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12 Ways Adult Students Can Pay for College:
- Maximize your federal aid eligibility by reducing assets and paying down consumer debt.
- Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. You don't have to wait until you are admitted to a program to apply! This application also serves as the application for the Workforce Improvement Grant, a scholarship awarded to adult students based on financial need.
- Research and apply for scholarships early. Scholarship deadlines can occur as early as six months prior to the semester for which they are intended!
- Utilize community programs that offer assistance with childcare, rent, utilities, food, clothing, fuel, prescription medicines, and medical or dental care. This allows you to use money for college that would normally pay for these other items.
- Ask about fee waivers. Many colleges will reduce or waive admission application, testing, or other fees for low income students.
- Ask about tuition payment plans. Many colleges offer tuition or deferred payment plans.
- Accelerate your degree program by taking college level proficiency exams, such as CLEP or DANTES, or departmental exams. Ask about the possibility of receiving credit for paid work experience, professional licensure, certification, military service or other training.
- If you are working toward a bachelor's degree, consider taking general education courses at a community college where tuition is generally much lower.
- Take advantage of distance learning opportunities in lieu of traditional campus-based classes where possible. Tuition for these classes is often much less.
- Reduce the cost of textbooks by borrowing them from someone who has already taken your class or borrowing them from the library. If you must buy them, shop online for the best price or buy used books. At the end of each semester, sell them to other students or online instead of taking them to the bookstore.
- Explore tuition assistance programs (TAP) offered to employees of larger corporations.
- Take advantage of federal tax benefits, such as the Hope Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit.
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OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
One of your first steps in the college enrollment process is to contact the Financial Aid Department of the college or university you plan to attend. Inquire about any scholarship opportunities of which they may be aware in the community or in the school.
Below are links to Financial Aid Departments at Arkansas two- and four-year public and private schools:
The following is a list of other scholarships for adult students.
Adult Students in Scholastic Transition - For residents of northwest Arkansas, Pulaski, Saline or Lonoke counties who are nontraditional students at transitional points in their lives.
Arkansas Department of Higher Education - the site of the YOUniversal Arkansas Financial Aid System where students can search and apply for state-funded scholarships.
Arkansas Career Pathways - a state educational & financial assistance program that enables two-year colleges to offer free career training, college classes, and educational financial assistance to those who qualify.
Arkansas Technical Careers Student Loan Forgiveness Program - For students who complete approved technical education programs that lead to employment in high-demand technical fields in Arkansas.
Association of Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) Scholarships - Scholarship opportunities for ANTSHE members.
Business & Professional Women's Foundation Career Advancement Scholarship - Awards scholarships to disadvantaged women seeking to further their education.
Continuing Education Scholarships for Single Parent Women - Awards grants and scholarships to deserving single parent women and their children, and awards money directly to colleges, universities, and loan providers for similar purposes.
Denny's Single Parent Scholarship Fund - Need-based scholarships for Hispanic single parent students.
FastWeb - A free service to assist students in finding scholarships and colleges nationwide.
Fund My Future - A clearinghouse of educational and financial aid programs available to individuals who may be interested in serving in critical shortage career fields.
Greg M. Heuberger Educational Grant - Awarded to full-time students taking distance learning classes.
Jeannette Rankin Foundation - Awards scholarships to low-income women, age 35 and older.
Kaarme.com - Free browseable list of scholarship opportunities categorized by interest area, residence, and more.
Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women - Awarded to women age 25 or older.
PEO Program for Continuing Education (PCE) - Need based grants for women in the United States and Canada whose education has been interrupted and has returned to school to support themselves and/or their families.
Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Program for Continuing Education - For female nontraditional students whose education has been interrupted.
R. Preston Woodruff Jr. Scholarship Drawing - Twenty eligible entries will be awarded through a random drawing each year, with one of these to be renewable for four years.
Scholarship Dollars for Returning Students - An article provided by Back To College that includes a list of scholarship resources for adult students
Talbots Women's Scholarship - Awards scholarships to women who received their high school diploma or GED at least ten years ago.
The Deana Kendrick Foundation (TDKF) - For women aged 30+ years seeking to improve their lives through continued education and improved healthcare.
TRIO Programs - Assists students overcome barriers to higher education.
Women's Opportunity Awards Program - Designed to give women heads of household, who provide the primary source of financial support for their families, the opportunity to achieve their career goals.
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