Organizations such as Executive Women International, the Janette Rankin Foundation and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offer grants and scholarships to adult students.
Several state education departments offer funds to older students. For instance, Tennessee students over the age of 25 may qualify for the non-traditional component of the HOPE scholarship to receive up to $4,000 for tuition annually.
To determine if you are eligible for state and federal funding, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Private grants and scholarships require separate applications.
Older students can often apply grant funds toward other college-related expenses like transportation, books, computers and child care.
Apply for assistance early. The FAFSA deadline is June 30 each year, but many state and private sources have earlier deadlines, some as early as January or February.