Returning students can begin the funding search by selecting which colleges they are interested in attending. This helps narrow the scope of the search and makes it more manageable. Once a few schools have been chosen, communicate with the registrar's office or the financial aid department to inquire about scholarships for returning and older students. Don't forget that returning students are also eligible for many of the same scholarships as their more traditional counterparts.
Low-income students should seek federal funding from the Pell Grant program by filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once the U.S. Department of Education determines the candidate qualifies for federal aid, grants are awarded according to a student's specific financial need. Most schools provide work study grants for students willing to work through their degree programs.
Many organizations provide scholarships for women--from support of single mothers to helping minority and international women. The Jeanette Rankin Foundation has a Women's Education Fund for women over the age of 35 who choose to re-enter college. The American Association for University Women, which gives selected profession scholarships in the fields of technology, math and sciences, also provides a special grant for African American women. The AARP has available grant money for women aged 40 and over.
Students with a particular major in mind might want to look for scholarships that cater to their field of study or profession. For example, adults who plan to attend nursing school should look at http://allnursingschools.com for tips on finding and applying for financial aid. Students pursuing education and teaching jobs can apply for grants through the Phi Delta Kappa International Education Foundation and Bright Horizons Family Solutions, both organizations that specialize in helping educators.
Take a look at any personal or professional affiliations that might be useful in providing back-to-school support. Members of a union, like one associated with AFL-CIO, might be eligible for funding; check with the local chapter. Churches also may provide scholarships for their congregants, as in the case of the United Methodist Church, which gives scholarships at both the local and national level to students who seek to attend Methodist universities. Employees of large corporations might want to ask if their companies provide incentive for further education. Walmart is a prime example of a company that pays for its employees to go back to school.