Finishing your education is one of the best investments you can make. No one can ever take your degree once you have it, and college graduates consistently earn more, face lower unemployment and even bounce back more quickly from economic downturns.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with bachelor’s degrees have on average 84% higher income than those who have a high school diploma.. Finishing your degree can feel daunting if you’re financially struggling or living paycheck to paycheck. But going back to school is both possible and worth it. Scholarships for adult students can transform your life by reducing college stress and helping you complete your education.
Here’s everything you need to know about scholarships for busy adults:
A scholarship is an exceptionally good option for paying for school because you don’t have to pay it back. Once the money is in your account, it’s yours to keep. And with so many scholarships available, you don’t have to be a perfect student to get one.
In general, to be eligible for a scholarship, you have to fill out an application that might include personal or financial information. After you’re awarded the scholarship, you might have to meet requirements to continue receiving it each semester. If you fail to meet these requirements, you won't have to pay the money back, but you won’t be able to continue getting the scholarship.
Scholarships generally fall into two categories:
Most scholarships have no specific age requirements, so anyone is eligible. However, there might be other eligibility requirements that can make scholarships less accessible to adult learners. For example, you might have to have a certain GPA or standardized test score or need recommendations from a teacher. If you haven’t attended school in recent years, this can narrow the availability of scholarships. That's why you need to start the search early and get financial aid support. SNU offers numerous financial aid resources that can help.
A handful of scholarships cater specifically to adult students. Some examples include:
SNU offers a number of scholarships to our students. In fact, most of our students get some form of financial aid to attend school. The specific scholarships for which you are eligible depend on many factors. Contact our financial aid office for guidance.
Thousands of scholarships are available. With some ingenuity and a willingness to search for the best options, some students find that they can fund their entire education by cobbling together several scholarships. This is a great option because you don't have to repay scholarships and may not need to submit the detailed financial information that comes with a loan.
Your personal and professional connections are an excellent starting point as you begin your search for the right combination of scholarships. To find a scholarship that suits your needs, try the following:
Many students will need additional funding to pay their tuition costs. And even if you get enough funding to cover tuition, you might need help with other expenses, such as childcare, supplies, transportation or housing.
A range of student aid options can fund these expenses. The most popular include:
Access to most forms of student aid begins with completing a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA®) online. No matter what type of aid you choose, you may have to meet eligibility requirements before applying or maintain eligibility after your award to be eligible for future student aid awards.
For many students, combining several funding options is the best way to pay for college. You might get a scholarship, max out subsidized loan options, and apply for an unsubsidized loan to make up the difference or pay for additional expenses such as childcare.
Our financial aid office can address your financial aid concerns and answer questions about how much debt you can safely take on, how to get loans, how to fill out your FAFSA and more. Veterans can also access our innovative VETS Center, which can help maximize VA education benefits.
SNU offers flexible options tailored to the unique needs of returning and adult learners. Want to explore your potential degree paths? Check out our free guide, “What to Expect from an Online Degree Program.”