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Scholarships
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- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
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Scholarships
Top adult scholarships you should
Top adult scholarships you should
apply for
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Adult scholarships
Featured
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 8/31/26
$2,000
Featured
Featured
Featured
Don't Text and Drive Scholarship
Due: 9/30/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
Amadeu dos Santos & Helen Rose Picado Memorial Scholarship
Due: 12/1/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
$1,500
William and Lucille Ash Scholarship
Due: 3/4/27
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Due: 8/31/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation Career Development Scholarship
Due: 8/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$500
Upton Scholarship
Due: 8/31/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$3,000
Helen McLoraine Scholarship
Due: 8/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
R David Van Eaton John Deere Scholarship
Due: 8/31/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
Key takeaways about scholarships for adults
- Adult scholarships can help you lower out-of-pocket costs and borrow less when you return to school.
- Many scholarships are available for adult students returning to college or starting fresh.
- You can apply for multiple scholarships at the same time to increase your chances.
- Adult learners may qualify for merit-based, need-based, and no-essay scholarships.
- Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship is a fast and easy place to start.
Going back to school as an adult can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to figure out how to pay for it. The good news? Adult scholarships are there specifically to help students like you fund college, career training, and graduate programs without adding unnecessary debt.
Whether you’re finishing a degree, switching careers, or going back to school after a break, scholarships for adult students can make a real difference. Let’s break down what adult scholarships are, how they work, and where to find the best opportunities.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
What are adult scholarships?
Adult scholarships are financial awards designed for students who are typically age 25 or older and returning to school after time away. These scholarships recognize that adult learners often juggle work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing their education.
Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. That means free money you can use for tuition, books, supplies, and sometimes even living expenses.
Why scholarships matter for adult students
Many adult learners assume scholarships are only for high school seniors or full-time students. In reality, there are thousands of scholarships available for adult students—and many receive fewer applications than traditional scholarships.
Scholarships can help reduce your reliance on loans, lower out-of-pocket costs, and make returning to school feel more financially manageable. Even smaller awards can add up quickly when combined.
How to qualify for adult scholarships
Qualifications vary depending on the scholarship, but adult scholarships often look at more than just grades. Some focus on life experience, career goals, or financial need.
You may qualify based on:
- Your age or years out of high school
- Enrollment status (full-time or part-time)
- Career field or major
- Financial need
- Personal background or life experience
Many adult scholarships are flexible and designed to meet you where you are—especially if you’re balancing school with work or family responsibilities.
Scholly Scholarships
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Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
Top scholarships for adult students
If you’re looking for a simple place to start, these scholarship options are popular among adult learners and easy to explore.
$2,000 No Essay Scholarship
This scholarship is exactly what it sounds like—no essay required. It’s open to students at various stages of their education, including adult learners.
Apply for $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Scholly Scholarships
Scholly helps match you with scholarships based on your background, goals, and education level. It’s a great tool for adult students who want a more personalized search.
Scholarships by education level and background
Many scholarships are organized by who they’re meant to support. Exploring these categories can help you uncover opportunities you may not realize you qualify for.
How to apply for adult scholarships
Applying for scholarships as an adult doesn’t have to be complicated. Most applications follow a similar process.
- Search for scholarships that match your background and goals.
- Review eligibility requirements and deadlines.
- Gather basic information like transcripts or enrollment details.
- Submit applications early whenever possible.
You’ll also want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to unlock additional financial aid options that can work alongside scholarships.
Additional scholarship resources
If you’re expanding your scholarship search, browsing by category can help you uncover opportunities you may not realize you qualify for. These scholarship types are organized by education level, background, and area of study—making it easier to find awards that fit your situation.
Scholarships by major
These scholarships are tied to what you’re studying. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in STEM, healthcare, education, business, or the arts, there are scholarships designed to support students in specific fields.
Scholarships for college students
Already enrolled? You don’t have to stop applying once classes start. Scholarships for college students are available every year and can help cover ongoing costs like tuition, books, and fees.
Scholarships for first-generation students
If you’re the first in your family to attend college, these scholarships are built to support students navigating higher education for the first time—at any age.
Scholarships for women
These scholarships help support women pursuing education across all levels, including awards created to uplift women in underrepresented fields.
LGBTQ+ scholarships
LGBTQ+ scholarships support students from diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, helping create more inclusive access to education.
Scholarships by state
Find scholarships offered by your state government, as well as local scholarships that often have fewer applicants. Applying close to home can increase your chances of winning.
STEM scholarships
If you’re studying science, technology, engineering, or math, STEM scholarships can help fund programs that lead to in-demand careers.
Frequently asked questions about adult scholarships
What does “adult scholarship” mean?
An adult scholarship is designed for students who are typically 25 or older and returning to school after time away.
Who qualifies for adult scholarships?
Eligibility varies, but many adult scholarships are open to part-time and full-time students at different education levels.
Are adult scholarships need-based or merit-based?
They can be either—or both. Some focus on financial need, while others consider academic achievement or life experience.
Can I apply if I’m a part-time student?
Yes. Many scholarships for adult students allow part-time enrollment.
Are adult scholarships renewable?
Some are one-time awards, while others can be renewed each year if you meet the requirements.
Can I apply for multiple adult scholarships?
Absolutely. Applying for several scholarships can increase your chances of receiving funding.
Are there scholarships for graduate students?
Yes. Many adult scholarships are available for graduate and professional degree programs.
Where can I find more adult scholarship opportunities?
Using scholarship search tools and browsing scholarship categories on Sallie can help you uncover new opportunities.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
More resources to explore
Tips for writing scholarship essays
essays
Get tips for writing scholarship essays. Learn what makes a good scholarship essay.
Find scholarship resources
scholarships
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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.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.