There are many options for private grant funding, especially for women. Executive Women International offers scholarships of up to $2,500 to adults facing life changes. For the slightly more experienced woman, the $2,000 Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship is available for low income women over the age of 35 who are attending or have been accepted to an accredited school. A career development grant is also available from the American Association of University Women that provides up to $12,000 for degree-holders who want to continue education or switch to another field.
Many state education departments distribute awards specifically designed for adult students. The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship offers up to $4,000 per year to non-traditional students over age 25. You must not have attended college courses for at least two years prior to receiving funds. Alabama offers a tuition assistance program for students over the age of 60 attending a two-year school. Other states have similar non-traditional student scholarships and grants.
Students of all ages are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. For 2009-10, the maximum grant award was $5,350. The amount you may be eligible for varies depending on income, how many courses you take and if you attend school all year or only one semester. You can generally receive a Pell Grant for a maximum of four years.
The first step for any college student seeking financial help is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form is available online or through your school's financial aid office. The FAFSA helps determine eligibility for state and federal aid opportunities. Private grants have separate application processes and deadlines. Some may require you to fill out a questionnaire or write an essay.
When you find a good financial aid opportunity, don't wait to apply. Many grants and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding. Others have strict application deadlines that must be adhered to if you want to be considered. You are competing against many other applicants, so stand out. Make a good impression on your application by following the instructions to the letter. You don't want yours tossed to the side because you failed to follow the directions.