You’ve made the decision. Whether it’s late at night after putting your kids to bed or during a lunch break between shifts, you’ve thought about going back to school—and now it’s real. But right after the excitement comes the anxiety: How will I afford this?
For nontraditional and online students, financial aid can feel like uncharted territory. You’re not fresh out of high school. You may have a family, a job, or even student debt from a degree you didn’t finish. But here’s the good news: financial aid isn’t just for 18-year-olds heading to campus for the first time. There’s a wide range of funding specifically designed for adult learners, career switchers, online students, and parents returning to school.
This guide will show you exactly how to access those opportunities and build a financial support system tailored to your journey.
Understanding the Basics of Financial Aid
Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to understand what financial aid means. It’s not just a single form or a one-time award—it’s a comprehensive set of resources designed to reduce the financial burden of college. Aid generally falls into four categories:
- Grants: These are need-based and don’t need to be paid back.
- Scholarships: Often merit-based or awarded for specific demographics or goals. Like grants, they’re free money.
- Loans: Borrowed funds that must be repaid, usually with interest.
- Work-study: Paid part-time work that helps you earn money while enrolled.
Understanding your classification also matters. Nontraditional students are typically over 24, enrolled part-time, working full-time, parenting, or returning to school after a significant break. This distinction often opens the door to specific scholarships, flexible aid programs, and more personalized support.
Federal Financial Aid: Your First Step
For almost all students—traditional or not—federal aid is the foundation. The process starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You’ll need to gather basic financial documents, including tax returns and bank statements, and submit the FAFSA as early as possible.
Once submitted, you may be eligible for:
- Pell Grants, awarded based on need and income level. These are especially useful for low-income or unemployed adults.
- Federal Direct Loans, both subsidized (no interest while you’re in school) and unsubsidized.
- PLUS Loans, which graduate students or parents can use to cover additional costs.
- Federal Work-Study, which offers flexible job opportunities that align with your class schedule, even for online learners in some cases.
Completing the FAFSA is essential, even if you think you won’t qualify. Some schools and states require it to be considered for any type of aid.
State and Institutional Aid: Local Support That Matters
In addition to federal help, your state and your school can also provide valuable funding. Many states offer need-based grants and scholarships specifically for residents. Some extend those offers to students attending online programs, especially if they’re tied to an in-state public institution.
Schools themselves often have institutional scholarships or tuition assistance for adult learners. Some even provide reduced tuition for online students or offer tuition waivers for returning students who’ve previously dropped out.
To take full advantage, visit your state’s higher education website, speak with your school’s financial aid office, and explore internal scholarship listings on the college portal. Every bit of support counts—and many opportunities go unclaimed simply because students don’t ask.
Scholarships Tailored to Your Life
You might be surprised by how many scholarships are designed specifically for people just like you: working adults, single parents, first-generation students, or those re-entering education after a break.
For example, the Osher Reentry Scholarship helps students who have had a gap of five years or more in their education. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation supports low-income women with children pursuing a degree. Scholarships like these reward resilience, not test scores.
When applying, don’t be afraid to share your story. Your essay is a chance to show how far you’ve come, what motivates you, and how education will change your future. Many reviewers look beyond grades—they want to invest in someone who’s determined to succeed.
How to Apply for Financial Aid: A Roadmap
Navigating financial aid can be confusing, especially if it’s been years since you last set foot in a classroom. Here’s how to get started and stay on track.
- Submit the FAFSA
Start here. It’s free, and you’ll need it to access nearly every form of aid. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to simplify filling in your financial details. - Apply for State and School-Based Aid
Many states have their forms and deadlines. Check with your school for institutional applications or scholarship portals. - Search for Scholarships Weekly
Set aside time each week to find and apply for new scholarships. Treat it like part of your coursework. - Evaluate Loan Options Cautiously
If loans are necessary, prioritize federal loans due to their borrower protections and lower interest rates. - Keep Everything Organized
Track application dates, award notifications, and deadlines in a spreadsheet or planner. Staying on top of things can make or break your financial plan.
Challenges Faced by Nontraditional Students—And How to Overcome Them
Returning to school isn’t just an academic decision—it’s an emotional and logistical shift. Many nontraditional students face unique barriers: time management, financial stress, or self-doubt.
You may worry that you’re too old, too busy, or too late. But you’re not alone.
Colleges increasingly offer flexible aid services and support systems for adult learners. Financial aid advisors can walk you through the forms one-on-one. Time-blocking your schedule can help you meet deadlines without sacrificing work or family time. And if your financial situation changes, you can file a special circumstances appeal to update your FAFSA data.
The key is to ask. Help is available—you just have to reach out.
Special Funding Opportunities for Specific Groups
Veterans and Military Families
If you’ve served in the military, you may be eligible for benefits like the GI Bill®, Yellow Ribbon Program, or Tuition Assistance. These programs can cover most or all of your tuition, and in some cases, living expenses too. Spouses and dependents may also qualify for separate benefits.
Parents and Single Mothers
Childcare expenses can be a major barrier. Thankfully, many schools provide campus-based daycare, childcare stipends, or family housing options. Scholarships specifically for single mothers, like those offered by Soroptimist or the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, can offer crucial financial relief.
Career Changers
If you’re returning to school to start over professionally, you may qualify for employer tuition reimbursement, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants, or industry-specific retraining funds. Talk to your employer’s HR department or your local workforce development board.
Actionable Tips for Success
- Start Early: Many aid programs have limited funds. The earlier you apply, the more options you’ll have.
- Keep Communication Open: Regularly check in with your financial aid office. They’re there to help.
- Don’t Underestimate Small Scholarships: Even $500 scholarships can add up, and some have fewer applicants.
- Appeal When Necessary: If your income drops or your financial situation changes, you can request a financial aid adjustment.
- Believe in Your Worth: Many adult students assume they won’t qualify. But your experience, resilience, and dedication are exactly what many funders are looking for.
FAQs
Do online and part-time students qualify for financial aid?
Yes. As long as your program is accredited and your enrollment meets minimum requirements (often six credits for part-time), you’re eligible for federal and many state-based programs.
What if I have student loans from years ago?
You may still qualify for new aid, depending on your remaining loan and grant eligibility. You can check your aid history on StudentAid.gov.
Can I get scholarships as an adult?
Absolutely. Many scholarships are designed specifically for nontraditional students, including adult learners, working parents, and career changers.
Is FAFSA required every year?
Yes. You must complete the FAFSA annually to remain eligible for aid, even if your situation hasn’t changed.
Conclusion
Choosing to return to school or enroll online is a bold, life-changing decision. But it shouldn’t be a financial dead end. With the right approach and resources, you can unlock a wide range of financial aid options designed for students just like you—students who are determined, busy, and deeply motivated.
Financial aid isn’t just a form—it’s a bridge to your future. And no matter how long your journey has been, or how far you still have to go, the support you need is out there.
Your education is worth investing in. And so are you.