Adult learners — students who are age 25 or older — are an increasingly common sight on college campuses. Going back to school (or attending for the first time) at a later date, however, comes with some challenges. One of the biggest is finding a way to cover the cost of your education, since you may not be able to rely on Mom and Dad to foot some or all of the bill.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to pay for college as an adult learner, from scholarships and grants to good old-fashioned student loans.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Adult learners can fund college through scholarships, grants, and employer benefits.
• Filling out the FAFSA is essential for accessing federal financial aid.
• Many companies offer education benefits, such as tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment.
• Federal loans are available to adult learners regardless of age or credit history.
• Private loans are accessible but may have higher interest rates.
To Start, Look at Scholarships and Grants
Whether you’re starting school or going back to college, it’s always a good idea to look into scholarships and grants early in the fund-finding process. After all, these are financial aid options that the recipient typically isn’t responsible for paying back.
Although most scholarships won’t pay the entire cost of college, they can potentially offset thousands of dollars in costs — and when it comes to an expense as hefty as education, every bit helps.
It’s a good idea to check with your prospective school’s financial aid office to see if the college offers any grants or scholarships for adult learners, but there are also third-party programs worth looking into. Consider adding these to your list.
💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a competitive-rate, no-fees-required private student loan that covers up to 100% of school-certified costs.
Executive Women International Scholarship
Offered through local chapters of Executive Women International, the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarship awards $2,000 to $10,000 to “adults facing economic, social, or physical challenges who are looking to improve their situation through educational opportunities.”
For full application details, contact your local chapter.
Award From Imagine America
The Imagine American Foundation offers a scholarship specifically for adults who are attending a career or trade school for a career shift or returning to school after time away. Called the Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP), this scholarship offers a one-time $1,000 award to students over the age of 19 who are enrolled in a participating college.
Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship
Open to low-income women 35 or older who are pursuing a technical/vocational education, an associate’s degree, or a first bachelor’s degree at an accredited college, the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund offers scholarships of up to $2,500 annually. The award is distributed directly to recipients and is renewable for up to five years.
Women on Par Scholarship
The Women on Par Scholarship provides financial assistance to “nontraditional” female students (over age 30) pursuing higher education for the first time. Winners are selected based on need, personal and professional goals, and their personal stories. Three awards are typically given each year: One for $4,000, one for $2,000, and one for $1,000.
There are many other national and regional adult-specific scholarships available, so it’s worth doing a Google search to look for more opportunities that might be a good fit for your situation.
Recommended: University of South Florida Tuition Guide
Employee Education Benefits
If you’re employed, you may want to take a second look at that sheaf of paperwork HR sent you on your first day. These days, an increasing number of companies offer employee education benefits as part of their compensation package.
Three common types of benefits are tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, and student loan repayment. Each of these works a little differently, but all of them can help offset the out-of-pocket costs of an education.
With tuition assistance, your employer may partner with specific colleges or universities to bring you discounted, or even free, classes — particularly if those classes will improve your performance at work.
Starbucks, for instance, is famous for its tuition assistance program, which covers 100% of employees’ out-of-pocket cost for first-time undergraduate students enrolled in Arizona State University’s online program.
Tuition reimbursement, on the other hand, means your company will repay you for out-of-pocket educational costs up to a certain limit.
Home Depot offers a tuition reimbursement program that allows employees to attend the university or college of their choice and receive up to 50% of tuition, fees and other approved expenses. The following maximums apply: $5,000 (for salaried employees), $3,000 (for full-time hourly workers) or $1,500 (for part-time hourly workers) per year.
Finally, some companies offer student loan repayment programs that help employees repay the loans they’ve taken out from third-party lenders.
Many of these programs have specific eligibility requirements, such as working a minimum number of hours or maintaining a certain GPA, so be sure to double-check the fine print.
Also keep in mind that certain colleges offer course credit for work and life experience, which could help you save money by cutting down on the total number of classes you need to take (and pay for). Check with your university to see if it offers this perk.
Federal Student Loans
Even if you successfully apply for scholarships and get employee education benefits, you may still be left with more college expenses than you can pay for out of pocket.
That’s where student loans come in — and generally, the first place to look for student loans is the government.
Despite the common misconception that federal student loans are only available to traditional-age college students, there’s no upper age limit. And unlike many private student loans, applying for federal student aid doesn’t require a credit check.
Depending on your income, you may be eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans, which give you a break on interest while you’re enrolled at least half-time and for six months after you graduate. (The Department of Education pays the interest during those times.)
You’ll pay interest on the loan when monthly payments begin, but that subsidy can mean substantial savings over time.
The U.S. government also offers Direct Unsubsidized Loans, which start accruing interest immediately but carry fixed interest rates that are often lower than those from a private student loan lender.
Whichever type of federal loan you take out, you generally don’t have to start making payments until six months after you graduate. With some private student loans, payments begin right away.
To apply for federal student loans, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
Many colleges will also require you to fill out the FAFSA in order to qualify for institution-specific forms of financial aid. Applying can also help qualify you for work-study programs.
💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.
Private Student Loans
Along with government-sponsored student loans, a wide variety of private student loans are available, many of which may be easier to qualify for as an adult with a more robust credit history.
While traditional-age collegians often need to enlist the help of a cosigner to apply, adult learners may not need to, and might also score better terms if they have good or excellent credit.
That said, it’s important to understand that private student loans sometimes carry higher interest rates than federal loans, and the rates can be variable.
Deferral and income-driven repayment are available to eligible borrowers of federal student loans, but such options may be limited for private student loan holders, depending on the lender. It’s always important to read all the fine print up front.
The Takeaway
Paying for college as an adult learner may feel daunting, but it’s far from impossible. By combining funding sources — such as scholarships, grants, employer education benefits, and federal or private student loans — you can create a financial plan to fit your circumstances.
Start your research early, ask plenty of questions, and don’t overlook options like credit for work or life experience that can reduce both the time and cost of earning your degree. With persistence and smart planning, you can pursue higher education without letting the price tag hold you back.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
How do adult learners pay for college?
Adult learners often combine several funding sources to cover tuition and expenses. Common options include federal and state financial aid, scholarships specifically for nontraditional students, employer tuition reimbursement, and private grants. Many also use savings, payment plans, or part-time work to reduce debt.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is a good place to start, as it can unlock grants, low-interest loans, and work-study programs, even for students who have been out of school for years.
What is the $7,000 grant for college students?
The “$7,000 grant” often refers to the federal Pell Grant, which provides need-based aid to eligible undergraduate students, including many adult learners. For 2025-26, the maximum award is $7,395. This money does not need to be repaid and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Award amounts are based on financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Students must complete the FAFSA® to apply.
What income is too high for FAFSA?
There is no set income cutoff for the FAFSA®, as eligibility depends on multiple factors, including your family’s income, assets, and living expenses. While very high incomes may reduce or eliminate grant eligibility, many middle- and upper-income families still qualify for federal loans or work-study. Even if you think you earn too much, filling out the FAFSA is worthwhile — some scholarships require it regardless of income level.
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