Going back to school as an adult can open the door to a new career, a better job, or a long-delayed education goal. However, tuition, books, supplies, transportation, and other education costs can make returning to school difficult.
Adult learners may have several financial aid options, including federal grants, scholarships, state assistance, school-based aid, and grants for career or technical training. The Federal Pell Grant is available to eligible undergraduate students with financial need, and for the 2026-27 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395.
Financial aid is not limited to students who enroll immediately after high school. Adults returning to college, community college, career school, or certain eligible training programs can also explore available assistance.
Who May Qualify for Education Grants?
Potential financial assistance may be available to:
- Adults returning to college
- Students completing a first bachelor's degree
- People attending community college
- Adults pursuing an associate degree
- Students entering career or technical training
- Adults changing careers
- Low-income adult learners
- Parents returning to school
- Workers seeking new skills or certifications
- Students attending eligible vocational programs
Eligibility depends on the particular grant or scholarship. Some programs are based on financial need, while others focus on career field, location, school, age, employment status, or other circumstances.
Check What You May Qualify For
Available programs can vary based on your education goals, income, location, school, and program of study.
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Programs vary based on your education goals, income, location, school, and program of study.
Types of Education Grants for Adult Learners
Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the most important sources of federal grant aid for eligible undergraduate students with financial need. For the 2026-27 award year, the maximum Pell Grant is $7,395. The actual amount depends on the student's circumstances, school costs, enrollment, and other factors. Pell Grants generally do not have to be repaid, although exceptions can apply in certain situations.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) provides additional grant assistance to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need at participating schools. Awards can be up to $4,000 per year, although amounts depend on the school and available funding.
Workforce and Career Training Grants
Adults who want to learn a new trade or move into an in-demand career may find assistance for short-term training, certificates, and vocational programs. A new Workforce Pell Grant began July 1, 2026, providing Pell funding for eligible short-term workforce training programs lasting 8 to 14 weeks. Eligible programs are determined through participating states and institutions.
State Education Grants
States may offer grants, scholarships, tuition assistance, or other programs for residents attending eligible colleges or training programs. Requirements can vary considerably, so adult learners should check both federal and state opportunities.
College and School-Based Grants
Colleges, universities, and career schools may have institutional grants or scholarships for students who demonstrate financial need or meet other criteria. Ask the school's financial aid office about assistance specifically available to adult, returning, part-time, or nontraditional students.
Scholarships for Adult Students
Scholarships can come from nonprofit organizations, foundations, employers, professional associations, and other private sponsors. CareerOneStop's Scholarship Finder includes thousands of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities and allows searches by keyword, award type, location, and level of study.
Employer Education Assistance
Some employers help employees pay for college courses, certifications, or job-related training. Before paying for a program yourself, check with your employer or human resources department to see whether tuition assistance is available.
How Education Grants Typically Work
- Choose your education goal. Decide whether you want a degree, certificate, trade program, or career training.
- Check whether the school or program is eligible. Not every educational program qualifies for federal financial aid.
- Complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and school financial aid.
- Search for additional scholarships and grants. Look beyond federal aid for school, state, nonprofit, and industry opportunities.
- Compare your financial aid offers. Review grants and scholarships before considering loans.
- Watch application deadlines. Some scholarships and state programs have separate deadlines.