Financial Aid

How to Find Financial Aid When You’re an Older Student or Returning to College

Campus StaffAug 1, 2026

How to Find Financial Aid When You’re an Older Student or Returning to College

Many adults return to college to continue their education, build new skills, prepare for a possible career change, or pursue advancement in their current field. They may be parents reentering the workforce, working adults completing a degree they previously started, or students attending college for the first time later in life.

Being an adult learner does not automatically prevent you from qualifying for financial aid. Eligible students may have access to federal or state aid, institutional assistance, scholarships, employer education benefits, and certain education-related tax credits. Federal Student Aid specifically notes that an undergraduate student may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant regardless of age if the student meets the program requirements. ^[5]

The following places to look and steps to take can help you explore ways to pay for college. Financial aid and scholarship eligibility are never automatic, so confirm all requirements and deadlines with the appropriate agency, scholarship provider, employer, or financial aid office.

Who Is Considered an Independent Student?

For federal student aid purposes, an independent student generally reports the student's own financial information on the FAFSA. A married independent student may also need to provide information from the student's spouse. A dependent student generally must provide information from the parent or parents identified by the FAFSA instructions.

For the 2026-27 FAFSA, one age-based test asks whether the student was born before January 1, 2003. A student may also qualify as independent under other federal criteria, including marriage, graduate or professional enrollment, qualifying military or veteran status, certain legal dependents, foster-care or guardianship history, homelessness, or an approved unusual-circumstances determination. ^[1]

Federal student aid dependency status is different from dependency status for federal income tax purposes. Living on your own, paying your own expenses, or filing your own tax return does not necessarily make you independent on the FAFSA. The FAFSA questions determine dependency status under federal student aid law. ^[3]

First Step: Fill Out the FAFSA

The first step for most students seeking federal financial aid, regardless of age, is completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®. The application is free. It is used to apply for federal grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans, and it may also be used by states, colleges, and some scholarship programs. ^[6]

Students must complete a FAFSA for each award year in which they want to be considered for federal student aid. For the 2026-27 FAFSA, the federal deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central time on June 30, 2027. State, college, and scholarship deadlines may be much earlier, and some programs have limited funds or priority dates. Submit the FAFSA as early as reasonably possible and confirm every deadline that applies to you. ^[2]

After submitting the FAFSA, review the FAFSA Submission Summary, correct inaccurate information, and respond promptly to requests from the school. The FAFSA Submission Summary may include estimates, but it is not the school's final financial aid offer. The school determines the specific aid it can offer after admission and any required review. ^[3]

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Types of Financial Aid Potentially Available to Independent Students

Depending on the student's eligibility, school, educational program, enrollment, prior aid history, and available funding, adult learners may be considered for several forms of assistance:

Federal and state grants
Institutional grants and scholarships
Private scholarships
Federal Work-Study
Federal student loans, where available
Employer tuition assistance or reimbursement
Education-related tax credits

Not every type of aid is available at every school or for every program. Grants and scholarships generally do not need to be repaid when their conditions are met. Federal Work-Study is earned through employment. Student loans must be repaid with interest and should be evaluated carefully before borrowing.

Grants

Grants are financial aid that generally does not need to be repaid, although repayment can be required in limited circumstances, such as when a student withdraws or receives funds for which the student was not eligible.

One of the largest federal grant programs is the Federal Pell Grant. For the 2026-27 award year, the published maximum scheduled Pell Grant award is $7,395 and the published minimum scheduled award is $740. A student's actual annual award may differ based on the applicable federal eligibility calculation, enrollment intensity, cost of attendance, and length of attendance. Eligibility and award amounts are not guaranteed. ^[4]

Pell Grants are generally available to eligible undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree, subject to limited exceptions. Returning students should also review their prior Pell Grant use because lifetime eligibility is generally limited to the equivalent of about 12 semesters, or roughly six years of full-time awards. ^[5]

Other grants may be available through state agencies, colleges, community organizations, or private foundations. Availability and application requirements vary.

Federal Work-Study and Student Loans

Federal Work-Study provides eligible students with an opportunity to earn wages through qualifying part-time employment. Funding and jobs are limited and are not guaranteed. Students generally must find or obtain an eligible position and receive wages through a regular paycheck as they work. ^[7]

Federal student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid, generally with interest. Students do not have to accept every loan offered and may request a lower amount. Before accepting a loan, review the interest rate, fees, repayment terms, total projected borrowing, and whether other resources could cover part of the cost. ^[8]

Adult Scholarships

Adult scholarships are financial aid awards intended for adult learners, returning students, working professionals, parents, career changers, or people who have been away from school for an extended period. There is no single age requirement for all adult scholarships. One provider may set a minimum age, while another may focus on employment history, family responsibilities, time away from college, residence, field of study, or other criteria.

Scholarships generally do not need to be repaid when the recipient satisfies the award conditions. However, every provider sets its own rules. Before applying or accepting an award, review:

Which educational expenses the award may cover
Enrollment and academic-progress requirements
Whether the award is one-time or renewable
Documentation and essay requirements
Deadlines and notification dates
Circumstances that require unused funds to be returned

Tell your college's financial aid office about any outside scholarship you receive. The office can explain how the funds will be applied and whether the award affects another part of your financial aid offer.

Qualifying for Adult Scholarships

Each scholarship has its own eligibility and selection requirements. Many providers look at more than grade-point average. Factors may include:

Financial need
Age or status as a returning student
Enrollment level or academic program
State or community of residence
Career and educational goals
Work, leadership, volunteer, or community experience
Life experiences or personal background
A written essay or personal statement

Read the instructions carefully and respond directly to the scholarship prompt. If an essay is required, explain your goals, why you are returning to school, the steps you have already taken, and how the award would support your education. Avoid submitting the same generic essay without tailoring it to the provider's questions.

A simple tracking sheet can help you organize scholarship names, eligibility criteria, award amounts, deadlines, required documents, submission dates, and notification dates. Adult learners can search through their college, state higher education agency, community foundations, employers, professional associations, and reputable databases. The U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder contains thousands of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other awards. ^[9]

Be cautious of scholarship scams. Verify the organization before providing sensitive information, and be wary of guaranteed awards, pressure to act immediately, requests for bank information without a clear legitimate purpose, or fees merely to search for scholarships. ^[10]

Other Sources of Financial Aid for Older Students

In addition to federal, state, and institutional aid, adult learners may find support through employers, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, financial institutions, labor organizations, and professional associations. Availability varies, so it may be necessary to combine several smaller sources rather than rely on one award.

Employer-Assisted Tuition Programs

Some employers offer tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement to eligible employees. Under a qualifying Section 127 educational assistance program, an employer may provide up to $5,250 in tax-free educational assistance to an employee during 2026. The employer must have a qualifying written plan, and the employer determines which employees, schools, programs, courses, and expenses are eligible. ^[11]

Depending on the employer's plan, eligible expenses may include tuition, fees, books, supplies, or equipment. An employer may require approval before enrollment, a minimum grade, continued employment, or repayment if the employee leaves shortly after receiving the benefit. Ask the human resources or benefits department:

Who is eligible to participate?
Which schools, programs, and courses qualify?
Must approval be obtained before enrolling?
Which expenses are covered?
Is payment made in advance or after course completion?
Are grade, service, or continued-employment conditions required?

The same expense generally cannot be used both for tax-free employer assistance and an education tax credit. Keep all benefit statements and receipts and review current IRS guidance before claiming a tax benefit. ^[11]

Organizations Serving Adult Learners

Nonprofit organizations, community foundations, charitable groups, workforce development organizations, and advocacy groups may offer scholarships for adult learners or people returning to the workforce. Programs can change, close, or receive different funding from year to year. Confirm current availability, eligibility, deadlines, and permitted expenses directly with the provider.

Local Banks and Credit Unions

Some banks and credit unions offer scholarships to customers, members, employees, employees' dependents, or residents of the communities they serve. Check the institution's website or contact its main office. Local awards may have a smaller applicant pool than national scholarships, but membership and geographic restrictions often apply.

Professional Organizations in Your Community

Professional associations, labor unions, chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs, trade groups, and other civic organizations may offer one-time or renewable scholarships. Some are limited to members or their dependents; others support students entering a particular profession. Review the award terms to determine whether the funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, technology, transportation, or other educational costs.

Tax Breaks for Adult Learners

Federal education tax credits may help eligible taxpayers offset certain higher education expenses. A tax credit is not financial aid awarded by a college and does not reduce the student's bill when tuition is due. Instead, it may reduce federal income tax liability when an eligible return is filed. Eligibility depends on IRS rules, including filing status, income, the student's status, qualified expenses, and whether those expenses were paid with tax-free assistance.

American Opportunity Tax Credit

The American Opportunity Tax Credit, or AOTC, may provide a credit of up to $2,500 per eligible student. The credit generally equals 100% of the first $2,000 in adjusted qualified education expenses and 25% of the next $2,000. Up to 40% of the credit may be refundable, subject to IRS requirements. ^[12]

The AOTC is generally limited to the first four tax years for an eligible student who is pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential and is enrolled at least half-time for at least one qualifying academic period. Qualified expenses may include tuition, required fees, and certain course materials. Income limits and other restrictions apply. ^[13]

Lifetime Learning Credit

The Lifetime Learning Credit, or LLC, may be available for undergraduate, graduate, professional, and job-skills courses. It generally equals 20% of up to $10,000 in qualified education expenses, for a maximum credit of $2,000 per tax return. The LLC is not limited to four years, and the student does not have to be enrolled at least half-time or pursuing a degree. It is nonrefundable, which means it can reduce tax liability to zero but does not generate a refund beyond the tax owed. ^[12]

For the LLC, tuition and fees required for enrollment generally qualify. Books, supplies, and equipment generally qualify only when the student is required to pay those costs directly to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance. ^[13]

A taxpayer cannot claim both the AOTC and LLC for the same student in the same tax year, and the same expense cannot be used for multiple tax benefits. Eligible taxpayers generally claim education credits using IRS Form 8863. Tax rules and income limits may change, so consult current IRS guidance or a qualified tax professional for advice about your circumstances. ^[14]

Pursue a Degree or Certificate at Campus: A New Kind of College

Campus believes that access to higher education should extend to students at different stages of their lives. Whether you are entering college for the first time or returning after several years, Campus offers degree and certificate programs designed to help students build knowledge and practical skills that support their educational and professional goals.

Campus's Financial Aid team can explain the application process, identify documents that may be required, provide information about the federal, state, and institutional programs Campus administers, and help students understand their financial aid offers. The aid available to an individual student depends on the student's eligibility, program, enrollment, prior aid history, state of residence, available funding, and other applicable requirements. ^[17]

Campus online classes are taught by faculty members, some of whom also teach at institutions such as UCLA, Vanderbilt University, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, NYU, and Howard University. ^[16]

For information about the financial aid process at Campus, contact the Financial Aid team at FinancialAid@campus.edu or review the current Campus Catalog and disclosures. ^[15]

Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA® and other applicable requirements. Awards vary based on need, program, enrollment status, prior aid history, available funding, and applicable federal, state, and institutional rules. Campus does not guarantee financial aid eligibility, scholarship awards, award amounts, or loan approval.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Financial aid programs, eligibility requirements, award amounts, deadlines, and application procedures are established by federal and state agencies, educational institutions, employers, and private scholarship providers and may change.

Completing the FAFSA does not guarantee eligibility for or receipt of financial aid. Scholarship awards are not guaranteed. Federal student loans and other education loans must be repaid according to their terms. Students should consult Federal Student Aid, their state agency, the financial aid office at their current or prospective institution, individual scholarship providers, their employer, and current IRS guidance for information applicable to their circumstances.