If you are looking for college grants for adults over 40 then you are on the right place. When considering a return to college as an adult above 40, financial concerns can be daunting. However, there are specific opportunities tailored for individuals in your situation, such as College grants for adults over 40. These grants are designed to support older individuals seeking to further their education.
Table of Contents
According to the latest Education Data Initiative, the overall educational expenses in the United States is $36,436 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. This has caused concern for prospective adult students who are looking for a reliable college. However, there is an alternative for such adults. Back-to-school grants are available to help adults over 40 years of age by eliminating the financial burden.
These financial grants are a type of financial support to adults who have already earned some college credits and have fulfilled some of the requirements. These grants provide the funds to pay off various educational expenses such as tuition, textbooks, room and board, laboratory supplies, and online learning fees.
Grants are usually awarded based on financial need, and some cater to specific demographics, majors, regions, and many of her eligibility requirements.
Grants differ from loans as they are free awards that do not require repayment, serving as a significant aid for college students.
Exploring and applying for relevant grants is highly recommended to alleviate the financial burden of college. If you’re a special education teacher seeking financial support, there are dedicated grant programs available.
Likewise, for adults over 40 navigating educational pursuits, discovering various college grants tailored to specific demographics, including women, students from specific states like Mississippi, or those pursuing particular majors such as business, could significantly ease the financial strain.
Additionally, some grants are offered to individuals returning to school at an older age, such as those going back to school at 50 or above their 40s.
Key Takeaways
- College is expensive. But there is help for adults who want to go back to school.
- Grants are free money that you don’t have to pay back.
- There are grants for adults over 40, women, veterans, and many more.
- You can get money to help pay for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
- Fill out the FAFSA form to see if you qualify for federal grants.
- You should not let your age stop you from applying for scholarships and grants.
List of the Top 13 College Grants for Adults Over 40 in the USA
It might be difficult for you to find the college grants that are offered to adults who have attained the age of 40 or above. To make it easy for you, we have researched and shortlisted some of the best and least competitive college grants for adults over 40 to pursue your higher studies. Here are some of them, take a look:
| Grant Name | Target Group | Amount |
| Federal Pell Grants | All needy students | Up to $6,895 |
| Union Plus Organization | Union members, families | $500 – $4,000 |
| Executive Women International | Adults returning to school | Varies |
| Harriet B. Storrs Fund | Painesville, Ohio residents | $3,500 |
| Illinois Veteran Grant Program | Illinois veterans | Varies |
| National SMART Grant | Science & Math teachers | Up to $4,000 |
| Imagine America | Adults 19+ | $1,000 |
| Walmart Foundation | Walmart/Sam’s Club employees | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| AARP Foundation | Women 40+ | $500 – $5,000 |
| Talbots Charitable Foundation | Women returning to college | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Soroptimist | Disadvantaged women | Varies |
| Jeannette Rankin Foundation | Women 35+ | Varies |
| Hispanic College Fund | Hispanic single parents 40+ | $500 – $1,500 |
1 Federal pell grants
The grant is offered by the federal government to needy individuals of all age groups. The main motive of the grant is to cover the educational expenses and find postsecondary education for the needy. Under the Pell Grant, the need-based funds are given to the applicants.
The best part of the Pell grants is that they are different from loans as there is no need to return or repay them. To get the Pell Grant you need to pursue post-graduation in any US-based educational institution. For international students who want to get financial aid under Pell Grant, there are some instances as well. And Federal Pell Grant is considered as one of the best College Grants For Adults Over 40.
2. Union Plus Organization:
The organization is affiliated with the AFL-CIO labor union and provides scholarships and grants to current and retired AFL-CIO members as well as their children and spouses. The grants and financial aid is open only to U.S. and Canadian residents. Also, there is a need to be admitted to any USA-based renowned educational institution.
The applicants need to have a minimum 3.0 GPA in their academic qualifications and have a history of community service. There must be a connection to the union as well. The awarded amount varies from $500 to $4,000. To complete the application, please visit the official website. The form is available on their website.
3. Executive Women International:
Executive Women International is a nonprofit which is known for supporting women in business. The organization offers various scholarships for students. One of their scholarships includes the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition program. The best part of the grant is that it is open to both genders. Financial support is highly preferred for students who are returning to school after an absence.
The financial support program assists those with dependents facing financial challenges. The applicants who are 18 or older can apply and have to demonstrate financial need, articulate their funding goals, and provide necessary documents while filing the form. The application can be downloaded from the official website of the organization.
4. Harriet B. Storrs Fund:
The Harriet B. Storrs Fund provides financial grants to nontraditional students, specifically those with permanent residency in Painesville, Ohio, catering to the demographic of college grants for adults over 40. Only the adults who are residing in the 44077 zip code are eligible for the grants. The students who want to get the grants must meet all the eligibility requirements and must have experienced a one-year education interruption, be eligible for the Pell Grant, or have an annual income below $60,000.
The applicants also need to maintain at least a GED or high school diploma. The educational qualifications include the applicants pursuing associate or bachelor’s degree programs. Under the program, a grant of $3,500 is offered to the selected adults.
The amount can be used to cover tuition fees and is directed to the attending college or university. The application is accessible on the official website of the program.
5. Illinois Veteran Grant Program:
The Illinois Veteran Grant Program covers all the educational expenses including tuition fees for service members with a year of federal active duty service. The Applicants need to meet some eligibility requirements which include attending public colleges or universities in Illinois, maintaining the institution’s minimum GPA requirements, and having an honorable discharge. Only the legal residents of Illinois are eligible and can apply for the grant by downloading the application form from the official website of the program.
6. National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant:
The program is also known as the National SMART Grant. The government offers this grant to train the future teachers of the USA. The best part of the program is that it is open to nontraditional students with no age requirement.
Under the grant for adults, selected applicants receive up to $4,000, an amount offered based on financial need. Meeting eligibility requirements is crucial; among them, students must qualify for the Pell Grant and complete the FAFSA, aligning with the theme of college grants for adults over 40.
Both the part-time and full-time programs in accredited US institutions are eligible for the grant.
Also, the students who are applying for the grant must maintain a minimum academic qualification of a 3.0 GPA score. Adults who are above 40 years of age and are in their third or fourth year of a bachelor’s program can apply. They need to complete the FAFSA and contact the financial aid office of their educational institution.
7. Imagine America:
Imagine America is also a nonprofit organization that offers grants to nontraditional students and adults. The grants are open for anyone above 19 years of age and who holds a GED or high school diploma. The best part of the program is that it is open to those who are returning to school after work. The financial grants are available for students attending participating institutions in the Adult Skills Education Program.
Once the application is accepted the students must complete the NCCT Educational Success Potential Assessment. The award of $1,000 is provided under the financial grant program and the application is available on the official website of the program.
8. Walmart Foundation:
The Walmart Foundation offers scholarships and financial grants exclusively to Walmart or Sam’s Club employees. Selected applicants receive rewards between $1,500 to $3,000 under this program, considering their financial needs—fitting within the domain of college grants for adults over 40.
The eligibility criteria for the grant include community involvement in welfare services and many more. The applicants also need to demonstrate their financial needs. To get the rewards, the adults over 40 years must be employed at a US-based Walmart or Sam’s Club store. For educational qualification, you must be pursuing a certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in any renowned college or university.
9. AARP Foundation:
The AARP Foundation is known for offering scholarships for women only. Under their financial grant program, women over 40 who are completing their higher education or degrees in any renowned college or university are awarded.
All the Female applicants pursuing various education programs will get a reward of around $500 to $5,000, the fund will be released by considering the financial needs of the applicants. The application to apply for the programs can be accessible on the official website of the foundation.
10. Talbots Charitable Foundation:
Another program for women is offered by the Talbots store. Under the Talbots Charitable Foundation, rewards of around $10,000 to $30,000 are given to adult women who are returning to college and want to pursue their higher education in any renowned college or educational institution.
The Applicants of the program must be female residents of the U.S. or Canada. All undergraduate degrees are eligible for the program. To fill out the application for the grant, you need to visit the official website of the foundation.
11. Soroptimist:
Soroptimist is a global nonprofit organization which is known for its community services and welfare works. Under their grant program, they offer awards and scholarships to women from disadvantaged backgrounds. The main motive of their grant is to target women who are the primary support for their families and aid them with the required funds to cover their educational expenses.
Single mothers are notably encouraged to apply for these grants, with eligibility open to female applicants from Soroptimist-operating countries. To qualify, they must meet specific criteria, including providing references, transcripts, and an essay on a given topic—relevant to the scope of college grants for adults over 40.
For further insights into scholarships specifically designed for single mothers, we invite you to explore our dedicated article on the topic.
12. Jeannette Rankin Foundation:
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation is known for supporting women who have crossed the age of 35 and want to pursue their higher studies. Women from disadvantaged backgrounds are highly preferred for the grants. To meet the eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S. citizen applicant, take admission to any accredited U.S. institutions, have met the income requirements, and many more.
The application process is simple. All you need to do is provide the transcripts, letter of recommendation, tax documents, and many more. It is also considered as one of the best College Grants For Adults Over 40.
13. Hispanic College Fund:
The main motive of the Hispanic College Fund grant program is to support Hispanic single parents who have attained the age of 40 or above. Those who want to return to the schools to get more educational qualifications are eligible. The program is Open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of all 52 states. Applicants of Hispanic descent who are attending full-time courses are liable to receive a reward of $500-$1,500.
FAQs
1. Can individuals in their 40s receive scholarships?
There are numerous grants and scholarships available for both men and women over 40. There is a need to put some effort into the application process. It is possible to secure financial support for education.
There are many foundations and other organizations that release funds to cover the educational expenses of adults. Once you meet their eligibility requirements, you are eligible for financial aid.
2. Is there an age limit for applying for FAFSA at 40?
No, there is no age limit for receiving federal student aid. Anyone, whether he is a 40-year-old adult or minor, can apply for FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA form is essential. Make sure not to miss any deadline. The FAFSA score is considered in most colleges and educational institutions.
3. Am I considered too old to be eligible for a scholarship?
No, age is not a prime barrier to qualifying for scholarships. These Scholarships are subjected to diverse criteria and requirements like age, grade, educational status, major, location, or even unique factors like hair color, and many more. Even if someone is too old, there are also some scholarships and grants suitable for their profile.
4. Do Pell Grants need to be repaid?
No, the Federal Pell Grants do not require repayment. These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who haven’t earned a bachelor’s degree. In some cases, students in postbaccalaureate teacher credential programs may also be eligible for Federal Pell Grants and can apply.
5. Who is eligible to apply for FAFSA?
There are some eligibility requirements for FAFSA, the individuals need to demonstrate financial need for financial support and aid. He must be a U.S. citizen. The noncitizen is only acceptable if fulfills some special requirements, and must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at a qualifying college or trade school in the USA.
6. What is the oldest age to get a scholarship?
There is no set age limit for college students. At many universities, some students are much older than most others. These older students bring a range of life experiences to the classroom. Their unique viewpoints can help class discussions.
Conclusion
We have researched and shortlisted the best college grants for adults over 40. Both the government and other organizations offer such grants for adults who want to return to college. Your nationality, religion, ethnicity, educational qualification, and other liabilities might be considered for the shortlisting process. So make sure to check for the eligibility requirements before applying.
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