Pell grants are the most basic type of educational grant that students usually apply for. These are federal, need-based grants for which students must fill out the FAFSA form. Pell grants are available to students of all ages, but the student that applies must be attending a traditional university (not an online campus). These grants are good for $5,350 per academic year. These grants can be re-applied for, and older students may find that even if they don't get one of these grants their first year, they may get one their second year. Applications for Pell grants may be found at the References link below.
While many scholarships are geared toward students that are just graduating from high school, there are some scholarships that are geared toward older students. One of these is the Osher Re-Entry Scholarship, which is meant for students who want to finish their education. To apply, a student must attend one of the schools on the foundation's list that accepts these scholarships. Additionally, students must have dropped out of school at least five years previously, and they're now attempting to finish a degree. For more information on the listed schools as well as how to apply, visit the References link.
Every college has its own financial aid office, and many times there are scholarships that are unique to each school that are available only for its students. Columbus State Community College offers scholarships up to $1,000 that are available only for students who are over the age of 25. Since it's a community college, that means there's no graduate programs or other uses for these grants, and they're geared specifically toward returning or beginning students who are older than traditional college students. Information on these scholarships can be found at the college's financial aid office.