Financial Aid for Adult Learners: Resources & Programs for Online Education

The Rise of Nontraditional Students

Did you know that 74 percent of the college student population in the U.S. today has jobs? With tuition and living expenses relentlessly increasing, more students are expected to find jobs. The number of nontraditional students is expected to grow by 20% over the next decade.

Despite the advantages of online courses, nontraditional students still encounter unique challenges. For some, even flexible courses can be overwhelming, and issues with internet connectivity can create significant obstacles. However, the main problem for many nontraditional students is finances. Especially hidden fees and costs. We have a guide on accounting for hidden costs in online education.

Online learning is typically more affordable than on-campus education. Yet, there are still costs like tuition, school fees, and learning materials. The average costs of online bachelor’s degrees are

• $40,926 at public in-state schools
• $62,756 at private schools

These figures may still represent a substantial financial burden for many students. This is especially true for nontraditional students with other financial obligations.

Today, more and more colleges and organizations are offering financial aid for adult learners. This support helps make higher education more accessible by reducing the financial strain on them. It’s important to remember that FAFSA does apply to older students.

This article will help you understand, explore, and apply for financial aid for adult learners. We’ll provide practical tips to help you reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Understanding Financial Aid for Adult Learners

Adult learners face many obstacles, the first of which is a lack of funds. Many adult learners have a hard time finding money for their education. Balancing the cost of classes with everyday expenses can be tough, especially for those with children and mortgages.

Nontraditional student financial aid is often hard to come by. There is more financial aid for students straight out of high school than financial aid for adult learners. Moreover, colleges are less likely to help with extra costs like living expenses for married students, raising a family, or providing family health insurance.

Special financial aid for adult learners is more flexible with eligibility and applications. They can work with part-time study, different income levels, and nontraditional education formats. Programs like the Adult Student Grant or specific scholarships are better at meeting the needs of these students.

Some aid for adult learners may also include childcare services. Here are a few examples of this specialized aid:

1. Child Care/Day Care Grants
2. Head Start
3. The Child Care and Development Fund

There are now daycare centers on campus at several schools. Adult students can frequently receive this kind of daycare for free or at a reduced cost.

Scholarships Specifically for Adult Learners

Online education scholarships are basically free money. This type of financial aid is the most sought-after by adult learners as they don’t require repayment. Scholarship funds can considerably lower the cost of education, in contrast to loans, which accrue interest and must be repaid after graduation.

Furthermore, there is no cap on the total amount of scholarship money you can receive. In fact, some adult learners might even be qualified for enough funding to pay for their entire education.

Scholarships for adult students generally fall into two categories: merit-based and need-based.

Merit-based scholarships reward academic achievements or accomplishments, recognizing the efforts of dedicated learners. On the other hand, need-based scholarships are designed to provide financial support to those who require assistance to continue their education.

In addition to scholarships based on grades or financial need, there are scholarships for specific subjects like science or art. Some employers may also help pay for school through tuition assistance or reimbursement. Private groups may also give scholarships to help the community.

Here are some of the most popular scholarships for adult learners:

• You Can. Go Back (Indiana)

This is a $2,000 grant for Indiana residents who are US citizens or Permanent Residents. You can apply via FAFSA and the Adult Student Grant application on ScholarTrack.

• Nontraditional Student Scholarship

This is a $2,000 award for American Legion members to help finish or start a degree.

• Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL)

It grants five $2,500 scholarships to adult learners at ASL-affiliated schools. Membership in ASL is not required, but eligibility can be checked on the organization’s website.

• Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP)

ASEP provides tuition assistance for career training through the Imagination America Foundation.

• Alma Baron Second Chance Scholarship

This supports women returning to higher education offered by the University of Wisconsin Madison.

When applying for adult scholarships, you’ll usually need to provide:

• Personal Information: Your name, address, contact details, and background, like work history or activities.
• Academic Transcripts: Documents showing your past school performance.
• Proof of Eligibility: This can include tax returns, FAFSA forms, or recommendation letters.

Check each scholarship’s requirements carefully and gather all needed documents before applying.

Grants: Free Money for Education

Grants for adult learners are similar to scholarships in that they are also free money. However, grants are usually need-based and often prioritize students who demonstrate extreme financial need.

Before you apply for any grants, you should always read the terms and conditions. Some grants may require you to repay what they’ve given you if you don’t meet their expectations. Some of the reasons that grants may require repayment include:

1. Failure to meet academic or enrollment requirements
2. Withdrawal from program
3. Change in enrollment status
4. Failure to meet grant-specific conditions
5. Incorrect or misleading information

Here are some of the most popular grants specifically for adult learners:

• Pell Grant

This federal grant is available to low-income students, including adult learners, and does not require repayment.

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This grant provides additional funds for students with exceptional financial need on top of the Pell Grant.

• TEACH Grant

Offers funds to students pursuing a career in teaching, particularly in high-need fields or underserved areas.

• State-Specific Grants

Many states offer their grants for residents, which vary in eligibility and amount.

• Employer-Sponsored Grants

Some companies provide educational grants or tuition reimbursement for employees seeking further education.

The only way to apply for these grants is to complete the FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA will also open up available federal adult student scholarships that align with your circumstances.

Flexible Financial Aid Options for Online Education

Finding financial aid for online college can be harder than traditional on-campus programs. Many financial aid providers focus on students attending in-person classes because these students often have higher expenses related to housing, transportation, and campus fees.

Students should select accredited online programs to qualify for federal financial aid. Checking the institution’s website can confirm if the program and school meet federal aid eligibility.

Beyond education grants for working adults and scholarships, you can also search for additional financial aid options tailored for online learners.

Here are some flexible choices to consider:

Part-time study

Several online colleges with part-time options allow students to pay per credit hour. This payment structure gives you more control over your finances as you only have to pay for the credits you are actively enrolled in.

Employer-sponsored tuition

Ask your current employer for possible tuition reimbursement or assistance programs. Some companies may pay part of your tuition, while others might cover it entirely through partnerships with local colleges.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

For federal student loans, income-driven repayment plans adjust your monthly payments based on your yearly income and household size. These payment plans will help make loan repayment more manageable.

Payment Plans

Many online institutions offer flexible payment plans designed to help students pay their tuition in installments. This helps ease the financial burden and make education more affordable every month.

How to Apply for Financial Aid as an Adult Learner

To qualify for state or institutional grants and scholarships for part-time students and working adults, you must complete the FAFSA. Here are some of the documents that you will need for any need-based financial aid options for online degrees:

• Recent tax returns or W-2 form
• Bank statements
• Government ID
• Proof of enrollment
• Household information
• Academic records

After gathering these documents, you should head to the FAFSA website (www.fafsa.gov) to start your application. The best time to complete the FAFSA is as soon as possible after it becomes available on October 1st each year. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Create an FSA ID.
2. Log in to the FAFSA website and fill out the application.
3. Use your recent tax returns or W-2 forms to report your income accurately.
4. Enter details about your household size and the number of family members attending college.
5. Before submitting your FAFSA, carefully review all the information you’ve entered to ensure its accuracy.
6. Wait for your Student Aid Report (SAR).
7. Check for additional documentation.
8. Keep track of your financial aid status through your FAFSA account and your school’s financial aid office.

In addition to FAFSA, you should also search for private and external financial support for online education. Here are the top search engines:

• Fastweb
• College Board
• Scholly
• Unigo
• Chegg
• College JumpStart Scholarship
• Cappex
• Niche
• Bold.org
• CareerOneStop
• Going Merry
• ScholarshipOwl
• Studentscholarships
• Return2College Scholarship
• Scholarships360, Inc.

Scholarship and grant providers are strict with their deadlines and requirements. You should follow these pieces of advice:

1. Compile scholarship details, including deadlines, eligibility, award amounts, and required materials, into a spreadsheet for easy reference.
2. Organize your spreadsheet by deadline to prioritize applications and avoid missing important dates.
3. Use a digital calendar or task manager to set notifications for upcoming scholarship deadlines, giving yourself ample time to prepare.
4. Dedicate time weekly to find new scholarships and update your spreadsheet with any changes in deadlines or requirements.
5. Divide the application process into manageable tasks, like writing essays and collecting documents, and set internal deadlines to stay on track.
6. Prioritize scholarships that match your strengths and experiences, ensuring high-quality applications.

Overcoming Common Financial Aid Challenges

Nontraditional students often struggle with traditional financial aid eligibility because of their income. They might earn more than regular students but also have extra costs, like supporting a family or paying bills. This complicates their financial situation and can push them out of the usual eligibility brackets.

One of the most effective ways to address this is by accurately filing taxes and maintaining transparency with your finances. By meticulously preparing your tax returns, you ensure that your reported income reflects your financial situation. This is crucial because financial aid decisions are often based on recent tax information.

Additionally, being transparent about all sources of income and expenses helps establish your financial needs more clearly, which can be pivotal in qualifying for aid. Delving into detailed documentation and providing comprehensive information is important to avoid delays or denials in your financial aid applications.

Seek help from a financial advisor. These professionals will help you address problems based on your unique situation.

Taking the First Step Toward Your Educational Goal

College is not just for young adults fresh out of high school. College is for everyone who wants to invest in their future and develop competency for today’s intense job market.

As a nontraditional student, finding financial aid programs can be an uphill battle. However, it shouldn’t be a barrier to your success. Numerous financial aid options are available specifically for adult learners, including scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans.