6. Find a College With Free Tuition. ...
  7. See if You Qualify for a Tuition Waiver. ...
  8. Crowdfund Your Education.

What disqualifies you from FAFSA?

For example, if your citizenship status changed because your visa expired or it was revoked, then you would be ineligible. Other reasons for financial aid disqualification include: Not maintaining satisfactory progress at your college or degree program. Not filling out the FAFSA each year you are enrolled in school.

How to go to college as a broke adult?

4 Ways adults can make college more affordable
  1. Make the most of your college credits. ...
  2. Take advantage of employer support. ...
  3. Seek out scholarships and grants. ...
  4. Utilize federal programs.

At what age does parents' income not affect financial aid?

A student age 24 or older by Dec. 31 of the award year is considered independent for federal financial aid purposes.

Will the government pay me to go back to school?

If you're an adult who wants to go back to school or college, you may be eligible for government grants and scholarships to ease your financial burden. These grants can help pay for your education without any need to return the money so long as you complete your program.

What do you call an adult returning to college?

Adult learners are known by a wide variety of names — including non-traditional students, adult students, returning adults, adult returners, mature learners and many more — and they have an even wider variety of cultural and educational backgrounds, abilities, responsibilities and experiences.

How do I go back to school as an adult?

How to go back to school as an adult
  1. Identify your reasons for returning. ...
  2. Manage your time effectively. ...
  3. Determine the right program for you. ...
  4. Research the school. ...
  5. Check the required admission criteria. ...
  6. Decide when to apply. ...
  7. Develop a financial plan. ...
  8. Enroll in your classes and get your course material.

Is it harder to get into college as an adult?

Does It Matter How Old You Are in College? Postsecondary institutions do not impose an age limit on students. In fact, older students enhance diversity in college admissions. To be accepted, you must meet the same academic and financial requirements for admission as other prospective students.

Can adults get grants for college?

Most states and colleges have their own grant programs that adult learners can leverage to help pay for school. For many state grants, eligibility is restricted to residents attending in-state schools. To find out what your state offers and how to apply, contact your state's education agency.

How to get free grant money?

The government does not offer "free money" for individuals. Federal grants are typically only for states and organizations. But you may be able to get a federal loan for education, a small business, and more. If you need help with food, health care, or utilities, visit USA.gov's benefits page.

How do you go back to college when you can't afford it?

Grants, work-study funds, loans, and scholarships help make college or career school affordable. Financial aid can come from federal, state, school, and private sources to help you pay for college or career school. Learn more about the different types of financial aid.

What is the maximum income to qualify for FAFSA?

There are no income limits to apply, and many state and private colleges use the FAFSA to determine your financial aid eligibility.

How to pay for college as an adult?

How Can an Older Person Afford College? For most people, a mix of loans and grants will be needed to pay tuition. In addition, many employers offer tuition reimbursement, scholarships, or repayment assistance for student loans.

What income qualifies you for pell grant?

The Pell Grant is indeed a valuable financial aid resource for many college students. While there isn't a strict maximum family income limit for Pell Grant eligibility, the grant is typically awarded to students with financial need, particularly those with an annual family income of $60,000 or below.