Reviewed by Megan McQuiston Associate Director, Financial Aid Quality Assurance
Going back to school as an adult learner? You’ll be joining the roughly 2.9 million adults enrolled in undergraduate degrees, which translates to about 23% of undergrad students. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, change paths, or want to go purely for personal reasons, you’ll need to explore your financial options. College can be costly, but a few smart choices will help lessen the burden.
Table of Contents
- Types of Financial Aid Available
- Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Financial Aid
- How to Maximize Your Financial Aid
- Conclusion
- FAQs
As an adult learner, you’re probably juggling work and family responsibilities, so throwing school into the mix adds another dimension of pressure and financial obligation. The good news? Financial aid isn’t just for teenagers fresh out of high school. There are grants, scholarships, loans, and more specifically designed to give adult learners an affordable education.
This guide will break down the financial aid search and application process step-by-step. You’ll learn how to complete the FAFSA, evaluate your federal aid and grant options, apply for scholarships, take advantage of employer tuition assistance, and secure private loans and alternative funding. By the end, you’ll know every avenue to go down and receive the funding you’re entitled to.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Financial aid can come in several forms and from many sources. Understanding the basics of financial aid will help you make smart choices about how to fund your education and where to look for extra help. Here are the most common sources of financial aid available for adult learners:
- Grants: Money that doesn’t need to be repaid and is usually need-based. The most well-known is the Federal Pell Grant.
- Scholarships: This money also doesn’t need to be repaid. These are usually merit-based and awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, talent, or other qualities.
- Student loans: Money borrowed from a lender that must be repaid with interest. Federal loans usually offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.
- Work-study programs: Allows students to earn money through part-time work while attending school. These are funded by either the federal government or the institution itself.
- Tuition assistance programs: Some employers will cover part or all of an employee’s tuition costs if the education is relevant to their role.
- Tax credits: While this does not provide direct funding upfront, education-related credits reduce how much you owe at tax time and ease overall costs.
Before you start applying, it’s important to understand the different types of financial aid you might qualify for and how to choose the right mix for your situation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Financial Aid
Finding financial aid doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. We’ll take you through each step of the process so you can check off the tasks as you move along.
1. Complete the FAFSA
Filling out the FAFSA form is the first and most important step you’ll take because it opens the door to most forms of financial aid. It determines your eligibility for federal grants, student loans, work-study programs, and state and institutional aid programs. There is over $150 billion in aid available to help students pay for their education — make sure you claim your share. Fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
When you submit the FAFSA, it calculates a number called the Student Aid Index (SAI), which schools use to determine your financial aid package. The SAI formula assesses the total financial resources you (and your spouse, if applicable) have available, then deducts the minimum amount required to cover your family’s basic annual living expenses. Whatever money is left over is considered available to help pay for your college costs.
The SAI number ranges from -1500 to 999999. The lower your SAI number, the more financial aid you’ll qualify for.
2. Understand Federal Aid Options
Once you’ve filled out your FAFSA, your main options for federal aid include grants, work-study, and federal student loans. We’ll go through each in detail so you understand the eligibility rules and how to take advantage of these programs.
Federal Grants
Grants are one of the best forms of aid because you don’t need to pay them back. The Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on financial need and is available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. Award amounts change yearly, and according to StudentAid.gov, the maximum Federal Pell grant award for 2025–26 is $7,395. If you’re eligible for a Pell Grant, you’ll receive the full amount you qualify for, regardless of other forms of aid you’re receiving.
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is another type of grant and is allocated for undergraduate students in exceptional financial need. The FSEOG prioritizes students with an SAI score of zero or below. Award amounts range from $100 to $4000 a year, and, unlike the Pell Grant, the FSEOG is affected by how much other aid you’re getting.
Federal Work-Study Program
The work-study program provides part-time jobs for students in financial need, allowing them to earn earmarked money to help pay their education expenses. These positions are typically part-time and can be on-campus or with approved off-campus employers. You’ll earn at least the federal minimum wage, and you’re paid directly, usually by check or direct deposit.
Federal Student Loans
There are two main types of federal student loans for adult learners, subsidized and unsubsidized, and the difference matters. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Direct Subsidized Loans: Need-based loans available to undergraduate students. The government pays the interest while you’re in school at least half-time, during the six-month grace period after leaving school, and during deferment.
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans: Loans available to undergraduate and graduate students with no requirement to demonstrate financial need. You’re responsible for paying the interest the moment this loan is disbursed, including while you’re in school.
Federal student loans are a legal obligation and must be paid back in full, plus interest. Here are a few tips to know before taking out a federal student loan:
- Borrow only what you need, and keep your future monthly loan payments at or below 10% of your gross income
- Understand the true cost and take interest accrual into account
- Know your repayment options. Federal loans offer several repayment plans
- Plan for on-time repayment and know when your first payment is due
- Understand the terms of your loan and keep copies of your paperwork
3. State and Institutional Grants
Beyond federal aid, many states and colleges offer their own grants and scholarships, with some specifically designed for adult learners. You can check the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators’ website for a link to your state’s grant program.
State grants are usually awarded based on financial need, residency, or academic performance. Many state-specific grants have programs geared towards adult learners returning to school, especially for in-demand fields, such as healthcare, education, or the trades. There’s also the Adult Education and Literacy Grant, which helps adult students gain foundational skills, earn credits, and attain postsecondary degrees.
Institutional grants come directly from colleges and universities and are based on financial need, merit, or your planned study program. Many schools offer aid explicitly for adult learners, including those attending part-time or returning after a long break.
In addition, there’s also special funding and scholarships available for nontraditional students, including:
Be sure to explore your state and school’s financial aid websites. Even if the award seems small, it’s money you won’t have to pay upfront or borrow and pay interest on later.
4. Scholarships for Adult Learners
Like grants, scholarships don’t need to be repaid and can significantly reduce the financial burden of going back to school. These are powerful options that reduce out-of-pocket costs and help you avoid student loans. One example is the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship offered by Executive Women International. The scholarship is open to any gender and it focuses on non-traditional adult students facing economic, social, or physical challenges.
Sites like scholarship.com offer updated information on available scholarships for adult learners. Be sure to explore all your options. Many scholarships go unclaimed simply because people assume they won’t qualify. It’s free to apply, and you might be surprised by what you can get.
5. Employer Tuition Reimbursement
As part of their employee retention and development strategies, many companies offer tuition reimbursement programs through their employee benefits packages. These programs help reduce the financial burden of earning a degree, allowing employees to grow professionally without taking on additional debt.
Employers typically cover a portion or all of the tuition costs, up to a yearly limit. This is a smart option for upskilling or earning your degree with financial support from your employer. Check with your HR department to see if your work has a program like this. To qualify, you’ll usually need to:
- Enroll in a degree or course relevant to your current role
- Stay with the company for a year or two after completing your program to receive full reimbursement
6. Private Loans and Alternative Funding
Private student loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Unlike federal loans, private loans usually:
- Require a credit check
- Have higher interest rates
- Offer fewer flexible repayment options
Despite these drawbacks, private loans can be useful if you’ve maxed out your federal aid or don’t qualify for need-based funding. Before you sign, be sure to compare lenders, interest rates, and repayment terms.
Alternative Funding
If private loans aren’t a good fit for you, consider these lesser-known alternatives:
- Income Share Agreements (ISA): Students agree to pay a percentage of their income after graduation for a fixed period in exchange for financial aid to cover their costs.
- Employer Sponsorship or Industry Partnerships: Some companies offer upfront funding or scholarships in exchange for a job commitment after graduation. Examples include McDonald’s scholarship program and the Walmart Foundation Scholarship.
- Tuition payment plans: Many schools offer no-interest installment plans that let you spread out your payments. This won’t lower the cost, but can make payments more manageable without accruing interest.
How to Maximize Your Financial Aid
Many students miss out on money they’re eligible for just because they don’t know their options, or they miss key deadlines. The good news is that with a smart strategy, you can maximize your aid and secure every dollar you’re entitled to. The tips below go beyond the usual advice with proven tactics that help keep your costs down.
Early Application and Planning
Timing is everything with many types of financial aid because funds are limited and awarded as they’re received. That means the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting the highest amount of aid available.
Early planning also gives you more breathing room to understand your financial options and avoid last-minute panic. You’ll have time to fix any FAFSA issues, gather required documents, and meet the federal and institutional deadlines. When you’re not under pressure, you’ll make smarter, more confident decisions about your education and finances. And you’ll start your classes clear-headed and ready to succeed.
Utilize Public Benefits
Public benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid can play a critical role in supporting the health and financial stability of adult learners. These programs free up money for books, transportation, or tuition. Here are some of the things public benefit programs cover:
- SNAP: Helps cover grocery costs
- Medicaid: Provides free or low-cost healthcare, including doctor’s visits, prescriptions, mental health, and dental care
- Childcare subsidies: Make childcare more affordable for families
- Housing support: Assists with affordable housing, home-buying assistance, and emergency housing
- Energy assistance: Helps pay for heating, cooling, and utility bills
Government support for these basic necessities reduces financial stress and makes it easier to stay enrolled and focused on your educational goals.
Leverage Tax Benefits
The IRS offers education tax credits and deductions that can lower your income tax bill and help make college more affordable. The two most beneficial options are the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). Here are the details:
- American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): Provides up to $2,500 per year for the first four years of college. It covers tuition, fees, and course materials. Up to 40% of the credit can be refunded to you even if you owe no taxes. To qualify, students must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program and not earn more than $80,000 for single filing or $160,000 for joint filing.
- Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC): Offers up to $2,000 per year for any level of education, including part-time study and professional development. It’s not refundable, but it’s flexible and available for unlimited years. The income limit is $59,000 for a single filer and $118,000 for a joint filing.
Note: You cannot claim both AOTC and LLC for the same student in the same year.
Depending on your income filing status, you may also qualify for the student loan interest deduction. This allows you to deduct a portion of the interest you paid on qualified student loans from your taxable income up to $2,500.
While these tax benefits don’t provide you money upfront, they reduce your total tax liability, which frees up money you can use for any education-related cost, such as books or living expenses.
Conclusion
Paying for college as an adult learner can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding your financial options and having a strategic plan, you can avoid unnecessary debt, reduce your out-of-pocket costs, and stay focused on your education.
It all starts with completing your FAFSA early to take advantage of federal, state, and institutional aid. Be sure to research all grants and scholarships available to you and apply for them — don’t assume you won’t qualify. Public benefits, tax credits, and employer support can also add up to big savings. The money is out there. You just have to know where to look and take the first step.
Ready to explore your financial aid options? National University awards scholarships and grants to adult learners like you. See what aid you qualify for and apply within minutes.
FAQs
Q: What Types of Financial Aid Are Available for Adult Learners?
Answer: Adult learners can access federal grants, state grants, institutional scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and private loans. Scholarships specifically for non-traditional students are also available.
Q: How Do I Apply for Financial Aid as an Adult Learner?
Answer: Start by completing the FAFSA. This form is essential for accessing most types of financial aid. Additionally, research and apply for scholarships and employer reimbursement programs.
Q: Are There Age Limits for Financial Aid?
Answer: There are no age limits for federal financial aid. However, some programs may have specific eligibility criteria based on degree level or financial need.
Q: Can I Get Financial Aid if I Have Bad Credit?
Answer: Bad credit does not affect eligibility for federal financial aid, but it may impact private loan options. Federal student loans are available regardless of credit history.
Q: Can an adult get a Pell Grant?
A: Yes, an adult can get a Pell Grant. Eligibility is based on financial needs and status as an undergraduate. There are no age restrictions.
This content has been reviewed and approved by the National University Editorial Advisory Board. Learn more about our editorial process.