Non-traditional students usually face unique challenges and financial barriers to education, and community college scholarships for non-traditional students can be an important source of support in helping them overcome these challenges.
Are you a non-traditional student looking for financial support to attend community college? Keep reading to discover what community college scholarships for non-traditional students are available to you, and how you can apply for them to help you achieve your educational goals.
What are Non-traditional Students?
Non-traditional students are individuals who may not fit the traditional profile of a college student. This can include students who:
- Are older than the typical college age,
- Have work or family obligations that limit their availability, or
- Are returning to college after a significant break in their education.
More specifically, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) define non-traditional students as meeting one or more of the following criteria:
- Delayed enrollment into post-secondary education
- Part-time enrollment status
- Working full-time
- Financially independent
- Having dependents
- Single parents
- GED recipient
Non-traditional students often have unique circumstances that can affect their ability to complete their education. However, many colleges and universities have programs and resources specifically designed to support non-traditional students and help them succeed.
Are There Community College Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students?
Community colleges are often an excellent option for non-traditional students for several reasons, from their affordability to transfer opportunities.
Overall, community colleges offer a supportive and accessible environment for non-traditional students who may have unique challenges to overcome in pursuit of their educational goals.
On top of that, there are plenty of community college scholarships for non-traditional students available. These scholarships may be available to students who meet certain criteria, such as being a first-generation college student, a single parent, or a student returning to college after a break in their education.
In addition, many community colleges offer general scholarships that are available to all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or other factors.
The Ultimate Community College Scholarships for Non-Traditional Students List
Are you a non-traditional student looking for financial support to achieve your educational goals? Check out the list of community college scholarships for non-traditional students provided below. See if you qualify for any of the available opportunities!
1. HCC Educational Foundation Scholarships
Award Amount
Varies
Closing Date
May 1
Program Description
The HCC Educational Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to students who attend Howard Community College in Maryland. These scholarships are funded by private donors, community organizations, and the college itself.
Additionally, they are awarded based on a variety of criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. In general, these scholarships require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED and be in good Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Status.
2. CollegeCounts Scholarship
Award Amount
$2,000
Closing Date
February 28
Program Description
The CollegeCounts Scholarship program is offered by the Alabama State Treasure’s office. This merit-based scholarship is awarded to high school seniors and college students who are residents of Alabama and are planning to attend an eligible Alabama college.
To be eligible for the CollegeCounts Scholarship, students must have a minimum GPA of 2.75, demonstrate financial need, and plan to enroll in an Alabama community college in Fall.
3. The Dream.Us National Scholarship
Award Amount
Varies
Closing Date
February 28
Program Description
The Dream.Us National Scholarship is a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to undocumented students who are looking to pursue their college education in the United States.
To be eligible, students must have come to the United States before the age of 16 (with the exception of those born in the country), have significant unmet financial need, and have a high school GPA of 2.5 or better.
Additionally, students must have continuously lived in the United States since coming to the country before November 1, 2017.
4. Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients
Award Amount
Varies
Closing Date
Available upon request
Program Description
The Maryland Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients is a program that helps foster care youth pay for college in Maryland. If you are under 25, lived in an out-of-home placement in Maryland, and are attending a Maryland community college, you can apply.
The program applies to all majors, and you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered.
5. Robert Smithwick Vocational Scholarships
Award Amount
$1,000 to $3,000
Closing Date
April 14
Program Description
The Rotary Club of Palo Alto provides vocational scholarships for students who will enroll in a vocational program at specific community colleges in California. The scholarships are named after Dr. Robert Smithwick, a founder of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District.
The scholarship is open to three groups of students: high school seniors planning to enroll in a vocational program, current students continuing their vocational program in the fall, and returning students with high school diplomas who wish to pursue a vocational education.
6. PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program
Award Amount
Varies
Closing Date
March 31
Program Description
The PA Postsecondary Educational Gratuity Program (PGEP) is an initiative that pays respect to those who have lost their lives while safeguarding the state of Pennsylvania by helping their children with the cost of higher education.
Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents, 25 years or younger, and enrolled in a Pennsylvania community college. Additionally, they must complete their FAFSA and Pennsylvania State Grant Application to be considered for a PEGP waiver.
7. LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship
Award Amount
$750
Closing Date
March 13
Program Description
The LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship is designed for single parents who are enrolled in Business Administration or Banking at Holyoke Community College. To be eligible, you must be registered for a minimum of 9 credits and have a GPA of 2.35 or higher.
The scholarship is awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, character, and potential for success. If you are a single parent looking to further your education in business, this scholarship could provide the financial assistance you need to reach your academic goals.
8. Helping Hands for Single Moms – Dallas Scholarship
Award Amount
Varies
Closing Date
Rolling
Program Description
The Helping Hands for Single Moms Scholarships support low-income single mothers in Dallas-Fort Worth who are attending community college. The number of recipients each year depends on the availability of funds.
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must have at least one child under 11 years old living with them and meet income criteria. Also, applicants must be legally single or divorced, not living with a domestic partner, and have completed at least one college semester with a minimum GPA of 2.8.
9. Ford Opportunity Program
Award Amount
90% of unmet college costs
Closing Date
March 1
Program Description
The Ford Opportunity Program was created to help single parents earn college degrees by Hallie E. Ford, who was one of the founders of The Ford Family Foundation. It has since been extended to all parents of any age and other adults over 25, although single parents are still highly recommended to apply.
Furthermore, it helps parents living in Oregon or Siskiyou County, California obtain a degree at a community college. Applicants must have at least one year remaining in their degree program and plan to enroll full-time in their state of residence.
10. Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant
Award Amount
$2,000
Closing Date
February 17
Program Description
The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant aims to help women and non-binary students who are 35 years and older by providing them with unrestricted financial support.
The recipients of the grant must show that they are in need of financial aid and are pursuing a technical or vocational education at an accredited institution in the United States. These grants are renewable for up to five years and are given directly to the recipients to support them in achieving their academic goals.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these ten community college scholarships for non-traditional students are just a few of the many opportunities available to you. We encourage you to review each scholarship carefully to determine which ones might be a good fit for your background and circumstances.
Applying to scholarships can take some time and effort, but the rewards can be well worth it. Don’t hesitate to apply and take advantage of these community college scholarships for non-traditional students to support your educational journey!
