Scholarships for Women Over 30: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Your Education

When you think about the typical college student, you probably imagine an 18-year-old who just graduated from high school. However, the reality is surprisingly different. Many adults are returning to school to pursue higher education, and women over 30 represent a significant portion of this demographic. Going back to school as an adult presents unique challenges, particularly in securing funding for tuition and related expenses. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are specifically designed to support women over 30 in their educational pursuits. These awards can help mothers pay for their education. A mom scholarship is an award given to a female student who is a parent. Many scholarships for moms focus on single or divorced parents, since those students often have a harder time supporting themselves through school. No matter what kind of school you’re attending, you can find scholarships for moms - or regular scholarships - to help cover your costs.

Why Continuing Education Matters for Women Over 30

Continuing education for adults is crucial as it significantly improves career prospects and boosts personal development. It opens doors to better job opportunities and promotions and thus increases one’s earning potential. Continuing education also builds confidence and provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Additionally, it fosters social connections and personal growth. Meeting new people offers opportunities to reduce isolation and encourage lifelong learning. Continuing education equips adults with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive personally and professionally.

More mature students often have more financial obligations than most freshmen. Fortunately, that's where scholarships for adults come in. Scholarships are an excellent financial aid option for adult students because they do not need to be repaid. Unlike loans, which accumulate interest and must be paid back after graduation, scholarship money can greatly reduce the cost of education. Adult students often have extra financial responsibilities like family support or paying bills. Scholarships for adults can ease this financial burden by allowing them to focus on their studies without worrying about making ends meet.

Navigating the Financial Aid Landscape

Every student, especially if they’re a mom, should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for regular scholarships. Also, the FAFSA is often required to qualify for state grants and scholarships given directly by the school. Plus, moms getting their undergraduate degree will qualify for more in federal student loan funding than non-parents. Make sure to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.

Yes. The FAFSA is often required not just for federal aid like Pell Grants, but also for state and institutional scholarships. Some scholarships may also accept the CSS Profile either instead of or in addition to the FAFSA. The CSS Profile does come with a small fee. When you submit the FAFSA, you can add up to 20 schools that will receive your financial aid information. Once you’re accepted, you’ll also receive an aid award letter detailing what kind of aid you qualify for.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

The best part of submitting the FAFSA is that you’ll usually be classified as an independent student. Many schools also only give out internal grants and scholarships if you have submitted the FAFSA. Plus, many private scholarships also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility. There is no fee to complete the FAFSA. You should also try to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible.

Understanding Grants vs. Scholarships

Grants are based on financial need. They are determined by the difference between the college’s Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Student Aid Index (SAI). The federal and state governments, colleges, and universities award grants to qualified students. Meanwhile, scholarships are typically merit-based. Private organizations, foundations, and institutions often award scholarships to students with academic, artistic, athletic, or other specific qualities. The grant application process includes the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. On the other hand, scholarship applications typically involve a separate submission to the specific scholarship provider, which may include essays, recommendations, and other supporting materials.

Key Scholarship and Grant Opportunities for Women Over 30

Here are some scholarships and grants designed to support women over 30 in achieving their educational goals:

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award: The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award is a scholarship for low-income women with children who are pursuing education or training at a nonprofit, accredited institution. To be eligible, applicants must have an annual family income of less than $20,000 for a family of two, less than $25,000 for a family of three, and less than $30,000 for a family of four. Established in 2003, the foundation continues Congresswoman Mink's commitment to educational access, opportunity, and equity for low-income women, especially mothers.
Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant: The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant provides unrestricted non-tuition funding and support to women and nonbinary students aged 35 and older. The grant amount is $2,000 to $10,000 and is renewable for up to five years.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Executive Women International Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST): The ASIST Scholarship is available to adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges who want to improve their situation through education. Local Chapters work with educational providers and social services agencies to identify potential candidates. Students first apply and compete at the local Chapter level. Chapter-level winners are then submitted to the Corporate level for a chance to win an additional scholarship ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. Executive Women International Scholarship Program offers the EWISP Scholarship and the ASIST Scholarship, both of which support non-traditional adult students.
Ford Opportunity Program Scholarship: The Ford Opportunity Program Scholarship assists parents of any age and adult learners over 25 who face significant barriers, financial or otherwise, to higher education. Each year, up to 96 renewable scholarships are awarded to students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. To qualify, you must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be no more than $10,000. Are you an adult learner (aged 25+) or a parent who resides in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California? Each year, the Program covers up to 90% of the unmet college costs of multiple recipients.
Alpha Sigma Lambda Scholarships: Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) is an honor society that offers scholarships to adults pursuing undergraduate degrees at institutions with active ASL chapters. Applicants must have completed at least 24 credits of coursework and have a minimum GPA of 3.2. For the 2024-25 academic year, ASL will award six $3,000 scholarships and 15 scholarships to qualified students worth $2,500.
Boomer Benefits Scholarship: The Boomer Benefits Scholarship caters to adults aged 50 and above who have returned to school to complete their degree. It offers two $2,500 awards annually. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
Return2College Scholarship: Return2College Scholarship offers $1,000 to qualified students. Interested applicants must be 17 years or older. There is no maximum age limit. citizen or a legal resident starting a higher education program. The only requirement for this scholarship is to complete a short form, answering the question, “Why are you getting your degree?” in three sentences. You may also submit more than one entry.

Read also: Scholarship Guide
Worthy Women’s Scholarship: Are you a woman over the age of 30 who is enrolled in a continuing education professional studies program? The scholarship is funded by Worthy, a selling partner for individuals looking to sell their jewelry.
Georgia Harkness Scholarship: The Georgia Harkness Scholarship invites women over 35 to pursue a second career in ordained ministry as an elder in The United Methodist Church. This annual award grants $5,000 towards a basic seminary degree that leads to elder's ordination. Please note that it is not available for undergraduate, D.Min. or Ph.D. work. The application process is online and runs from January 4 to March 1 each year through the Office of Loans and Scholarships.
** কল্পনা করুন আমেরিকা অ্যাডাল্ট স্কিলস এডুকেশন প্রোগ্রাম (ASEP):** The Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) is a scholarship program for adult students who are at least 19 years old and enrolling in a participating career college. citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, you need a high school diploma, GED, or a passing score on an Ability to Benefit test. You should not have previously received any Imagine America Foundation scholarships or awards. Finally, you must complete the NCCT Educational Success Potential Assessment.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships for Moms: A mom scholarship is an award given to a female student who is a parent. Many scholarships for moms focus on single or divorced parents, since those students often have a harder time supporting themselves through school.
General Scholarships: No matter what kind of school you’re attending, you can find scholarships for moms - or regular scholarships - to help cover your costs. Each scholarship will have its own unique rules and requirements. In general, if you're looking for scholarships for moms, you probably need to be a biological or adoptive parent. Some scholarships for moms may also have other qualifying requirements.

Targeted Scholarships Based on Field of Study & Affiliations

Ruby A. Brown Memorial Scholarship annually awards $3,500 to an adult nursing student in Tennessee who has graduated high school or earned a GED. Preference will be given to current public health nurses continuing education, but aspiring nurses in any subtype of nursing may also apply. All applicants must also be residing in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier, or Union County in Tennessee to be eligible. The scholarship was established in 2003 by Mr.
The Olive Lynn Salembier Memorial Reentry Scholarship is for reentry women who are planning to finish their studies in engineering. Candidates may either be students who have been out of school for a minimum of two years prior to the beginning of the current course of study or students who have been out of the engineering or technology workforce for a minimum of two years prior to the beginning of the current course of study.
The SWE Central New Mexico Reentry Scholarship is awarded yearly to reentry and nontraditional students who are US citizens and SWE (Society of Women Engineers) members pursuing a degree at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New Mexico State University, or the University of New Mexico. Applicants must be in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of an undergraduate program, or be pursuing graduate studies.
The IBM Linda Sanford Women's Technical Advancement Scholarship supports reentry and non-traditional post-secondary students studying computer engineering, computer science, engineering technology, and mathematics.
The Entertainment Community Fund Professional Development Scholarship is funded by the Entertainment Community Fund, an organization that fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. Every year, their Professional Development Scholarship awards up to $1,000 to multiple professional dancers of 5+ years who are seeking occupational skills training in a certification or licensure program outside of dance.
The Lemmermann Foundation Fellowship Award for Research in Rome (Italy) provides a fantastic opportunity for postgraduate university students to delve into the rich history and culture of Rome. With scholarships awarding approximately 750 euros per month (~810 USD), recipients can immerse themselves in research concerning Rome and the Roman culture, spanning from the pre-Roman period to the present day. This scholarship is ideal for those in seeking to enrich their knowledge about Rome and gain valuable experiences in a city steeped in history.

Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search well in advance of application deadlines to allow ample time for research and preparation. Once you’ve submitted the FAFSA, you can start looking for other scholarships.
Use Online Resources: Utilize online scholarship directories like Scholarships.com to identify potential opportunities. The directory at Scholarships.com divides scholarships into a variety of categories.
Check with Your School: Contact the financial aid office at any college you're considering. State-based scholarships and grants may also be available, especially for local students. These often require both a completed FAFSA and a separate application.
Employer Assistance: If you're going to continue to work while attending school, then your employer may even offer scholarships for staff members. You will usually have to maintain a certain GPA, and you'll only get the money after successfully completing the classes. Talk to your HR department about all your potential options.
Be Specific: Search for scholarships that fit other unique characteristics. For example, the Women With Promise Scholarship is given to female students who are either returning or new college students. You must be either from or attending school in Dallas and Collin counties in Texas. Both part-time and full-time students are eligible. Many scholarships are given to students from a particular ethnic or racial demographic. Or if you're entering a field where you're the minority, you may be able to find special scholarships. Some states also have their own programs for adult students. For example, the MassReconnect program offers free community college for students who are 25 years or older and do not have a college degree. You must be a Massachusetts resident. For example, if you're a minority student and a mom, look for scholarships that support both identities.
Read Eligibility Requirements Carefully: Before you start writing an essay or submitting an application, make sure to thoroughly read the scholarship eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.
Pay Attention to Deadlines: Follow instructions carefully, meet all deadlines, and tailor each application to the specific scholarship.
Craft a Compelling Application: Think about what makes you unique and what differentiates you from other applicants. The more your application stands out, the better your odds.
Understand Fund Usage: Some scholarships have very restrictive rules on using the funds only for tuition and fees, while others are much more lenient. For example, the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund lets students use the money for daycare, living expenses and commuting costs. To qualify for this award, students must be from the state of Arkansas or Bowie County, Texas and be a single parent. You must also have 50% custody or more. If you win a mom scholarship, make sure you understand what you can use the funds for.

Strategies to Reduce Educational Expenses

CLEP Tests: College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests are a way for students to earn college credit by demonstrating their knowledge of college-level material.

Overcoming Common Misconceptions

Some people believe that scholarships are only for students with exceptional grades or abilities. However, nearly half (45%) still believe they are only for students with exceptional grades or abilities.

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