Many people have the misconception that college students are recent high school graduates; however, the reality is that there are a significant number of students who are already adults when they enroll in college. Women going back to school may be aiming for their first bachelor's degree or an advanced degree; in any case, they will likely need to find means to pay for their education, including things like child care and school materials. Several organizations provide women with financial assistance to return to college.

Executive Women International ASIST Scholarship

Nontraditional students can receive one of Executive Women International's thirteen annual scholarships thanks to the organization's Adult Students in Scholastic Transition program. The monetary amounts vary from $2,000 to $10,000 for each prize.

How to be eligible

Your application must be submitted via one of the organization's 38 cooperating local chapters to be considered.

When to apply

January.

Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship

This fund provides scholarships of $2,000 each to low-income women over the age of 35 who are pursuing an undergraduate degree.

How to be eligible

Personal statements between 500 and 1,000 words in length, contact information for two people who may provide letters of recommendation, and proof of college admission (transcript or letter) are all necessary components of the application. In addition, you'll need to detail your anticipated sources of income and outgoing costs on the application.

When to apply

March 1.

PEO Program for Continuing Education

The Philanthropic Educational Organization provides need-based loans of up to $3,000 to women unable to complete their higher education due to unforeseen circumstances.

How to be eligible

To start the application process, you must fill out the application and send it to PEO. Before you may continue with the application process, one of the organization's local chapters will need to provide their approval to sponsor your application. The organization will send the form to its local chapters.

When to apply

Following the submission of the application form, a time limit of thirty days will be imposed.

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award

More than 1,200 women get financial support from the charitable organization Soroptimist International every year. The application procedure begins locally, where various awards may be found. If you win a local prize, you'll be eligible to compete in regional and worldwide competitions, where you might earn $3,000, $5,000, or $10,000, depending on how far you make it.

How to be eligible

You and any dependents you have must be the major provider of financial assistance to qualifying. You have to show that you are in need financially and live in one of the member nations of Soroptimist International of the Americas.

When to apply

From July 1 through November 15, inclusive.

Patsy Takemoto Mink Award

Mothers with modest incomes pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate are eligible for one of five scholarships for $5,000 each from the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation.

How to be eligible

The applicants will be chosen according to their level of financial need, personal circumstances, professional objectives, and goals related to civic engagement, activism, or community service.

When to apply

By August 1.

Society of Women Engineers scholarships

Scholarships are provided by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) to deserving female students working toward a degree in engineering. At least two of these scholarships are designated specifically for nontraditional students or students returning to college.

How to be eligible

Women are the only ones who may apply. Applicants must have a solid plan for how they will spend the following academic year, including attending school full-time and majoring in an ABET-accredited engineering, technology, or computer program.

When to apply

Students in their second year and beyond have until February 15 to apply; first-year students have until March 1.

Dr. Blanca Moore-Velez Woman of Substance Scholarship

Each year, a woman at least 35 years old can receive a scholarship from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs Inc.

How to be eligible

To be eligible, you need to be enrolled in a program at the undergraduate level and have a grade point average of at least 3.0. The application demands a personal statement that is 500 words long.

When to apply

The beginning of January through the beginning of March.

Wynetta A. Frazier Sister-to-Sister Scholarship

The National Hook-Up of Black Women Inc. gives out two scholarships for $500 each year to women who are 35 years old or older and whose college was either halted or put on hold due to the demands of family or other personal responsibilities.

How to be eligible

Completed application, letter of admission from a college, academic transcripts, a picture, two letters of reference, and a 500-word essay are all required components of the application.

When to apply

March 1.