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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
 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.
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.
 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.
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.
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!
