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Scholarships
Top adult scholarships for you
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What are adult scholarships?
Adult scholarships are financial aid for college created specifically for adult students. Adult scholarships can help students attain higher education opportunities that otherwise may be out of reach due to financial reasons. All scholarships are free money for college that you don’t have to pay back.
Eligibility requirements for adult scholarships
Before you apply for adult scholarships, make sure you check the eligibility requirements. Some common eligibility requirements may include your GPA, community service, citizenship, plan to attend an accredited program, leadership potential, and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Scholarship eligibility requirements vary, so don’t assume you won’t qualify. Check them out!
Are adult scholarships worth my time?
Some scholarships are quick and easy to apply for. Others require time and effort. Typically, fewer students apply to scholarships that require work which means you could have better odds of winning.
Pro tip: Don’t skip over scholarships for adult with smaller award amounts ($). There’s typically less competition for them—and they add up!
How do I find adult scholarships?
There are many resources to help you find scholarships for adult.
Scholarship resources
- The financial aid office at a college or career school
- Organizations (such as professional associations) related to your field of interest
- Federal agencies
- Free scholarship search engine tools like Scholly Scholarships
- Local libraries, businesses, or associations
Your high school guidance office is a great place to start when looking for local scholarships. You could also try doing a search for your city’s name and “community foundation,” or the county you live in and “foundation.”

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Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
Adult scholarships
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The Scholarships360 $10,000 "No Essay" Scholarship
Due: 6/30/2025
No Essay
$10,000
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
Due: 7/1/2025
No Essay
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
$5,000
The Arkansas Academic Challenge Program provides scholarships to students pursuing higher education. The scholarship is available to students regardless of their academic status, whether just graduating from high school, currently enrolled in college, enrolling in college for the first time, or re-enrolling after a period of time out of college. Traditional students must have an ACT composite score or superscore of at least a 19 (or an equivalent of a 19 composite on an equivalent test). Non-traditional students with some or no college credit can qualify if they have some college credit and have a cumulative college GPA of at least 2.5. A student with no college credit can qualify as Non-Traditional if they have an ACT composite score or superscore of at least 19 (or an equivalent of a 19 composite on an equivalent test). Those that graduate from undergrad early have the option to use the remaining semesters for graduate school. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for more information.
Washington College Grant
Due: Varies
No Essay
No min. GPA Required
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
Amount varies
The Washington College Grant (WA Grant) gives eligible people more money for more types of education like certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college. WA Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. The amount you receive depends on family size, income, and the cost of your school or program. WA Grant is available to recent high school graduates or working-age Adult; and low- to middle-income families and individuals.
The Martin Duffy Adult Scholarship
Due: 6/17/2025
No min. GPA Required
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
$500
The Martin Duffy Adult Scholarship will be awarded to Union members of Minnesota AFL-CIO affiliated unions (not high school graduating dependents). All scholarship funds are applicable only to accredited educational institutions such as universities, colleges, or vocational schools. There are no academic performance standards or records required for eligibility. Applicants must be a member in good standing of a Minnesota AFL-CIO local union; or an AFL-CIO member on lay-off status who has a valid withdrawal card, has recall rights and was in good standing for six months prior to lay-off; or a retired or disabled AFL-CIO member who was in good standing in his or her Local Union at the time of retirement or disablement. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Fresh Start Scholarship Program
Due: Varies
No Essay
No min. GPA Required
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
Amount varies
Fresh Start awards annual scholarships to students in Delaware based on financial need, personal challenges, and academic record. Applicants must be at least 20 years old and have had a 2-year gap in their education. They must be a resident of Delaware, or be currently employed in Delaware for at least the past 12 months. Applicants must also have a high school diploma or G.E.D. They must be admitted to an accredited college in a two- or four-year degree program at the undergraduate level. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
David V. Stivison Appalachian Community Action Scholarship
Due: 5/1/2025
No min. GPA Required
No Recommendations Required
Amount varies
The David V. Stivison Appalachian Community Action Scholarship Fund was created as a tribute to David's pursuit of academic excellence and his commitment to help others achieve their fullest potential. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students who are residents of the 30 counties in the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development service area and want to attend college but lack the required resources. Applicants must reside in a household with a total annual income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Applicants must have obtained or will obtain a high school degree or GED. Non-traditional students may apply directly to local Community Action Agencies. Preference will be given to first-year students who plan to attend either a 2-year or 4-year institution of higher education within the 30-country COAD service area, unless the field of study chosen by the applicant is not offered by any of these institutions. Applicants must submit their application for Financial Assistance, Household Income Statement and Verification Form, and Income documentation. Applications must be submitted to the appropriate COAD-member Community Action Agency that serves the county where the applicant resides. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Boundless Opportunity Scholarship
Due: Varies
No Essay
No min. GPA Required
No Recommendations Required
No Transcripts Required
Amount varies
The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship benefits highly motivated non-traditional students who recognize the power of education to create a better life for themselves and their families. The program helps hardworking students invest in themselves and prepare for in-demand career opportunities. The scholarship is available to non-traditional students who are seeking undergraduate degrees, career certificates, or career credentials in high-demand career fields. Boundless Opportunity Scholarships will assist non-traditional students, including: Adult entering or returning to college (age 22 and above); GED recipients; Veterans entering or returning to college; former foster care youth; former juvenile justice youth; students participating in ROTC on campus; and/or active military. Students interested in applying can visit the participating schools and organizations page to determine if their college or university offers the Boundless Opportunity Scholarship. For more information on the application process, visit the financial aid office or website of any participating school.
One Family, Inc. Scholarship Program
Due: 7/16/2025
No Essay
No min. GPA Required
No Recommendations Required
Amount varies
The One Family, Inc. Scholarship Program was established by the Massachusetts Legislature to assist heads of households in achieving their academic goals. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide the opportunity for a permanent path out of poverty through the pursuit of higher education. Applicants must be a permanent legal resident of Massachusetts for at least one year and be a U.S. Citizen or non-citizen eligible under Title IV regulations. They must be an incoming or returning student enrolled in a certificate, associate's or bachelor's degree program at an eligible institution. They must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with institutional and federal standards. Applicants must also qualify as a head-of-household, with children under age 18; and at risk of homelessness, based on federal poverty standards, or has experienced homelessness within the previous 12 months. They must be an active participant of One Family, Inc., services and activities, including the Leadership Seminar program. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
LMG Foundation Scholarship
Due: 6/6/2025
$1,500
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the LMG Foundation Scholarship will seek to award a scholarship to an undetermined number of recipients to cover the educational costs for two consecutive semesters. Scholarships are not renewable and cannot be transferred. Applicants who are awarded the scholarships will be ineligible to apply in the following cycle. Applicants must either be graduating high school or homeschooled seniors with acceptance into an accredited two-year technical school or four-year university or college; or entering or returning students at an accredited undergraduate institution in the United States. This scholarship is open to applicants from any field of interest or major. Individuals who are not US citizens but who have adequate and proper documentation that will allow them to be accepted into colleges and universities within the United States may also apply. Candidates will need to provide two current letters of recommendation from any of the following:.. Coach or Mentor, Guidance Counselor or Principal, Employer or Supervisor, Pastor, or Teacher or Professor. Selected applicants will be required to attend a Google Meet or Zoom interview. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Joseph & Dorothy Headley Scholarship
Due: 5/13/2025
No Essay
No min. GPA Required
Amount varies
The Joseph and Dorothy Headley Scholarship provides financial assistance for students who have been residents of Vinalhaven for at least three years who are pursuing post-secondary education. The following criteria will be used in the selection: good character, good citizenship, financial need, and ambition. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Maine Community Foundation, Inc. for more information.
What types of scholarships are available for students?
Need-based scholarships
These are scholarships for students who have demonstrated a financial need. There’s no universal number or set income level that tells you if you qualify. How each scholarship defines what financial need means varies. The federal government as well as specific organizations, corporations, and colleges/universities/schools offer need-based scholarships.
Merit scholarships
Merit scholarships are for students who have shown high academic, athletic, or extracurricular achievement over their high school careers. Not all schools/colleges offer merit-aid—highly selective schools typically don’t. The process for applying for merit scholarships varies. For merit scholarships offered through colleges and universities, you generally don’t have to do anything other than complete the application to the school itself. For some schools, you need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to be eligible.
Career-specific grants or scholarships
These are awarded to students who know they want a career in a specific industry. Maybe they know they want to be a teacher, a nurse, or an engineer. To be eligible for grants, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). To find career-specific scholarships, try searching for your major and “association.”
Community or nonprofit scholarships
Nonprofit and community organizations often receive funding from donors to create scholarship programs for students who need them.
Tips for successful scholarship applications
- Pull together everything you need for the application including transcripts, so you can submit a complete scholarship application.
- You may need a recommendation letter or letters for a scholarship. Ask a teacher, employer, or someone else who knows you to write one for you—and be sure to give them enough time to do it.
- If you’re writing a scholarship essay, follow the prompt, answer the essay question completely, and write from your experience. A few well-written essays that you can reuse for different scholarship applications can really pay off.
- Highlight your strengths and achievements in your application.
- Talk about your financial need and what you would use the scholarship money for if you won. How would it help?
- Have to interview for a scholarship? Dress to impress in a professional outfit. And do your research! Look into how/why the scholarship was created. Try to bring up why it’s meaningful to you. Also, don’t forget to send a thank-you note afterwards.
- Keep track of all the deadlines for the scholarships you’re applying to. If you miss one, they may not extend the due date.
- Apply for scholarships year after year, all through college. As you continue your studies, gain more experience, and try new extracurricular activities in college, you might be eligible for more scholarships you weren’t originally qualified for.
Here are more tips that can help you understand all there is to know about scholarships and up your chances of winning.
Frequently asked questions
These tips can help as you get ready to apply for adult scholarships.
When are scholarship application deadlines?
There’s no standard deadline for scholarship applications. Each scholarship has its own deadline, so be sure to keep track of dates and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines of scholarships that you want to apply to.
Do you need to know which college you’re attending?
You don’t need to know which college you’re going to attend before applying for most scholarships. However, once you’re awarded scholarships, some of them may ask for eligibility verification—which can include proof of college enrollment.
Is there a limit on how many scholarships you can apply for?
Absolutely not, so apply for as many as you can to increase your chances of winning free money. Want to find more types of scholarships? There are so many, check them out!
Pro tip: Apply for scholarships each year you’re in college.
Does every scholarship application require an essay?
Not every scholarship will ask you to submit an essay—different scholarships have different requirements. If you’re applying for a scholarship with an essay and need help writing yours, get tips for writing scholarship essays.
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More resources to explore

Tips for writing scholarship essays
Get tips for writing scholarship essays. Learn what makes a good scholarship essay.

Find scholarship resources
Explore our scholarship resources, articles, and guide to get all the tips and tricks to help pay for college.

Fill out the FAFSA®
Learn when and how to apply for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to maximize your chances of getting federal student financial aid. Get tips now.
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