As a nontraditional student, you face unique challenges in pursuing higher education. You may have family and work responsibilities, or you may be returning to school after a long break. The financial burden of college can seem overwhelming, but there are grants available to help you achieve your goals.
Defining Nontraditional Students
According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, nontraditional students are defined as those who:
- Are 24 years old or older
- Attend part-time
- Have dependent children
- Work full-time
- Are financially independent
If you meet any of these criteria, you are considered a nontraditional student.
Why Grants Matter
Grants are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. This makes them a valuable resource for students who need to cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and other expenses.
For nontraditional students, grants can make a significant difference in their ability to attend college. A study by the College Board found that grants cover an average of 42% of the cost of college for nontraditional students.
How to Find Grants
There are a variety of ways to find grants for nontraditional students. You can:
- Search the Federal Student Aid website: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in applying for federal grants. The FAFSA will ask you about your family income, assets, and expenses. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility for federal grants.
- Contact your state’s financial aid office: Each state has its own financial aid programs for nontraditional students. Contact your state’s financial aid office to learn more about these programs.
- Check with your employer: Some employers offer tuition assistance programs for their employees. If your employer offers one of these programs, you may be able to get help paying for college.
- Ask about scholarships: Scholarships are another form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. There are many scholarships available for nontraditional students. You can search for scholarships on the College Board website or by contacting your local community college or university.
5 Examples of Grants and Benefits for Nontraditional Students
- Federal Pell Grant: The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program for students. The Pell Grant is available to low-income students who attend college or career school. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2022-2023 school year is $6,895.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The FSEOG is a grant program for low-income students who have exceptional financial need. The FSEOG award amount varies, but the average award is $400.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: The TEACH Grant is a grant program for students who want to become teachers. The TEACH Grant covers up to $4,000 in tuition and fees per year. In return, TEACH Grant recipients must agree to teach in a high-need school for at least four years.
- State Grants: Many states offer grants to nontraditional students. The amount of state grants varies from state to state. To learn more about state grants, contact your state’s financial aid office.
- Employer Tuition Assistance: Some employers offer tuition assistance programs to their employees. If your employer offers one of these programs, you may be able to get help paying for college. The amount of tuition assistance available varies from employer to employer. To learn more about your employer’s tuition assistance program, contact your human resources department.
Additional Tips for Nontraditional Students
- Apply early: The earlier you apply for grants, the more likely you are to receive funding.
- Complete the FAFSA: The FAFSA is the first step in applying for federal grants. Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for a grant, it’s important to complete the FAFSA.
- Contact your financial aid office: Your financial aid office can help you find grants and scholarships that you may be eligible for.
- Don’t give up: Applying for grants can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it. Don’t give up if you don’t get a grant the first time you apply. Keep applying until you find a grant that you qualify for.
Conclusion
Grants can be a valuable resource for nontraditional students who need help paying for college. It’s important to do your research and find grants that you may be eligible for. With a little effort, you can find the grants you need to make your college dreams a reality.
Table 1: Federal Grants for Nontraditional Students
| Grant | Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Up to $6,895 | Low-income students who attend college or career school |
| Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) | Varies | Low-income students who have exceptional financial need |
| Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant | Up to $4,000 per year | Students who want to become teachers |
Table 2: State Grants for Nontraditional Students
| State | Grant Name | Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Cal Grant A | Up to $5,675 | Low-income students who attend college or career school |
| Florida | Florida Bright Futures Scholarship | Up to $2,500 per year | High-achieving students who attend college or career school in Florida |
| New York | Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) | Up to $5,665 | New York State residents who attend college or career school in New York |
Table 3: Employer Tuition Assistance for Nontraditional Students
| Employer | Program Name | Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks | Starbucks College Achievement Plan | Up to $2,500 per year | Starbucks employees who work at least 20 hours per week |
| Walmart | Live Better U program | Up to $1,500 per year | Walmart employees who work at least 30 hours per week |
| Amazon | Career Choice program | Up to $12,000 per year | Amazon employees who work at least 30 hours per week |
Table 4: Scholarships for Nontraditional Students
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Nontraditional students who attend college or career school |
| American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship | Up to $12,000 | Women who are returning to school after a break |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | Hispanic students who attend college or career school |