Independent and Nontraditional Students Financial Assistance
Paying for college can be stressful, especially for students without family financial support. Independent students may struggle to cover college costs. These students comprise a large portion of college learners. Independent status includes married students, parents, those over age 24, military service members, and graduate students.
Fortunately, several available scholarships for independent students can help cover the cost of a degree. This page introduces some scholarships for independent students and nontraditional learners.
Scholarships for Older Students (25 years+)
Nontraditional students include anyone over age 25. Older students often bring more life and professional experience to college. They also qualify for several scholarships for older students. Married students also qualify as independent for financial aid purposes. However, few scholarships support married students.
Scholarships for Graduate Students
Many organizations offer scholarships for graduate students based on their degree, career goals, or school. Learn more about graduate student financial aid and see some scholarships below.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
Scholarships for Parents and Caregivers
Caregivers and student parents qualify for scholarships when attending college. The following opportunities help those caring for others earn a degree.
Scholarships for Active Military Students and Veterans
Active-duty military service members and veterans qualify for a variety of educational benefits. In addition to the GI Bill® and other service-related educational support, these students can apply for special scholarships for veterans and opportunities for the dependents of service members and veterans.
Many scholarships apply to in-person and online programs. This allows active-duty military students to earn a college degree while serving.
Scholarships for Students With Extenuating Circumstances
Foster care youth, adopted children, emancipated minors, and other students with special circumstances qualify for a variety of scholarships. FAFSA independent status applies to students with several extenuating circumstances. For example, young adults with deceased parents, students in legal guardianship, and homeless youth qualify as independent students.
In addition to the following opportunities, consider scholarships for adopted students and special scholarships for independent students with extenuating circumstances.
How to Find Other Scholarships as an Independent Student
Sorting through dozens or even hundreds of scholarships can feel overwhelming. Independent students can streamline the process by focusing their search. For example, students can look for need-based scholarships or scholarships that include terms like "financial need" "FAFSA required" or "demonstrated need."
In addition to need-based opportunities, independent students can seek scholarships based on their major, college, future career plans, or identity. Learners can also search for scholarships based on their high school, hometown, county, and membership in any clubs or organizations. National scholarships often receive the most applications. State and local scholarships typically offer a higher chance of receiving financial aid.
Many employers also offer scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance programs to help their employees earn a degree. Some states provide scholarships and grants for particular college programs. Finally, look for unique scholarships and other scholarships for nontraditional students.
Additional Resources: How to Pay for College
Genevieve Carlton
Genevieve Carlton holds a Ph.D. in history from Northwestern University and earned tenure as a history professor at the University of Louisville. An award-winning historian and writer, Genevieve has published multiple scholarly articles and a book with the University of Chicago Press. She currently works as a freelance writer and consultant.
