1. What does the term non-traditional student refer to?
A non-traditional student refers to a person not fitting into the “normal” college student image, usually categorized as older than 24, returning after taking a hiatus from school, studying part-time, having dependents or substantial work history.
2. What kind of scholarships and grants are there available for the non-traditional student?
There are many different types of financial aid available to non-traditional students, including:
Merit-based scholarships: Awarded for academic achievements.
Need-based scholarships: Given based on financial need.
Career-specific scholarships: For students pursuing specific fields or professions.
Demographic-specific grants: For women, veterans, minorities, and other specific groups.
State and federal grants: Often available to non-traditional students who meet financial and other eligibility requirements.
3. How do I find scholarships and grants for non-traditional students?
College financial aid office: Your school probably provides scholarships designed just for adult and non-traditional students.
Scholarship search engines: Fastweb, Cappex, Scholarship.com, etc., all keep vast databases of scholarship opportunities, divided by major and other relevant characteristics.
Community-based organizations: Often, there are scholarships awarded locally by business or community foundations to area students.
Professional associations: There are hundreds of industry-related organizations that give out scholarships for their respective profession-related fields of study.
4. What’s the difference between a scholarship and a grant?
Scholarships are usually merit-based or need-based. They can be renewable for several years.
Grants are usually based on financial need and can be from the government, schools, or private organizations. Grants are not usually required to be repaid.
5. Am I eligible to apply for scholarships if I am a part-time student?
Yes! There are many scholarships and grants available to part-time students. Some of the awards have stipulations that involve full-time enrollment, but there are also plenty of others that can be used by those who go to school part-time.
6. Are there scholarships for adult learners returning to school?
Yes, there are scholarships for adult learners, even those returning to school after some time away. Many organizations acknowledge the challenges of adult learners and offer aid based on their unique needs.
7. Are there scholarships for women?
Yes. Many scholarships are targeted towards women, particularly in sectors where women are not represented in large numbers, like in sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, business, and positions of leadership. You can find an organization of that kind, for instance, the American Association of University Women.
8. Do I qualify to apply for scholarships if I am with dependents?
Yes, most scholarships are created with students who have children or dependents. The Pell Grant and the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program give grants to parents with children.
9. Do I qualify for financial aid as a non-traditional student?
Yes, a non-traditional student is eligible for financial aid, and it includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These include federal grants, loans, and some scholarships.
10. Are there scholarships for veterans or military spouses?
Yes, there are many scholarships and grants for veterans and their families. Organizations like Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, and the Pat Tillman Foundation provide funding for military personnel and their spouses.
11. Can I apply for scholarships if I’m returning to school after a long break?
Yes! Many scholarships are available for students who are returning to school after a break, whether for personal reasons or to further their careers. Look for scholarships specifically targeted at “re-entry” students or adult learners.
12. How do I find scholarships for non-traditional students?
Start by using scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, or Niche. Additionally, explore school-specific scholarships, professional organizations, and foundations that support adult learners and re-entry students.
13. Are there scholarships for non-traditional students with low GPA?
Yes, while many scholarships require a high GPA, there are also merit-based scholarships for students with lower GPAs. These may focus on other factors, such as work experience, leadership, or volunteerism.
14. What is the FAFSA, and how does it relate to scholarships?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, is a form that students need to fill in to apply for federal student aid, grants, loans, and some forms of scholarships. It helps determine your eligibility for need-based financial assistance.
15. Can graduate students apply for scholarships and grants?
Yes, there are many scholarships and grants for graduate students, even non-traditional ones. Most of the awards focus on professional development, academic excellence, and research in a particular field.
16. Are there scholarships for students studying online?
Yes! Many scholarships exist for online students, including those for adult students, working professionals, and majors. Check your institution’s web site and talk with your institution about any additional possibilities.
17. Can I apply scholarships and grants to my cost of living?
Dependent on the terms of the award, some scholarships and grants can be used for living expenses. For example, some need-based grants, such as the Pell Grant, can be applied to tuition, fees, and living costs, while other scholarships may be more restricted to just tuition.
18. Do I have to pay back scholarships and grants?
No, scholarships and grants are not paid back, except in the event that you don’t qualify to receive the scholarship or grant. For example, if you do not make good grades or leave school, but loans are repaid, so be careful not to confuse the two.
19. What are some tips to improve my chances of getting a scholarship?
Apply early: Many scholarships have deadlines, so applying early means you have plenty of time to complete your application and ensure everything is in place.
Follow the instructions carefully: Make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria, and you carefully follow the instructions for the applications.
Highlight your strengths: Whether work experience, community involvement, or academic achievements are your strengths, make sure that you highlight the unique qualities in you.
20. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at the same time?
Yes! You can apply for multiple scholarships and grants. In fact, the more relevant opportunities you apply for, the better your chances of getting financial support.
21. Are there scholarships for non-traditional students with specific career goals?
Yes, many organizations offer scholarships for students pursuing careers in specific industries or professions, such as healthcare, teaching, engineering, or business. Look for career-specific scholarships through professional organizations and associations.
22. Can I use scholarships for non-degree programs or certifications?
There are scholarships that are designed for non-degree programs or certifications. Some of the fields include health, technology, and vocational training. One may look into professional associations or online learning platforms to find the opportunity.
23. What documents do I need to apply for scholarships and grants?
Application form of FAFSA (for federal aid)
Academic transcripts
Personal statement or essay
Letters of recommendation
Proof of enrollment or acceptance
Tax returns for need-based scholarships
24. Do scholarships and grants cover all my tuition costs?
Some scholarships and grants may cover the full cost of tuition, while others may cover partial tuition or specific fees. Always check the terms of each award to understand what expenses it covers and whether you need to seek additional funding.
25. Are there scholarships for non-traditional students with disabilities?
Yes, there are many scholarships and grants that can be offered to students with disabilities. There are organizations, such as The National Federation of the Blind and The American Association on Health and Disability, that provide scholarships for students with different types of disabilities.
26. Do I have to be a full-time student to receive scholarships and grants?
Not necessarily. While many scholarships require full-time enrollment, many others specifically allow for part-time enrollment. Be sure to read the eligibility requirements carefully to see whether you qualify.
27. Are there scholarships for non-traditional students who want to study abroad?
Yes! There are scholarships specifically for non-traditional students who wish to study abroad. Such scholarships are provided by various organizations, universities, and government programs. Contact your university’s study abroad office to learn more about these opportunities.
28. What happens if I don’t maintain eligibility for my scholarship or grant?
If you fail to meet the requirements for a scholarship or grant (e.g., GPA, enrollment status), you may lose the funding. Some scholarships may allow you to appeal or reapply, but others may have strict terms regarding eligibility.
29. Can I receive both a scholarship and a loan?
Actually, yes, it is possible to receive a scholarship and a loan. Scholarships are usually based on merit or need, and loans are actually borrowed funds to be repaid. You may use both sources of financial aid for your tuition and other cost for education.
30. How can I avoid scholarship scams?
Be cautious of scholarships that ask for an upfront fee or make unrealistic promises of “guaranteed” funding. Always research the organization offering the scholarship and make sure it is reputable. Use trusted scholarship databases and check with your school’s financial aid office for guidance.
Conclusion:
Scholarships and grants can greatly minimize the cost of education for a non-traditional student. A non-traditional student will be able to access much-needed financial support if he or she researches the available opportunities carefully, is eligible, and has a good application. Always seek multiple avenues-from university-specific scholarships to external organizations-and remember that persistence and organization are the keys to winning financial aid.
