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How do I, an adult going to college for the first time, find scholarships? #Fall25
I am an unconventional student and it has been very hard to find scholarships that are geared towards students like myself. #Fall25
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
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Paul’s Answer
Much of successful scholarship attainment, has to do with where you look for the scholarships. They can come from two primary sources, either private or public. One area people might not know about is the College Foundation option, at local colleges and universities.
College Foundations connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications. These are normally scholarships, that are supported by private individuals or businesses.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, science subjects, engineering or radiology, or students who might be of a certain ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend), and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
College Foundations connect many of their scholarships to specific subjects, activities, majors, ethnicities and classifications. These are normally scholarships, that are supported by private individuals or businesses.
You might find scholarships for students who are first generation college students (neither parent has a college degree), students who are focusing their major on teaching, science subjects, engineering or radiology, or students who might be of a certain ethnicity.
Most of the time potential applicants can find nearly anything that fits into a classification or subject that defines them or their future goals.
All colleges and universities have foundations that offer scholarships. I would log into the website (of the college you are attending or wishing to attend), and research the ones which apply to you and your particular interests.
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Megan’s Answer
I would consider using your local library as a resource! They may know of databases and other resources that can help you find scholarships that match your situation.
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Wong’s Answer
Hi Eliza. You may look for scholarships that are specifically for adult students. Some organizations and foundations know that adults returning to school have different needs than younger students. Some scholarships are aimed at those who are changing careers, finishing a degree they started years ago, or going back to school for personal growth. You can try searching online with phrases like "scholarships for adult learners" or "scholarships for non-traditional students."
You can also look for scholarships that fit your personal circumstances. For example, there are scholarships for single parents, working adults, or people going into specific fields like healthcare or business. Some professional groups related to your field of study may offer scholarships to help adults go back to school. So, it's worth checking out organizations in your career area as well.
Don't forget to check with the college you plan to attend. Some schools have scholarships just for adult learners or non-traditional students. You can ask the financial aid office if there are any scholarships available for people like you.
Another good place to look is local community organizations. Local businesses, community groups, or non-profits in your area might offer scholarships to people going back to school. You may check with local employers or community organizations to see if they have any scholarships or financial help for adult students.
You can also look for scholarships that fit your personal circumstances. For example, there are scholarships for single parents, working adults, or people going into specific fields like healthcare or business. Some professional groups related to your field of study may offer scholarships to help adults go back to school. So, it's worth checking out organizations in your career area as well.
Don't forget to check with the college you plan to attend. Some schools have scholarships just for adult learners or non-traditional students. You can ask the financial aid office if there are any scholarships available for people like you.
Another good place to look is local community organizations. Local businesses, community groups, or non-profits in your area might offer scholarships to people going back to school. You may check with local employers or community organizations to see if they have any scholarships or financial help for adult students.