There are some federal grants available from the U.S. Department of Education. The Federal Student Aid program offers the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. These grants do not require repayment. Women older than 55 who have lower incomes might qualify for these types of grants.
Another place for women who are older than 55 to look for educational grants is the American Association of University Women. The organization provides Career Development Grants for women who already have a degree and are interested in more education to further their careers.
The Business and Professional Women’s Educational Foundation sponsors a scholarship program for women 50 and older. This scholarship program is available for women who are financially needy. Another opportunity for financially needy women is an educational grant called the Women’s Opportunity Award and is given by The Soroptomist Club. These Grants are available for women who come from backgrounds of adversity. They are available to all women including those 55 and older and are specifically targeted to give women the skills necessary to enter the work field.